Page 57 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 9 December 2008
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Development Application (Block 20 Section 23 Hume) Assessment Facilitation Bill—which I am tabling today.
The bill recognises that significant planning and environmental studies have already been undertaken in respect of both the proposal and the new site, including consultation on those matters. It also recognises that many of these matters have already been addressed, are generally transferable to the new site or are capable of being addressed by supplementary information required as part of a DA for the new site.
In this context, the key features of the bill I am tabling today include: it provides for the assessment of a DA for the new site, including associated infrastructure and off-site works under the Planning and Development Act in the merit track. It provides for a shorter assessment time of 30 working days, which would include a 15-day working period for notification, including receipt of any public representations. It contains a sunset provision setting out when the legislation will cease to apply, being one year after its commencement. It clarifies that the proposed use of the land is a communications facility and it includes a regulation-making power to enable the date by which DA lodgement is required and to enable development related to the new site to be prescribed.
While the new bill will facilitate the timely processing of the development application on the new site, the proponent is still required to provide a business case demonstrating the financial viability of the proposal.
As I said at the start of this speech, the government is introducing this legislation because it believes it is necessary to ensure that this very significant investment in our economy proceeds. We are determined that this project does proceed and prosper for the benefit of the people of the ACT. I commend the bill to the house.
Debate (on motion by Mr Seselja) adjourned to the next sitting.
Committees
Membership
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have been notified in writing of the following nominations for membership of committees:
Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee
Ms Burch
Ms Bresnan
Mrs Dunne
Climate Change, Environment and Water—Standing Committee
Ms Porter
Ms Hunter
Mr Seselja
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