Page 3456 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 22 October 2014

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MR GENTLEMAN: The practice is that the documentation presented to the directorate is taken on in good faith. So if a builder or a certifier supplies documentation to the directorate, the directorate understands that that documentation should be correct. If there is a falsity in the documentation, it is not up to the directorate to identify that. It then becomes a legal matter.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, how can the government continue to allow associated companies and a builder who has been linked to numerous failed projects to remain licensed?

MR GENTLEMAN: The licences take place until appropriate actions occur within the courts. As I said, this is a court matter at the moment. I would imagine that, once the court has finished, the directorate would look at its options after that.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, what protections are available to clients of unscrupulous territory builders?

MR GENTLEMAN: Lawful actions are available through the courts.

Territory plan—program

MS BERRY: My question is to the Minister for Planning. Minister, can you please update the Assembly on the master planning program across the city?

MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Berry for her question. The ACT government master planning program provides strategic planning direction for areas of the territory that are undergoing change. The master plans are important planning tools which are able to identify opportunities, planning principles and desired outcomes to manage change consistent with the government’s strategic priorities while retaining the key value of those areas.

The process of developing a master plan involves extensive community engagement; consultation with other government agencies; seeking advice from specialist consultants on matters such as traffic, parking, transport, economic viability, urban design, social planning and heritage; and preparation of a draft vision, objectives and design principles. Draft master plans are then presented back to the community and stakeholders for comment, and feedback is incorporated into the final preparation of the plan. Presentation to government for endorsement occurs, and then there is the release of the final master plan to the public.

Recently completed master plans include Dickson, Kingston and Kambah group centres, Tuggeranong town centre and Erindale group centre. The Pialligo rural village master plan was released in late 2013.

Features of these recently completed master plans include improved retail opportunities; increased density; increased building heights; introducing more


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