Page 427 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 2 March 1994
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continue the policy of dispersed development while still giving Civic the capacity to grow, but within that restriction. This year we will see the release of a site on section 52 for a hotel or some form of residential or short-stay use. As well, the ANZ site on the corner at Ainslie Avenue is likely to be redeveloped for predominantly residential use, though the ground floor will certainly be commercial. I indicated in response to a question last week that there are three different studies going on into the way Civic might progress. I think the impact of all that will be that Civic will grow, within that restriction, into a very vital, vibrant heart of Canberra.
The Government is also committed to ensuring that the residents of new areas have access to a high standard of social and community facilities. This is exemplified by the Government's approach to the development of the Gungahlin Town Centre and to the school and community facilities in new areas of Gungahlin. We have involved the community in the planning for the Gungahlin Town Centre, as was evidenced through the innovative planning workshops and now the release of the Gungahlin Town Centre discussion paper. A number of proposals for joint facilities are being explored in Gungahlin, including emergency services and education and library facilities. A current proposal involves a preschool, child-care centre and community house, co-located with the primary school, which in turn is likely to share some facilities with a non-government school. These joint facilities will lead to savings in land, capital and operating costs.
I mentioned earlier our policy on urban renewal. We have carefully examined the advantages of increasing residential densities, particularly in central Canberra, and utilising vacant land within or adjacent to existing suburbs. The policies contained in the Territory Plan, and anticipated variations to the plan for North Watson and Richardson section 450, will allow development in and adjacent to existing suburbs that reduces the need for new capital works and assists in the regeneration of existing areas, including the provision of wider housing choices, and more efficient use of vacant land and existing infrastructure and services. In addition, benefits in the form of decreased metropolitan vehicle emissions and associated air pollution and reduced pressure on fringe development with more compact housing development will emerge. The Government in 1994 will continue to work to improve the development of increased residential densities and to develop, in conjunction with the building industry, demonstration projects that will assist better community understanding of the advantages of this form of housing.
I want to say something about joint ventures. During 1994, as a further step towards the resumption of public sector land development by the Government, the Government will expand its participation in land development through joint ventures. Last year, joint venture agreements were concluded with two companies to develop the first stages of the new Belconnen suburb of Dunlop. Also, the Government is continuing its successful relationship with the Housing Industry Association of the ACT and the Master Builders Association by jointly developing two new estates in Ngunnawal. The Government is committed to developing, with its joint venture partners, quality and efficient estates which will meet the high standards expected by the ACT community. Land from these estates will cater for all sectors of the market, but we will ensure that, in particular, sufficient affordable land prices are contained.
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