Page 2695 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 23 June 2009

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On 15 June 2009, I advised the ACT Planning and Land Authority that I had decided to consider the development applications. This was notified on the legislation register. On 16 June 2009, I approved the applications using my powers under section 162 of the Planning and Development Act.

In deciding the applications, I gave careful consideration to the requirements of the territory plan, to the advice of the EPA, TAMS, ActewAGL and the Planning and Land Authority. I also gave consideration to the comments received by the Planning and Land Authority during the public notification period on each of the development applications.

I have imposed conditions on the approval of DA 200914130 requiring the provision of stormwater pollution control measures, and resolution of traffic management issues from Bateson Road to Yamba Drive to the satisfaction of TAMS.

I have imposed conditions on the approval of DA 200914361 to ensure that lighting for the temporary car park will be compliant with the relevant Australian standards for safety and reduce the potential light spill onto the adjoining residential area. I have also imposed a condition to ensure that the temporary car park area is reinstated to its original condition once it is no longer needed as a car park.

I have imposed conditions on the approval of DA 200914387 for temporary fencing to be erected along the entire length of the car park facing Yamba Drive, to direct users of the car park to the pedestrian intersection.

The Planning and Development Act provides for specific criteria in relation to the exercise of the call-in power. I have used my call-in powers in this instance because I consider that the proposal will substantially contribute to the achievement of the provision of a substantial public benefit—that being improved hospital services for the entire Canberra community.

I also consider that the proposals will provide substantial public benefit through the provision of adequate temporary car parking to meet the immediate needs of staff of and visitors to the Canberra Hospital whilst the works are carried out. The multistorey car park will also provide a suitable level of accessible and safe parking to meet the anticipated future needs of staff of and visitors to the Canberra Hospital.

Section 161(2) of the Planning and Development Act specifies that, if I decide an application, I must table a statement in the Legislative Assembly not later than three sitting days after the day of decision. As required by the Planning and Development Act, and for the benefit of members, I am pleased to have tabled a statement providing a description of each of the developments, details of the land on which the developments are proposed to take place, the name of the applicant, details of my decision for each application, and the reasons for the decision for each application.

MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo), by leave: As the minister noted, this has been the subject of considerable debate in the Assembly and in the Canberra Times, so I will not go through all of it again.


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