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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 8 Hansard (24 August) . . Page.. 2304 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

In light of the recent expansions at the town centre malls and the findings of the BIS report, the Government considers that it cannot support further expansion of these types of retail facilities at this time. However, there appears to be no justification for maintaining restrictions on group centre redevelopments. The current methodology used by PALM for assessing the quantity and type of retail facilities in the ACT will be modified so that in the future we are in a much better position to assess consumer and market trends and needs.

The concept of a rigid retail hierarchy will be replaced by a more flexible and dynamic structure which better reflects consumer and market needs. However, this will be pursued in a temperate way which optimises the effectiveness of the existing retail structure. Work on this new approach to managing future retail development has commenced, and this will contribute to a modernisation of our Territory Plan.

The land use policies and planning controls that currently apply to group and local centres and the areas adjacent to town centre malls will be broadened to ensure that there is greater flexibility and that consumer and market needs are being met. This will be undertaken in a way that ensures existing traffic, urban design and environmental conditions are not adversely affected. With respect to local centres with declining retail demand, retail planning will not be about propping them up but encouraging and supporting local retailer and resident rejuvenation initiatives which reflect local themes and characters and, where necessary, facilitate their transition to other appropriate uses.

The Government's approach to socioeconomic assessment will focus on the needs of the broad community and the consumer rather than the likely commercial impacts one centre or business may have on another. At the same time, the Government will intervene where necessary to ensure that access to convenience shopping is maintained for the socially disadvantaged.

The current checklist for major retail proposals will be revised to improve its clarity and to optimise certainty for both the applicant and the assessor. The development of the new document will be undertaken in consultation with the retail industry.

The Government has recently amalgamated the helpShop and precinct management programs, given the new consolidated program a much greater strategic focus and aligned it more closely to the land release program. This new program will focus directly on promoting the future viability of declining centres and addressing the public and private elements associated with fragmented land ownership.

The Government reconfirms the role of Civic as the metropolitan centre for Canberra and the commercial focus for the region. The Government will continue to implement the Our City initiatives and the civic revitalisation development project. The current requirement in the Territory Plan to include a corner shop in all proposals for redevelopment at local centres will be modified. However, provision will be made in the land use policies at local centres to enable a shop to be re-established should it be required in the future.

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