Page 2801 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 12 August 2015
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track and 85 per cent in the code track. For the 2014-15 financial year the reporting average for merit DAs was 72 per cent and for the code track 94 per cent. The total value of the estimated cost of works for all merit track DAs as at 1 July 2015 was $799.2 million.
There were also 421 exemption declaration applications, with an average determination time of six working days. The directorate also undertook 215 lease variations, 1,361 leasing checks and completed 40 deeds of agreement. As you can see, this highlights the important work that the government is doing behind the scenes everyday to ensure that we have an efficient and effective planning system in the ACT.
This budget ensures the ongoing prosperity of the ACT. This budget focuses on the fundamental aspects which ensure a robust economy and a place that grows and supports communities. By focusing on urban renewal, well-integrated transport options and better service delivery whilst continuing to protect our heritage, all Canberrans will benefit from this budget.
The 2015-16 budget includes funding for the enhancement of eDevelopment. This system has revolutionised the way that the territory manages development applications in the ACT. This upgrade will further strengthen our commitment to delivering digital services to residents and will make sure there is a greater level of accessibility between the community and the government. The upgrade will improve the functionality of the system and address concerns raised by industry. Indeed, the industry has already expressed a keen interest in this project and we will continue with rigorous consultation throughout the development of the upgrade. The system will also be designed to integrate seamlessly with other government systems and will complement the work of the newly formed Access Canberra.
In July, I announced over $330,000 in grants to community organisations to protect and enhance the rich heritage of the territory. These grants include funding for projects covering Aboriginal, natural and built heritage. The works to be completed include conservation works for heritage-listed properties, oral histories and interpretative walking tracks. This ongoing grant program maintains our strong commitment to preserving and promoting diverse heritage in the territory and allows an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to explore and better understand the development of our wonderful city.
This budget also includes funding for the preservation of important Aboriginal heritage. The government has committed over $70,000 to stabilise and relocate Aboriginal artefacts such as scarred trees. Interpretative information will also be developed so that the community can gain a greater understanding of the culture and practices of the territory’s first residents.
Funding will also continue to support the ACT Canberra and Region Heritage Festival in 2016. This year’s festival included 140 events over 15 days and showcased the extensive and diverse history of our city and region. I am pleased to say that over 20,000 people attended the festival. As you can see, this is not just another example of how we are boosting our economy but is a good way of promoting Canberra as a very interesting place to live and visit.
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