Page 1125 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 25 March 2015

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Prior to the workshops for the development of the statement of planning intent, participants were provided with a discussion paper which outlined various factors to be considered in their discussions. These included the fact that by June 2031 the ACT is expected to have a population of over 490,000 and how the types of dwellings being built are expected to change in that time. Other related issues such as climate change and the effects it will have, managing traffic in a growing city, sustainability and how big we want our urban footprint to become were also covered in the discussion paper or the conversation starter.

Once consultation on the new statement of planning intent closes on 8 April this year, all comments and suggestions made by stakeholders and the community will be analysed and summarised in a public engagement outcomes report. The public engagement outcomes report will be released publicly later this year to ensure the process is transparent and accountable.

Under the Planning and Development Act 2007, when the Minister for Planning decides to produce a statement of planning intent and presents it to the Planning and Land Authority as a guide to set the main principles that are to govern planning and land development in the territory, the statement must then be distributed to members of this Assembly not more than 10 days afterwards. This is what I intend to do once consultation is finished and the statement is finalised.

I have so far attended all of the consultation workshops for the new statement of planning intent and thoroughly enjoyed the two days I spent with such a diverse range of people in the community, to listen and hear their views. I will also be attending the last one on 8 April, which will be attended by young people from our community.

Visitors

MADAM SPEAKER: Before I call Ms Fitzharris, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of finance and administrative officers from the national government of the People’s Republic of China, as well as provincial and regional governments. Welcome to the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Members: Hear, hear!

Questions without notice

Planning—consultation

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Fitzharris.

MS FITZHARRIS: Minister, what feedback can you give the Assembly about some of the ideas raised so far in the workshops?

MR GENTLEMAN: Planning issues are close to the hearts of many Canberrans, as we know. As I indicated earlier, I want to provide an opportunity for them to guide the planning outcomes for our city in the coming years. On 4 and 5 March I met with over 60 stakeholders from peak industry and community groups, research organisations and government agencies to hear from each sector about their suggested planning priorities for a new statement of planning intent.


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