Page 1097 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 3 May 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Delivering the Coombs and Wright village will see a range of improvements, including: the realignment of Steve Irwin and Fred Daly avenues; additional tree planting; a pedestrian zone on Beecroft Street; upgrades to the Coombs park adjacent to the Coombs and Wright village to include toilets and a pavilion; and the construction of a community centre to be transferred to ACT Property Group.
While that work is underway and will be delivered in the next year, there are more immediate benefits from the Suburban Land Agency’s work in Coombs. Works are continuing around the Coombs play space, with an official opening planned for Spring 2022. The play space is designed as an all aged adventure and nature area. It will include slides, towers, an all-abilities swing, barbecue tables and shade sails. On site currently, the earthworks and shaping of the site have been completed, with the installation of some of the playground equipment. I am pleased to hear that parents and families are in great anticipation of the finalisation of this work and are already planning for their visit.
DR PATERSON: Minister, how were the views of Coombs and Wright residents reflected in the SLA’s work?
MS BERRY: This has been a really important part of this work. Both of these improvement projects have been the result of extensive consultation with Coombs and Wright residents. In 2021, the Suburban Land Agency spoke to residents to shape its release method for the mixed use and community zoned blocks in the area. A community panel was established and many options were put forward. YourSay as well as the Molonglo Valley forum were engaged to assist the community with providing its views.
Following all of that work to learn about the residents’ views, the Suburban Land Agency set up a two-stage tender process for the relevant blocks. The first stage of that process was to identify builders who would be suitable to deliver on the community’s need. This stage is complete. The SLA is currently working through competitive tenders for those sites and expects to finalise the process later this year.
The Coombs play space was also the result of thorough consultation through YourSay. Designs were put to the community and changes were incorporated to reflect the feedback. When the Coombs play space opens this year, it will offer the amenities that residents have told us that they want to see in their neighbourhood.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how is the SLA’s approach to Coombs and Wright being used in other neighbourhoods across Canberra?
MS BERRY: As the minister responsible for the ACT Government’s Suburban Land Agency, I have been really proud to lead this work and improved consultation and communication with all of our neighbourhood projects, including those at Coombs and Wright. I want to acknowledge the team at the Suburban Land Agency for their continued commitment to good consultation and communication to build spaces where people want to live. Just two examples of community led design in other parts of the city are the Belconnen town centre project as well as ongoing consultation on the Gungahlin town centre.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video