Page 73 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
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in the private sector to underpin a stable economic and financial climate for the Territory. These obligations can lead to conflict when a particular conservation or development initiative is proposed, or as we look at the options for the future growth of the whole city. It is the Government's role to establish the mechanism for resolving these conflicts in a manner which gives the public confidence that the various views have been aired and considered and the resolution is fair. People also need to be confident that the best outcome for the community as a whole has been achieved.
In its integrated planning, heritage and environment and leasing legislation package the Government has several objectives. The Territory plan, for a start, must be clear and easy to understand. The plan must have sufficient flexibility to make it easy to administer and it must provide clear statements of intent so that all interests understand the implications of its proposals. The Territory plan must be made available in draft form for public comment and such comments must be adequately considered by both planners and the Government.
The Alliance Government will ensure that the Government and its agencies and authorities will be bound by the Territory plan as well as private citizens. Decisions on conservation and development must be limited to the scope permitted by the plan. There must be no surprise decisions that lie outside the descriptions of the soon to be produced Territory plan. Where appeals are permitted the parties involved will have access to the facts. They will be able to put their case simply and inexpensively and will have confidence that the appeal hearing will pay attention to the issues raised and resolve them properly and equitably.
As I said before, the Government is committed to the early introduction of a planning legislation package in line with these objectives. This will take place next week, with the community then being allowed at least 28 days to examine and comment on the legislation. This is legislation that we have always maintained should have been passed and operating by now.
As the Chief Minister announced in his speech to the Assembly last December, we will be introducing changes to streamline and improve lease administration procedures in the legislation package. We will be addressing the need for the full community to have the benefit of changes to lease purpose clauses by introducing betterment tax when this change results in an increase in value. These taxes will recognise both community interest and the interest of those committing financial and other resources to particular projects. Full details, of course, will be provided next week as they are introduced as part of the overall legislation package.
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