Page 1058 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
To help explain the changes made to variation 334 following the public consultation period, a flyer was prepared and sent to Red Hill residents. This flyer explains the reasons for the zoning changes and clarifies the provisions regarding building height limits, required green spaces and increased commercial options. The flyer also outlines the additional traffic studies that were undertaken.
Madam Speaker, I would now like to set the record straight on what variation 334 will and will not do. The variation will not result in large-scale changes to the suburb of Red Hill. This change will permit the redevelopment and urban intensification of a 6.6 hectare site. To provide further context, this site is only 1.5 per cent of the total area of Red Hill. The site is centrally located approximately five kilometres from the employment hubs of Parliament House, Barton and the Canberra Hospital. It is across the road from the Red Hill shops and close to Manuka, Griffith shops and Fyshwick.
The perception that the RZ5 zoning will allow unrestricted building heights and dwellings in excess of what the suburb is capable of supporting is unfounded. The strict controls in the precinct code, as well as the relevant provisions in the multi-unit housing development code, specify height limits of only two to four storeys. The site will contain over 4,000 square metres of landscaped areas, in addition to the popular open space of Lady Nelson park located at the centre of the site. Under the proposed development the park will be kept in its entirety. In addition, provisions contained within the territory plan in relation to setbacks also apply to the Red Hill housing precinct.
In order to minimise any potential impact of building heights on the established residential area, the new precinct code, which was created for this variation, contains measures to transition from higher buildings of four storeys to two and three storeys across the site. The precinct code allows building heights of two and three storeys around the perimeter of the site, reflecting current heights adjacent to existing residences. Taller elements of four storeys will be permitted along Discovery Street opposite the Red Hill shops and commercial properties to support and enliven the Red Hill local centre. I think this is a good outcome for the residents of Red Hill, and also for the future residents who will be able to call Red Hill home as a result of this important planning amendment.
In response to concerns raised during public consultation around traffic and parking issues, the government undertook a further traffic study of the site. This study reviewed the initial traffic analysis undertaken and found that the additional traffic volumes from the proposed development would not be expected to adversely affect the surrounding intersections and road network. Roads ACT have reviewed the traffic report and have advised that it will include both La Perouse Street and Cygnet Crescent as part of the upcoming residential street improvement program. Roads ACT will also investigate traffic management treatments to manage safety and amenity in priority areas. This work will occur once a development application is lodged and the final dwelling numbers for the site are known.
The rationale for increasing the number of people who live in this central location is strongly linked to the high level of employment in the area. In the 2011 ABS housing
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video