Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 8 Hansard (29 October) . . Page.. 2477 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

The Assembly will be aware also that the study responds to the interests expressed by a number of those in the development industry who believe there is a market for rural residential blocks in the ACT. Any rural residential development would clearly be a new policy direction for the Territory. It would provide opportunities for investment in a new lifestyle and housing choice currently unavailable to the residents of the ACT. It is important that any such development would occur only within a responsible planning context which maintains environmental quality.

Any rural residential development in the ACT would need to be provided in a manner consistent with the recently published ACT and subregion planning strategy which pursue the clustering of growth around specific nodes. The study shows there is a demand for rural residential development in the ACT which is currently unmet. Rural residential subdivision would provide avenues for investment which target a quality niche market not well catered for, even outside the ACT. This could be achieved responsibly by providing smaller rural residential blocks serviced by sealed roads and appropriate environmentally acceptable water supply and effluent treatment systems.

Mr Speaker, using a set of assessment criteria, the study identifies three areas as potentially the first sites for rural residential development in the ACT. These areas are northern Gungahlin, Kinlyside and the Melrose Valley in Tuggeranong. The study also undertakes an indicative analysis of the financial implications of providing rural residential development in the ACT based on broad-brush assumptions. It provides, under a number of scenarios, indicative benchmark land values which the Territory would need to realise in order to ensure there is no overall cost to the community of introducing this development type.

Given the competition from areas in New South Wales and the planning context of Canberra, attention would need to be given to the type and characteristics of such development, and we need to recognise that this report is merely the first stage in a comprehensive planning process. Further detailed environmental evaluations, a variation to the Territory Plan and the development and implementation of high environmental management standards will be needed for potential sites to be developed.

This discussion paper has been prepared to inform debate and invite community and industry comment on this new policy direction for the ACT. The period of consultation runs from 30 October to 14 December this year. It is proposed that, following community comment and the Government's assessment of those comments, a stage 2 study would prepare detailed planning policies and environmental management guidelines. Ultimately, these would be implemented by a variation to the Territory Plan accompanied by environmental impact assessments, both requiring formal statutory consultation processes.

I present the following paper:

A Study of Rural Residential Development in the ACT - Discussion Paper - ministerial statement, 29 October 1998.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .