In relation to the application by St Andrew's Retirement Village in Hughes to develop Block 12 Section 28 adjacent to its existing facilities which was caught up in the moratorium on development put in place by the previous Government in response to the current Government's criticism of proposals

(1) Will the Government now lift the moratorium on this retirement village extension; and

(2) When will processing of the application recommence and from what point in the approval process will it begin.

(1) I understand that St Andrews Retirement Village had approached the previous Government about the possible direct sale of part of Block 12 Section 28 Hughes to extend its retirement village. This land has a land use policy under the Territory Plan of Urban Open Space. As such, its proposed use was inconsistent with the Territory Plan and so a Territory Plan variation and Preliminary Assessment would be required.

Discussions had progressed about the possibility of a draft variation being put forward when the then Chief Minister announced a moratorium on the development of urban open space.

This Government went to the last election with the clear statement that it will not support development on areas designated as urban open space. This recognised the concern expressed in the community about the loss of land that it perceives to be urban open space. As a consequence, the importance of consulting with the community about identifying and classifying the open space network was highlighted in the policies.

The need to provide appropriate accommodation for older Canberran's was also recognised as a priority.

Given the need to address the on-going requirement for older persons' accommodation it is considered necessary to consult the community about the proposed use of the land as part of the open space audit. This will be initiated shortly.

Depending upon the outcome of the consultation, a decision will be made on whether the proposed use of the land is supported by Government.

(2) The application by St Andrew's Village has lapsed. A new application will be required if there is Government support for the proposed development.