Page 802 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 13 April 1994
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What we have achieved here, Minister, is not a compromise, because we decided that we would not compromise. It certainly does not necessarily accept all of the views of the Planning Authority and it certainly does not accept all of the views put forward by a range of individuals and community groups. It does not accept all of the views put forward by the building and construction industry, the developers and so forth. However, I believe that what we have here is an extremely high-quality workable solution, which introduces substantial change but change that will be to the benefit not necessarily of us but certainly of our children and our children's children. I think that is the scope in which these guidelines have been looked at.
When we take into account that the B2 guidelines in Kingston were first developed in 1972 and implemented in 1975, I understand, Minister, that it has taken that time for 75 per cent of that redevelopment area to be completed. What we are looking at with the B1 guidelines is a longer timeframe. We are looking at a timeframe estimated by the Chief Territory Planner at 40 years. So those plans, those criteria, we are establishing now will set the base for professional development of this area not just into the next century but towards the middle of the next century.
I believe that we have achieved an extremely appropriate workable solution, and that was probably as much as could have been expected. I think we have achieved one step more: We have achieved that objective of requiring design excellence, community facility and amenity excellence. On those two tests, I think these guidelines, if you will pardon me, Mr Kaine, are probably one of the best things to come out of the Planning Committee and its processes in the last two years, notwithstanding the fine work on the Territory Plan.
Once again, I thank all the members of the committee. It is with sincere and great regret that I leave the work of the Planning Committee. It is something that I have really enjoyed.
Mr Kaine: Do you want to join the feather dusters?
MR LAMONT: I have not been able to put my finger up like that yet, Mr Kaine. It has really meant a lot to me because of the experience of working with my colleagues. It has taught me a lot, and it is something that I will cherish in future years.
MS SZUTY (3.37): I too wish to place on the record my thanks to the former chair of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee for his good work with the committee over the last two years. What I most admired about Mr Lamont during his stewardship of the Planning Committee was his obvious enthusiasm for the task. I think it is very helpful for members of a committee when the chair of that committee is as obviously highly motivated and enthusiastic as Mr Lamont was in his approach to planning matters. It will give the members of the Planning Committee who remain some cause for speculation as to the future direction of the committee without Mr Lamont's stewardship.
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