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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 02 Hansard (Tuesday, 2 March 2004) . . Page.. 480 ..

In 2003-04 the key projects of the LDA will include developing land in the government’s 2003-04 land release program, both independently and through partnership with the private sector, and facilitating further commercial development in, and ongoing management of, Gungahlin Town Centre. The further development of the town centre will continue to contribute to the level of amenity of the Gungahlin community. Other key projects include completing the public sector land development pilot project at Yerrabi stage 2, and managing the development of the Kingston Foreshore area in accordance with government directions.

In 2003-04 over 338 residential units within the Kingston Foreshore development will have been sold, the servicing of many sites will have been completed, the construction of the eco-pond will be under way, the forward works package for the preparation of the construction of the harbour work will be completed and works surrounding common parklands and the sewer pumping station will be in a well-advanced state.

Key aspects of the 2003-04 land release program include improved housing affordability with the government ensuring a fair supply of land at an affordable price whilst protecting the territory’s major land assets, and the government, through the LDA, has created an aged care land bank to meet the needs of the aging population. Currently, four studies are being undertaken in Gordon, Monash, Greenway and Nicholls. There are two sites where offers of leases will be made prior to the end of this financial year—the Little Company of Mary in Bruce, and Southern Cross Homes in Garran.

The Stanhope government has committed to the further development of Civic as the pre-eminent town centre. The government has committed to the Civic implementation strategy and to the revitalisation of Civic West. As such, the release of section 61 City has provided the government with an excellent return on its asset and improved employment prospects in Civic, and it will further strengthen Civic West. The LDA will also deliver a land release program that aims to provide for 3,394 dwelling sites into the marketplace for development consistent with the in globo release framework, including 1,000 dwellings from redevelopment through a variety of mechanisms.

Key items that members should note in the business plans are the LDA’s plans to contribute more than $130 million to the government in 2003-04; facilitate the delivery of high-quality urban design outcomes; address ongoing issues relating to land availability and land supply by ensuring that the market is in equilibrium; facilitate the continuing development of town centres, in particular those of Civic and Gungahlin as vibrant mixed-use centres; and to serve the government’s social objectives by identifying the provision of land for aged persons accommodation and adaptable and affordable housing. The LDA will help in our building for our ageing community strategy.

The LDA initiatives, in conducting government land development as well as partnerships with the private sector, will provide opportunities for individuals to purchase land so they can have their own builder and their own architect, if they so choose. That choice will allow for increased housing affordability and greater innovation in design. It has been quite a challenging task to bring together three disparate organisations with different people, cultures and histories. However, I am pleased with the effective and productive work that has been done in this regard. To have managed such a complex task

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