Page 1919 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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Given that these initiatives are now in the process of being implemented, the Government is now taking on the broader and perhaps the more difficult area of reviewing a number of other issues that need to be addressed.
Regulations in the area of housing are being reviewed. We are likely to see the introduction in Canberra of the national standard building code of Australia in this financial year. The first edition of the model residential code has already been published by the joint venture for more affordable housing. The code provides models for more cost-effective subdivision and housing. Already we have seen very significant improvements in the building approval process within Mrs Grassby's Office of City Management. They have streamlined the procedures, and the private sector has been very complimentary.
The Commonwealth Government has started a significant research program into housing and land production costs, and we will closely watch the results of this research.
In the ACT the Government has an ongoing commitment to ensure that there are adequate supplies of serviced land to meet forecast housing needs. The Commercial Research Bureau provides regular reviews of employment and population forecasts for the ACT, and these form the basis for the monitoring process to ensure that this commitment can be achieved.
Land settlement strategies and residential land development programs are prepared on a regular basis in conjunction with the Interim Territory Planning Authority and other agencies. We are very conscious of the need to ensure that we have a steady supply of land to the housing industry and the need to avoid land price escalation.
The Chief Minister has put out a very substantial discussion paper on an integrated planning, heritage, environment protection and leasing system for the ACT, and the views of the community on the fundamental overhaul of these processes have been sought.
When implemented, the legislation will provide a sound basis for development in the ACT and a means by which the commitment to open and accountable government can be served.
Mr Speaker, the opposition has been given an opportunity to offer constructive criticism in the current housing policy review by way of suggesting alternatives, and I must acknowledge that there have been significant contributions to this current discussion. In the next stage of the housing policy review the Government will have the opportunity to consider and, if appropriate, implement any practical suggestions from the opposition.
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