Page 1551 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 April 2013

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stormwater management; sediment and erosion control; tree protection, particularly in relation to the trees on the adjoining Griffith oval; off-site works including additional footpaths and flood signage; verge management; and temporary traffic management.

The Planning and Development Act provides for specific criteria in relation to the exercise of the call-in power. I have used my powers in this instance because I consider the proposal will provide a substantial public benefit, particularly to the broader south Canberra community with the provision of adaptable housing to meet the changing needs of the community. The proposal will also have a substantial effect on the achievement of the object of the territory plan and objectives for the RZ4 medium density residential zone.

It is worth recalling the democratic process that resulted in the creation of the current planning policies for this site. On 18 May last year the zone for the site was changed from the commercial CZ6 leisure and accommodation zone to the RZ4 medium density residential zone to allow for medium density housing up to three storeys in height. This was preceded by a seven-week community consultation process for draft variation 307, as it then was, and the consideration of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, Public Works and Territory and Municipal Services, which unanimously recommended the rezoning of the site, subject to a range of conditions. The government accepted those recommendations and the conditions.

This development is the result of a democratic process and delivers the clear policy objectives as prescribed by the variation approved by this place to the territory plan. Of particular note: 100 percent of the dwellings are designed to meet the relevant Australian standard for adaptable housing. The development retains the significant trees located around the perimeter of the site, and the development is well set back from the floodway to the north.

The use of my powers in this instance will also enable the timely commencement and completion of the proposed development by the Brumbies, assisting them to fulfil their plans to relocate their facilities to the University of Canberra.

Section 161(2) of the Planning and Development Act specifies that, if I decide an application, I must table a statement in the Assembly not later than three sitting days after the day of the decision. As required by that legislation, I have tabled that statement today, providing a description of the development, details of the land on which 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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body—report

Paper and statement by minister

MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo—Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Housing, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and Minister for Ageing) (3.45): For the information of members, I present the following paper:

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body—Third Report to the ACT Government—Government response.


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