Page 4217 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 21 September 2010

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and that appropriate leasing arrangements be put in place to ensure that the future lease of the land will facilitate the new development.

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 provide a substantial public benefit to the Canberra community through the enhanced physical linkage between the ANU and the city and the contribution the student accommodation will make in creating a vibrant mixed-use area and active pedestrian area.

Furthermore, it provides an address to and makes provision for the delivery of a proposed busway on the southern boundary of the site between Kingsley Street and Rudd Street. The use of my call-in powers in this instance will also enable the timely construction of the proposed development by the proponent. The proposal also contributes to the provision of car parking in two basement levels across the whole site and provides more than 300 replacement public parking spaces. This is in addition to the two large parking structures located in close proximity to the site that provide approximately 1,400 spaces available for public use.

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 the decision. As required by the Planning and Development Act and for the benefit of members, I table the statement providing a description of the development, details of the land where the development is proposed to take place, the name of the applicant, the details of my decision for the application and the reasons for the decision.

MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo), by leave: I would like to comment very briefly on this. It is a matter of some sadness among a considerable number of members of the public who use McGregor Hall, which was the previous structure on that site. Given that this has happened, I think one of the things the government needs to take on is the fact that McGregor Hall was very well used. It was used every Friday and Saturday night for the last year or two. I think there is a need for a suitable space for live events in the city area. This is something that the government should take on, given the situation with McGregor Hall.

The other thing that I am very concerned about is that there was a large old tree that I have seen for many years. Of course, the site was previously the site of the Conservation Council and the environment centre. That tree was on the interim tree preservation list. It was just removed from the list a couple of days before the demolition. I guess that is the other thing I am particularly concerned about—the fate of this tree and how it is that the tree preservation provisions did not work for it. I would just like to place on the record the Greens’ continuing concern about the use of call-in powers.

Heritage Act review

Statement by member

MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo), by leave: I thank the Assembly for the opportunity to comment very briefly on the review. The Greens welcome this review of the


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