Page 4444 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 19 November 1991
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Another interesting point was brought up during the public hearings. It related to the leasing arrangements for the land. A suggestion was made that the Canberra Bowling Club had failed in its lease obligations by not maintaining the building in proper shape. In fact, an examination of the lease supplied to the committee and an inspection of the existing clubhouse could lead one to concur with that suggestion. When we consider that the club was established with a lease but without a premium payment or major rental payments, this issue takes on much greater significance.
It is only the suggestion of a lease purpose change to allow residential developments that increases the value of the property and the ability of the bowling club to become what is in effect a developer. Such leases originally were not granted for this purpose to sporting clubs and non-profit community organisations. It is accepted that a betterment charge will be levied if the plan is varied - a variation to the lease approved by the surrender of the existing lease and the granting of a new lease. However, the community is not getting full value for the change in value and the loss of recreation area and open space.
In relation to the proposal itself, it would seem to me from my observation that the community would probably be quite happy to accept some redevelopment of that site, but of a different scale and nature. If the Assembly disallowed the proposal before us, and allowed everybody to go back to the drawing board, I am sure that all sides of this debate could reach a compromise that would meet the needs and aspirations of all groups involved.
MRS GRASSBY (8.55): In recent months the residents of Canberra have been able to examine and comment on many aspects of the planning of their city. The recent release of the draft Territory Plan is another aspect of consultation, and this Government is justifiably proud of it. The new planning laws have not come into effect, and it is important that the people of Canberra have a say about whether they are happy with those when they are brought in in the future. But you cannot change the rules halfway through the game.
That is what Mr Jensen has just been suggesting that we do. You cannot do this. You have to examine a proposal according to the rules as they are at the time. The proposed Forrest bowling club redevelopment is an example of community consultation as it should be at the moment, as the planning rules stand. From the beginning of this inquiry, the Planning Committee gave careful consideration to all points of view, and I believe that it reflects this in the report, although Mr Jensen does not agree with it.
I agree with the chairman that we looked at this matter very carefully. The attempt by a certain political party at political point scoring over the issue perhaps proves the need for local members in Canberra. The current system
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