Page 1645 - Week 05 - Thursday, 5 May 2016
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(b) the precinct includes the Manuka Pool and grounds and other buildings with heritage value;
(c) there are a number of existing and proposed developments in the Manuka area which will change the dynamic of the area and have potential impacts on traffic and parking demand;
(d) the Economic Development Directorate completed a plan for development on the Manuka Oval precinct in 2013;
(e) the unsolicited bid process is currently underway and Government will determine whether the proposal meets the threshold public interest test and is able to progress in coming months; and
(f) for any unsolicited bid to proceed to development will require usual planning approvals such as Territory Plan Variations, development applications and Assembly Committees; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) if the proposal progresses to the next stage of the unsolicited bid process, establish a Community Reference Group to define the broad objectives for the Manuka Oval precinct. This would include sporting interests, heritage experts, local traders and relevant community groups; and
(b) develop a Master Plan for the Manuka Precinct that includes Manuka Oval and the surrounding retail and commercial trading areas. This would include assessment of impacts of surrounding developments and consider issues including, but not limited to, traffic and parking and protection of heritage values, and define parameters for future development options in the area.
Since the GWS Giants and Grocon announced their proposal for Manuka Oval, there has been a significant amount of community discussion and media coverage. I, as I am sure other members have, have heard a range of views from the community. I am moving this motion today as a proposal to build a mechanism to improve the community discussion and ensure we get the best possible outcomes for our community: for residents, for businesses, for sport fans and for Canberra.
The proposal has come forward through the relatively new unsolicited bids framework. As one of the first proposals through that mechanism, and being such a large proposal, it is testing the effectiveness and limits of that process very thoroughly. The notion of an unsolicited bid itself is an interesting one. I have long held the view that government cannot be the only source of bright ideas. I think there should be scope for entrepreneurs to put innovative proposals to the government and the community for consideration. This framework aims to provide a mechanism whereby others can come forward with such ideas.
The process needs to allow for the so-called first mover to retain some advantage, but it also needs to be robust enough to ensure the community is getting a good project—a project that is good value for money and that meets community expectations.
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