Page 1685 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 May 2017

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Times of 4 May 2017, which stated developers would have incentives to:

… “renew” properties along the tram line, similar to what is underway along the line that is under construction from Civic to Gungahlin.

Minister, given that high density development was required for stage 1 to be considered viable, is high density development required for stage 2 as well?

MADAM SPEAKER: Minister for Housing and Suburban Development or Chief Minister?

MR BARR: Madam Speaker, I think the question could fall across three portfolios; I will answer on behalf of the government.

Undoubtedly the stage 1 light rail project did have an element of urban transformation as part of both the public narrative and the business case in developing that project.

Stage 2 contains some elements that would fall within that context, particularly as it relates to the CBD and the West Basin precinct, and elements of the route as it progresses through the parliamentary triangle which, of course, will be under the planning control of the National Capital Authority. The commonwealth government have already indicated a willingness—I think they may have even approached the market around it—regarding the disposal of some commonwealth-owned assets within the parliamentary triangle. Clearly, in relation to the other major avenues that are under the control of the National Capital Authority, they will determine planning outcomes.

But the biggest opportunity for urban renewal undoubtedly lies in the Woden town centre itself. That will be pursued by the government. Later this month, the minister for planning is holding a roundtable that Mr Steel and Ms Cody have been working towards. We look forward to discussing the range of urban renewal opportunities that will present themselves, particularly in the Woden town centre.

MR COE: Chief Minister, is any open space, including ovals or community sites, being planned for development along stage 2 of the tramline, particularly south of the parliamentary zone, in Deakin, Curtin or Yarralumla?

MR BARR: The government has previously indicated that the long-term settlement patterns for Canberra will involve some further development in the Canberra brickworks. That project has proceeded now, so there will be development there. That will be aligned clearly with our thinking around stage 2 of light rail. The west Deakin precinct undoubtedly is an area that has been the subject of some planning consideration. As we move around further into the Woden town centre, there are undoubtedly opportunities for urban renewal to occur within the town centre and the immediate surrounds. That is something that I think the Woden community are very strongly behind, and transport-oriented development is clearly an approach that the government supports.


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