Page 3818 - Week 10 - Thursday, 27 August 2009
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report responding to the issues raised in the submissions, and the variation took into account views expressed through this public consultation. I then referred the variation to the Standing Committee on Planning, Public Works and Territory and Municipal Services for its consideration. It released its report and made 10 recommendations. These recommendations did propose that the key elements of the variation proceed. I then directed the Planning and Land Authority to consider the draft variation prior to approving it, in light of the committee’s recommendations. It is worth noting that the draft variation was consequently amended to better protect solar access of any existing development on the site in response to that consultation and committee process.
This site is across the road from the Woden town centre, and as such the proposal is entirely consistent with the objectives of the Canberra spatial plan. It will intensify residential development around the Woden town centre. It will increase housing choice. It will encourage the use of public transport. It will involve the use of existing infrastructure. It will assist to minimise carbon emissions and to reduce the use of non-renewable energy.
Ms Le Couteur’s motion to reject rule 27A of the residential multi-unit housing development code is directly contrary to those objectives and the objectives of the Canberra spatial plan. In fact, it appears to be contrary to all of the things the Greens claim they support. The proposed development will strengthen the context for future development of the Woden town centre. The site is located between the low density residential development of Lyons and the comparatively high density commercial development in the town centre. In the government’s view, this variation provides the opportunity to develop the site as a transitional zone and buffer between the town centre and the residential character of Lyons. That is the bigger picture and an opportunity that might, if this disallowance were to be supported, be significantly diminished.
I think it is important to draw the Assembly’s attention to the importance that urban planning plays in responding to the socioeconomic needs of the community, and this includes housing choice, affordability and easy access to employment and facilities provided by the Woden town centre. High density residential development at strategic locations within the existing urban environment also achieves the objective of sustainable transport by encouraging the use of public transport, walking and cycling. I think that is something that all parties agree on. Proximity to public transport infrastructure in and around Canberra’s town centres has led to the doubling of the average use of alternative transport modes in those areas. Increasing the population adjacent to the town centre will intensify this trend and reinforce the sustainability of Canberra’s transport network.
Again, the ACT Greens claim to support public transport and efficient urban forms to reduce carbon emissions. The motion to remove the 10-storey building height provision is inconsistent with these principles and will not allow the increased dwelling yields supported by Ms Le Couteur. This variation, as I have indicated, is entirely consistent with the government’s policy direction outlined in the Canberra spatial plan rule 27A, which enables the development of up to a 10-storey building. It is vital to the redevelopment of this Lyons site and the maximisation of development on the site whilst, importantly, in the bigger picture, protecting adjacent residential amenity.
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