Page 1965 - Week 07 - Thursday, 13 August 2020
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On 2 July 2020, in my capacity as Minister for Planning and Land Management, I directed, under section 158 of the Planning and Development Act 2007, the Planning and Land Authority to refer to me development application No 202037196 in conjunction with the development application number 201936662. The DA 2020307196 sought approval for, amongst other things, 16 on-street parking spaces along the east of Hawdon Place; the upgrading of services to facilitate the proposed development for DA 201936662 at block 25, section 72 Dickson; and associated works.
As required under section 158A(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2007, I am to consider the nature of the development proposal, the community consultation undertaken prior to the submission of the DA, the public notification and representations received.
Having considered these matters, along with the level of community awareness of Common Ground Dickson—the development—and the information and documents provided by the Planning Authority, I was satisfied that the level of community consultation carried out is sufficient to allow me to form an opinion under section 159(2)2 of the Planning and Development Act 2007. On 7 August 2020 I approved the application with conditions, using my ministerial call-in powers under section 162 of the P&D act 2007.
In deciding the application, I gave careful consideration to the requirements of: the Territory Plan, the advice of the ACT Heritage Council, Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate, Conservator of Flora and Fauna; utility service providers and other entities and agencies, as required by the legislation; and the Planning and Land Authority. I also gave consideration to the representations received by the Planning and Land Authority during the public notification period for the development application that occurred between 9 June and 29 June 2020.
I have imposed conditions on the approval of the development application for the infrastructure works that require, amongst other things, an unexpected finds protocol shall be taken on the site prior to any construction works commencing, identifying anything buried under the soil on the site that may pertain to the previous use of the site as an aerodrome; measures to protect existing trees located adjacent to the site during construction; require the replacement of two proposed car parking spaces on Hawdon Place to accommodate additional tree planting; and ensure compliance with the utility services requirements.
Madam Speaker, as you would know, addressing housing affordability and homelessness has been a long-term commitment of the ACT government. Common Ground is not a temporary or transitional service or a shelter; rather, it is a permanent supportive housing option for people who have experienced long-term homelessness. It mixes accommodation with personalised support.
Canberra’s inner north area is rapidly changing, and the Dickson group centre is an important part of that area. The site for Common Ground is in close proximity to essential urban amenities and services such as transport, education, employment, retail,
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