Page 2846 - Week 10 - Thursday, 7 October 2021
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COVID-19 has encouraged us to be innovative in the ways we engage with stakeholders and the broader community. The government has adjusted its conversations over the past 12 months. While face-to-face information sessions have historically been a common avenue to deliver planning information, receive feedback and generate discussion, there has been increased use of online channels and platforms over the past 12 months to support and encourage participation while in this current COVID-19 environment.
We are using more online surveys, discussion pages and focus groups to target stakeholder engagement to those most impacted or affected. We are holding virtual meetings using online meeting tools such as Microsoft Teams and Webex. We are maximising our engagement through the government’s online engagement platform, YourSay, to capture input through maps, images and interactive processes.
We are focusing on presenting information through graphics, diagrams and videos that are easily digestible. Where appropriate, we are working closely with key stakeholders, in addition to holding public consultation. And we have extended consultation periods to give people the opportunity to have their say during these busy times.
On this point, practical examples of this happening during our recent lockdown include Territory Plan draft variation 328, which implements the recommendations of the Oaks Estate master plan. Refinements were made to this draft variation in response to comments raised in the previous round of public consultation. Draft provisions have been added to the precinct code in response to concerns about potential contamination on blocks to be rezoned. I agreed to release the revised draft variation for another round of public consultation, which took place on 6 August. The closing date for this has been extended from 17 September to 29 October 2021. The directorate is liaising with the local residents association to provide a fact sheet further explaining key points of the draft variation, to support my submissions and the submissions that they make.
As well as extending the consultation period for the Oaks Estate draft variation, we extended the “end of trip facilities” draft variation, DV357, for the same time frame.
During 2021, including throughout our current lockdown, the government’s dedication to consultation on planning and development matters has continued in refined ways, with a range of engagement undertaken with community and industry groups. A fantastic example of this is the continuation of the directorate’s Environment and Planning Forum, which moved from regular face-to-face meetings to online.
I have asked the Chief Planning Executive to use the EPF, the Environment and Planning Forum, meetings this year as a chance for community councils, industry and NGO representatives to provide early advice to the ACT government on possible legislative changes resulting from the ACT planning system review and reform project. This is a direct way to regularly influence government decision-making at a stage when ideas are being explored.
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