Page 2164 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 5 June 2019
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(a) growing by 50 percent over the past five years to more than 75 000 people, Gungahlin is the second-fastest growing region in Australia; and
(b) the significant recent investments of the ACT Government in sporting and active recreation facilities in Gungahlin, including:
(i) replacement of the Nicholls District Playing Field synthetic surface;
(ii) Stage 1 of the Taylor District Playing Fields; and
(iii) development and expansion of indoor facilities at Margaret Hendry and Amaroo schools; and
(2) calls on the ACT Government to commence community consultation as soon as possible for community facilities in and around Casey.
I rise today to talk about an important issue for the residents of Casey. Casey is a growing suburb and a vibrant community. Casey market town is full of great cafes and shops that cater to the suburb and the surrounding area. There is a great dog park and, across the whole suburb, a close connection to nature.
However, an ongoing issue that has been raised with me time and again is the two areas of vacant land, one across from the shops and one across from the dog park. These two blocks are currently being remediated and prepared for return to the government for development. As they stand, they are both an eyesore, often covered in litter and inaccessible. This is prime land that should serve the Casey community. It is time for this land to be put to use.
The land in Casey was given to developers during the construction of other projects and is due to be remediated by them before being handed back to the ACT government. The two areas in Casey have been slated for a park and for a bowls club, although I understand that demand for a bowling club may be declining. The residents of Casey are sick of waiting. It is my opinion that we should also open up consultation on these two blocks for the people of Casey to have a say on what facilities are built in their community and what they believe will benefit the community.
As far as I am aware, meetings between the EPSDD and the developer are ongoing, with the current timing of the release of the land expected sometime in 2020-21. I call on all parties to expedite the process and return the blocks. I also call for a public consultation process so that the residents of Casey can have their say on how best to use this land for the good of the community.
The ACT’s population continues to grow. A natural consequence of having a strong economy and a livable city is that our population will grow. The territory’s population expanded by almost 8,000 people over the past 12 months. This is on top of the fastest population growth in the country between 2011 and 2016 in Gungahlin. Gungahlin is Australia’s second-fastest growing region, growing by over 50 per cent in five years. A decade ago Gungahlin was almost half the size it is now. As Gungahlin grows, it is vital that we utilise key areas of land. As this area grows we must ensure it remains a great place to live, and that requires amenities and public areas. And they need it now.
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