Page 5080 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 26 October 2011
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MR CORBELL: Before the dinner break I was outlining the government’s concerns in relation to the motion proposed by Ms Le Couteur. I think, primarily, the concern with the motion is that it has such varied requests that it is very difficult to identify those matters which Ms Le Couteur thinks need action and those which she believes are simply worth restating. But I will endeavour to reply to the motion in the most effective way that I can.
To that end, I have circulated an amendment to Ms Le Couteur’s motion, which I think tries to recognise what steps the government has already taken in these areas, as well as recognising and restating how matters such as any possible expansion of the Canberra Centre would be managed. I now move:
Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, substitute:
“(1) notes:
(a) that the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) requires, as part of the statutory planning responsibilities, proponents to submit small business impact assessment reports for large commercial developments and that such reports are assessed for adequacy as part of the ACTPLA development application processes;
(b) the QIC Master Plan is being reviewed in relation to the proposals for Precinct D of the QIC Canberra Centre development;
(c) that the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate maintains an inventory of current retail space in the ACT, so as to assess supply and demand in the retail sector;
(d) the Government’s comprehensive program to improve the amenity of Civic by upgrading the public realm, including paving, street furniture, lighting and toilet amenities, as well as to improve commercial waste management and upgrade cycling facilities and infrastructure (including its commitment to the Civic Cycle Loop); and
(e) the success of the Government’s policies in encouraging higher levels of outdoor cafe activity in the City Centre.”.
This amendment is designed to reflect the fact that currently, as part of its statutory planning responsibilities, ACTPLA requires development proponents to submit small business impact assessments for large commercial developments such as the proposal for the Canberra Centre, which is currently going through the development assessment process. It is also important to state that there is a master plan for the precinct in which the Canberra Centre is located and that this is being reviewed in relation to the proposals from QIC in relation to their development proposal.
It is also worth making the point that the government does maintain an inventory of current retail space in the territory so that we are able to properly assess supply and demand in the retail sector and that these inventories are used by our planning officials in having regard to whether or not proposals for expansion of commercial activities such as retail activities are appropriate.
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