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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 2 Hansard (27 February) . . Page.. 342 ..

Planning and Urban Services-Standing Committee

Report No 57-government response

MR SMYTH (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Business, Tourism and the Arts and Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (3.37): Mr Speaker, for the information of members, I present the following paper:

I move:

Mr Speaker, it is with pleasure that I table today the government's response to the Planning and Urban Services Committee inquiry into the proposals for the establishment of rural residential development as a land use.

The government's vision for Canberra is of a dynamic, diverse and sustainable community and economy. Rural residential development is part of that vision. Contemporary society expects a range of housing choices close to jobs, facilities and services. In recent years the government has extended options for urban living through facilitating inner city apartment development. The other end of the spectrum, rural residential development, has not been available until now. The introduction of rural residential development will provide an important new opportunity to demonstrate the ACT's capacity and commitment to innovation, leadership, planning, development and environmental management.

Mr Speaker, the committee made two recommendations: firstly, the preparation of the Hall master plan; and, secondly, the preparation of a draft variation to the Territory Plan to introduce a new land use policy providing for rural residential development. The government supports the committee's recommendations and is keen to implement them.

The village of Hall is recognised as having a unique role in the ACT as a rural village. It provides a contrast to the more recent suburban developments associated with the creation of the nation's capital. The future planning for Hall will enhance its role as a rural village and this includes the definition of a suitable buffer area to the Kinlyside valley.

Mr Speaker, the recommendation for finalising the Hall master plan is strongly supported. In fact, Planning and Land Management is currently finalising the draft Hall master plan. This process will capture the results of the ACT Heritage Council's current consideration of a nomination for the village of Hall and district to the ACT Heritage Places Register. I will ensure that the final master plan is consistent with the Heritage Council's work.

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