Page 2399 - Week 08 - Thursday, 6 August 2015

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


Section 120 of the Planning and Development Act 2007 requires the planning and land authority to consider each public representation received, and the probable impact of the proposed development.

Subsequent to the submission of the petition, on 20 May 2015, after extensive assessment and consideration of representations, the planning and land authority refused the development application.

The proponent now has the opportunity to lodge a reconsideration application, or to appeal the decision of the planning and land authority.

I appreciate the concerns raised through this petition, and I trust that the planning and land authority’s decision demonstrates to the citizens of the Australian Capital Territory that the concerns of representors, and the probable impacts of a development of this nature, are indeed considered carefully.

Leave of absence

Motion (by Dr Bourke) agreed to:

That leave of absence be granted to Ms Porter for today’s sitting due to illness.

Narrabundah—multi-unit development

Statement by member

MR DOSZPOT (Molonglo): I seek leave to speak to the petition.

Leave granted.

MR DOSZPOT: I have been asked by certain residents of Narrabundah and members of the Old Narrabundah Community Council to present this petition to the Assembly. The petition draws to the attention of the Assembly that in August last year Housing ACT made a decision to lodge a development application with the Environment and Planning Directorate for a multi-unit development on the corner of Boolimba Crescent and Mindarie Street, Narrabundah.

Urban renewal is an activity attracting a bit of focus and every effort by this government. As a general principle, the Canberra Liberals have no objection to the government wishing to upgrade and improve Canberra suburbs for the overall betterment of this city. However, this government is becoming identified with developments in this city that provide no, or at best token, opportunities for community consultation. Too often communities learn about changes to their suburb through the media or through trawling government websites. I could list a raft of examples of where this government has failed to engage with the community.

One issue that is fast becoming the standard for lack of community consultation is the debacle currently unrolling in Manuka. The ceaseless and casual manner in which this government approaches community engagement is typified in this relocation issue. It would seem that this petition has been motivated for exactly the same reason. The community—


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video