Page 5566 - Week 13 - Thursday, 17 November 2011
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
government for this to occur, but no assistance was provided at the time. I hope that the government will rethink their position on what seems like a very practical and worthwhile idea.
A further housing item in the parliamentary agreement is the requirement that universal design be mandated for new social housing, making houses suitable and adaptable for people with disabilities and older people. I am very pleased, and I think the government should be congratulated, that this has been achieved and that it will continue this policy into the future.
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Community Services, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Women and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs) (3.36): I thank Dr Bourke for bringing this matter of public importance to the Assembly today. There is no finer example of renewal of the ACT’s public housing stock than our commitment to embark on the revitalisation of the Northbourne Avenue precinct and, indeed, the ABC flats.
It is the case that the sites along Northbourne Avenue are largely underutilised. They also sit next to a major town transport corridor which serves as a major entry point into Canberra. If we are to have a truly sustainable public transport system, particularly in the inner city, making the best use of this important transport corridor is important. The broader Canberra community would benefit through higher densities around public transport routes. Housing close to the city encourages people to walk, cycle or catch public transport to where they need to be.
Increasing the quantity of housing along our principal corridors is consistent with the government’s public housing asset management strategy. As has been commented on here today, we are on track to deliver that by the end of the year. In particular, the asset strategy will be developed around the following principles. The public housing portfolio will be aligned to ensure that stock is well located across the city, in areas where people choose to live and where there is employment, education and services.
It will provide sustainable tenancies and build inclusive communities. There will be sufficient flexibility of stock to respond to ongoing and emerging social housing needs, including provision for clients with special needs. The portfolio will be maintained to agreed condition standards to ensure appropriate amenity and safety for tenants and to preserve the value of the asset. The public housing system will be managed efficiently and cost-effectively, providing best value to the government.
Of course, this strategy is part of the government’s broader planning policies and objectives. Focusing on redevelopment along transport corridors and around centres can create diversity in dwelling types, sizes and character. This goes to the heart of the Northbourne Flats redevelopment.
The winning design “Weave” provides a combination of passive and active design principles which underline its sustainability strategy. Among the sustainability features are the solar orientation of buildings, photovoltaic panels for the rooftops, a mini wetland to assist passive stormwater treatment and the use of materials to reduce carbon emissions associated with the project.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video