Page 132 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 26 February 2014
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One of the most important changes introduced with variation 306 is the solar access provisions. This adjusted the previous building envelope requirements to better protect the solar amenity of neighbouring blocks. The government is not denying that the introduction of the solar envelope will result in changes to the design of houses, particularly in greenfield areas. In fact, that is clearly the purpose. Rather than being an unintended consequence, this was a deliberate decision to improve the solar access of residences to address the serious issues of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
I think everyone acknowledges there are very strong views on this subject, and particularly in the technical detail around the definition of “northern boundaries”. Minister Corbell has indicated that the government is engaging in further talks with industry around this particular issue.
In relation to the lease variation charge, the opposition would be aware that the Chief Minister has publicly foreshadowed utilising the provisions within the lease variation charge legislation for stimulus around particular public policy outcomes, particularly in relation to the provisions within the lease variation charge legislative framework around improved environmental outcomes. That is a focus for the government. A further announcement around adjustments and changes to lease variation charge provisions will be made public shortly.
In relation to portable long service leave, the government will not commit to putting on hold future increases to the construction industry portable long service leave levy. Any proposal to increase the levy comes to the government as a recommendation from the Long Service Leave Authority Board and is based on independent actuarial advice about ensuring the ongoing viability of the scheme. It is important to note that this board is made up of independent members as well as members who represent employer and employee organisations. Whilst the government is always concerned about the cost to industry, it is obligated to fully consider any recommendation made by the board and in doing so must balance any increase in costs with the ongoing viability of the scheme.
In relation to commence and complete fees, the Chief Minister has recently announced that the government is considering changes to how the system operates to ensure that the policy framework is robust, responds to economic drivers, importantly, delivers equitable outcomes for individuals, companies and the community but, critically, also encourages timely development. Further announcements on that will be made in the near future.
In relation to the accusation of a government monopoly on land supply, no such monopoly exists. The Land Development Agency is currently looking at a variety of options to supply land directly to builders, including targeted belts with parcels of three to 10 dwelling sites for the smaller builders and many englobo sites of around 300 dwellings for larger builders. The LDA has held a series of meetings in recent weeks with the MBA, the HIA and the Property Council to determine the most appropriate process for these future releases. This type of approach, will give smaller and medium sized building firms better access to work in the territory.
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