Page 1745 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The Standing Committee on Planning and Environment considered the consultation report prepared by the ACT Planning and Land Authority addressing the issues arising from consultation and the resultant recommended final variation. In its report released in June 2007, the committee made 10 recommendations in relation to the draft variation, among which was a recommendation that the variation proceed. The government has considered the issues raised and a government response that provides a detailed response to the committee’s recommendations has been prepared. I will now provide a brief outline of the government’s response to the committee report.
The committee’s first recommendation is that the proposed variation to the territory plan proceeds. The committee’s second recommendation that the development of section 20 include high quality landscaping with native trees and plants which complement those around some ANU buildings on McCoy Circuit and Ellery Crescent to reinforce the southern gateway to the university is supported. This landscaping requirement would be incorporated into the lease and development conditions and development control plans prepared for section 20.
The government agrees to the committee’s third recommendation that the heritage and cultural significance of the ROCKS area be recognised and commemorated in the new development on section 21. The developer has been advised of the committee’s recommendation and supports the recognition of the heritage and cultural significance the ROCKS area in the redevelopment of section 21. The proponent is willing to make a suitable reference through the provision of a commemorative plaque or similar feature.
The committee’s fourth recommendation is that it endorses the stipulation in the City West master plan that when substantial and important trees are removed double the number of those trees must be replaced, either on the site or in the public domain with mature trees of the same species to the satisfaction of the territory. Adequate space must be set aside to allow for the normal growth and development of trees, including large trees. The committee recommends that this commitment apply throughout the ANU Exchange area, and this recommendation is supported. The requirement for trees would apply in the entire ANU Exchange area.
The committee’s fifth recommendation that the ACT Planning and Land Authority place particular importance on the achievement of active street frontages in the ANU Exchange area with particular reference to University Avenue as the centrepiece of the redevelopment in City West is supported. The intent of the City West master plan and the ANU Exchange master plan and implementation plan is for active street frontages.
The committee’s sixth recommendation that a design competition for public artworks be considered for the ANU Exchange is noted; however it is not supported. The “arts heart” of Childers Street between Hutton Street and University Avenue was upgraded in 2006-07. The design intent of these infrastructure works, completed in February of this year, was to provide an integrated design approach to the artwork with other street architecture elements, including street furniture, lighting and so on.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .