Page 1714 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 1 May 2012
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I should conclude by making the comment that, in approving this variation and putting in place the changes to the precinct code that I have outlined, we are ensuring that the landscape amenity of the site is also protected through any redevelopment process. Making sure that the mature tree character of the site is retained and continues to contribute to the overall landscape amenity of this important part, this early part, of Canberra’s development is an important outcome. We have sought to ensure that that has been implemented by adopting the recommendations made by the committee in its report. I commend the variation to the Assembly.
MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo), by leave: I thank the planning minister, Mr Corbell, for bringing the finalisation of the draft territory plan variation before the Assembly. This, as we all know, has been a very controversial variation. I will not bore the Assembly by going through all the history. What I will say, though, is that this is probably an example of our planning system, as far as consultation goes, working reasonably well. There was, clearly, considerable public discourse and disquiet about this. I think that the planning committee worked well in getting a consensus—it was a unanimous report of the planning committee—as to what would be an acceptable balance between the amenity of the area and the views of some of the existing residents and in terms of looking at planning from an overall point of view as well as from the point of view of what was actually possible, likely and feasible to happen on this site.
I thank the minister very much for taking on the recommendations of the planning committee. I must admit that one of the things we wondered about when we did it was whether or not we were wasting our time. I am very pleased that we were not wasting our time in our deliberations. I suppose I have one final technical question—that is, what impact will this have on the plot ratio for any development on that site?
I would also just briefly note that the committee talked about the concessional aspects and the need for better public notification. On that note, my bill tabled before the Assembly on public notification takes steps to try and implement the committee’s recommendations. I understand, from negotiations between my office and Mr Corbell’s office, that something will be put forward next week which will address that and is likely to be passed by the Assembly. I thank the planning minister for taking on board so fulsomely the recommendations of the planning committee.
State of the environment report 2011
Papers and statement by minister
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development) (3.14): For the information of members I present the following papers:
Commissioner for the Environment Act, pursuant to section 22—Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment—State of the Environment Report 2011—
Executive Summary,
Overarching papers (Volume 1).
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