Page 1413 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 10 April 2013
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commencement of consultation for the proposed city plan. The city plan project will deliver a coordinated and cohesive strategic plan that provides a spatial and policy framework to guide future planning, design and development of the city centre.
The city plan will provide the first integrated plan for the city centre and fill the gaps between other plans and studies, and provide a framework guiding all development and change in the city. As the minister said yesterday in this place, it is not starting from scratch but will build on policies and principles contained within existing policy and approved projects such as the ACT planning strategy, transport for Canberra, the city action plan and the Griffin legacy. The city plan will help us decide the overall direction of central Canberra over the next few years, including pedestrian facilities, traffic and personal and public transport. The comprehensive plan will make the city more cosmopolitan. It will help determine the city’s future development and growth and ensure projects and infrastructure are delivered efficiently and effectively.
As the minister said yesterday, the basis for the first phase of the community consultation in developing the draft city plan is framed around five themes important to the future of the city. These are: the role of the city—what facilities and infrastructure should be in the city, where and what quantum; growth in the city—a sustainable mix of land use in appropriate locations to stimulate and direct growth; transport and movement—providing multiple modes, supporting sustainable growth and improving access and movement; public realm and design—a clear hierarchy of streets, spaces and quality and consistent design; and implementing change—identifying key projects and initiatives and a program for these with community buy-in.
Community involvement is important to the government. Comments are invited in writing, online and through an open house in Garema Place this month, as the Chief Minister said yesterday. These comments will feed into a draft plan which will also include the findings of all background studies and other research. This draft plan will also be released for public comment around June. The city plan is expected to be completed for consideration by the ACT government in September and delivered to the Australian government by October 2013. The city plan will establish a framework to guide and coordinate government priorities, infrastructure development, land release and incentives for redevelopment in the city.
The city is a point in the parliamentary triangle and a key part of the nation’s capital. The city to lake project is an exciting proposal for the lake side of the city and for connecting the current city centre to the lake. The waterfront areas of the city provide opportunities for future waterfront development for residential, civic and recreation and optimising this area is important for growth and change in the city centre. Currently there are barriers to movement and growth in parts of the city and the city to the lake project explores opportunities for maximising use of our beautiful waterfront and also connecting the city centre to the lake area.
As the minister mentioned yesterday in this place, there are plans for boardwalks linking the entire waterfront and an urban beach. The plan also includes sites for a city stadium, regional aquatic centre and enhanced convention facilities. To link areas of the lake, including residential areas, there will be ferries and water taxis.
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