Page 153 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 14 February 1990
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Capital Development Commission policies without consideration of the changed nature of the administration and development of Canberra and the impact of these policies on the future of Canberra's economic development. It is essential that both the National Capital Plan and the Territory plan are realistic in the likely implementation of the proposals outlined.
To get planning ideas translated into development on the ground depends on investment by the private sector and the public sector in the provision of services and in the construction of buildings. There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be forthcoming. The National Capital Plan does not address this possibility, and the plan may not be capable of implementation.
Members may not be aware that there are also major concerns with the lack of appeal provisions with respect to the National Capital Planning Authority and the difficulty of making changes once the plan has been adopted by the Commonwealth Government. In fact, there is no provision for appeals against a decision by the NCPA. When the plan is approved it is set in concrete, at least until the Commonwealth Government changes the plan, and this may be years away. This makes it imperative that we get the plan right, from the beginning.
Although Mr Whalan claims that I have not made any statements about planning, I have on a number of occasions referred to this lack of appeals procedure in the National Capital Plan and the problems that that will give us in the future.
Mr Whalan's matter of public importance properly recognises the role of the Territory Planning Authority as an equal partner, not a junior player, in the ACT planning process. The legislation sets it up as the responsible authority for planning of the Territory in those areas that are not designated as a national responsibility. It is my Government's intention to ensure that it is able to carry out its responsibilities in a way that is not constrained by hangovers of Commonwealth power. I will be keeping a very close eye on progress in this matter.
As previously indicated, the legislation provides for consultation with the ACT Government by the Commonwealth, and I will be taking full advantage of these opportunities. Indeed, I have already indicated my concerns in general terms to the Minister for the Arts and Territories. Mr Speaker, I am pleased that there is unanimity in this Assembly on this major issue. I will keep the ACT Legislative Assembly and the people of Canberra informed of all developments.
MR MOORE (4.06): Mr Speaker, one of the things that has been focused on today is the dual role of Canberra as both the national capital and the home of the ACT people. That dual role is what provides this problem. For some to
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