Page 2933 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 16 October 2007
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the commitment I have made previously on the public record, both on radio and in other forums, is that the government treats these recommendations seriously, and I would be very surprised if there was reason not to implement recommendations.
Housing—Burnie Court site
MS PORTER: Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question, through you, is to the Minister for Housing. Minister, you recently made an announcement about the old Burnie Court site. Is it possible to provide any more details to the Assembly about what is actually going to take place there?
MR HARGREAVES: I would like to thank Ms Porter for the question. I was pleased with the recent launch of the joint venture for the redevelopment of what was once called Burnie Court. Since that launch, substantial work has been undertaken by the architects and engineers for the project. Strong initial support has been received for the proposal from the ACT Planning and Land Authority, and at this stage it is anticipated that a development application will be lodged on 16 November.
The joint venture is between Hindmarsh and the Commissioner for Housing. The site will be developed for residential and aged accommodation. It is an exciting development. Hindmarsh is a well-established firm in the ACT and is developing its interests interstate and overseas. Hindmarsh has a strong record in aged accommodation—it runs the Grange in Deakin and is developing a new complex in Bruce called Fernhill.
The development will increase housing choices in Lyons and Woden, especially around the Woden town centre, and it will complement the older persons units provided next door at the Freycinet. It will allow people who live in Lyons and the surrounding area to age in place, maintaining the important links to their community whilst giving them accommodation that better suits their needs.
Community Housing Canberra will also be involved in this development, taking out up to 12 residential units. This is in line with the government’s commitment to affordable housing and is on top of the government’s $50 million line of revolving credit for community housing. That $50 million is on top of the transfer of another $40 million worth of properties to community housing announced in this year’s budget.
Mr Speaker, this development will provide an improved return to the ACT government on its property investments. This return will be used to revitalise existing public housing and provide accommodation that better matches the waiting list. There has already been extensive consultation with the community about the proposed development of the site, which has met with general support. This consultation has been valuable in shaping the development, and it will continue. This planning has ensured that the development takes into account the nearby residential areas with sympathetic development close to other areas.
Mr Speaker, I am encouraged by the commitment of Hindmarsh to this project. They are a major developer in the Canberra market, and the fact that they are so enthusiastic
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