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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 8 Hansard (24 August) . . Page.. 2305 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

Where redevelopment proposals for local centres result in the closure of the local shops, the Government will continue to work with retailers and the community to ensure that access to convenience shopping is maintained. The retail strategy for Gungahlin will be monitored to ensure that it remains appropriate for consumers and retailers. The land use policies that apply to Fyshwick, Mitchell, Hume and the service trade areas will be broadened to provide for greater flexibility but at the same time ensure that an adequate supply of industrial land and facilities is retained to meet current and future needs of the Territory.

The current actions being taken by the Attorney-General to ensure the adequacy, fairness and effectiveness of landlord/lessee arrangements are achieved will be continued.

The strategies I have just outlined are aimed at building on the Government's current retail policies and initiatives which seek to reduce the unnecessary constraints on development, encourage greater competition and adopt a flexible, proactive policy focus. This approach is designed to meet the needs of the market and to optimise outcomes for consumers while contributing to achievements of the Government's strategic objectives for the Territory. This approach will ensure that government actions are focused on facilitation and responsiveness.

I note that some of the new policy principles I have just outlined may require variations to the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan. However, I believe it is timely, given that they will assist to inform the future updates of both plans. It is also worth noting that since coming to office the Government has invested almost $6.3m in local and group centres through the precinct management program and $6.2m through the civic precinct revitalisation program, a project aimed at reinvigorating the retail heart of the national capital.

In relation to helpShop, the Mobile Business Advisory Service has visited each of Canberra's local shopping centres to assist communities and business to develop strategies to improve their local shops. In addition, the Government has allocated over $700,000 through the helpShop program to assist local shopping centres.

The Government will continue to monitor the retail system to ensure that retail services and facilities are provided in a way that best meets consumer demands and optimises convenience. It will also continue to encourage and support local retailer and resident rejuvenation initiatives which reflect local themes and characters and, where necessary, facilitate their transition to more appropriate uses.

Mr Speaker, I commend to the Assembly the response to the BIS Shrapnel Canberra retail study report, "New Directions for Government". An enormous amount of work and time and consultation went into this report. I would like to thank all parts of the Public Service that were part of this. They did a good job.

Debate (on motion by Mr Corbell ) adjourned.

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