Page 5108 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 28 November 2017

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


Demonstration housing precincts

Ministerial statement

MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management and Minister for Urban Renewal) (12.11): I am pleased to update the Assembly on the progress of the demonstration housing precincts commitment in the statement of planning intent and to outline our plan for delivery of a demonstration housing project as outlined in the Assembly’s demonstration housing precincts resolution passed on 7 June this year.

The government are committed to the planning and delivery of housing in the ACT that supports a vibrant and sustainable city, and we are currently engaging with the community and industry on ways to improve housing affordability towards a new housing strategy and housing choices. The demonstration housing precincts resolution calls on the government to develop a plan for delivery of best practice demonstration housing projects in consultation with the community and industry stakeholders. Firstly, it is important to highlight how we have been promoting best practice housing development by delivering the ACT’s first six-star green star community rated development at Ginninderry, in partnership with Riverview developments.

By introducing legislation to create the City Renewal Authority and the Suburban Land Agency we have now signalled a new approach to industry and community about how land will be delivered in a more innovative and sustainable way. The City Renewal Authority is committed to working proactively with the community to facilitate cohesive urban renewal. This new authority is focused on innovative, leading-edge renewal and revitalisation activities within the priority precinct. The legislation promotes social and environmental sustainability and development that applies innovative environmental building and public domain design. Their executive will work with the community, businesses and government to deliver new buildings and places that are of exemplary design quality, excite interest and attract new investment.

The Suburban Land Agency encourages and promotes inclusive communities, people-focused neighbourhoods and suburban development that is affordable, a safe and healthy population, social inclusion, housing choice, and social and environmental sustainability. Canberra’s architectural and construction industries have delivered many award-winning examples of housing projects that showcase environmental performance. However, Canberra’s overall low density presents many transport, environment, social and economic challenges for our city both now and into the future.

Medium density residential and mixed use developments like townhouses, terraces and dual occupancy are now being encouraged by many Australian cities with limited land supply to accommodate their growing populations and to provide people with more housing choice. Our aging demographics and more diverse household structures are also increasing the demand for housing stock suitable for downsizers and ageing


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