Page 3746 - Week 08 - Friday, 24 August 2012
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(6) Is the Government aware of the derelict house located at 38 Bizant Street, Amaroo; if so, (a) how long have they been aware of it, (b) what has the Government done to address this property, (c) has the owner been contacted and (d) what were the outcomes of this contact.
(7) Is the Government aware of the derelict block located at 60 Torrens Street, Braddon; if so, (a) how long have they been aware of it, (b) what has the Government done to address this property, (c) has the owner been contacted, (d) what were the outcomes of this contact.
Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The Government would categorise derelict to mean abandoned or run down through general neglect. In this context the Government is not aware of any houses and properties that are derelict in the ACT. However, there are some blocks in the ACT that are in the following categories:
- long term vacant undeveloped leaseholds;
- properties that had a structure on it that are now vacant and require redevelopment;
- properties that have an unoccupied building on them; and
- properties that have an incomplete building on them.
Of these, there are four sites that have structures that have been significantly vandalised. Two of these four have current development approvals and are awaiting commencement of development and are being managed by ESDD officers. The remaining two are also being managed by ESDD officers.
A further 40 sites are currently under investigation for alleged breaches of the Planning and Development Act 2007. Due to the current investigations, no further details or the locations of these properties can be provided at this time.
(2) With respect to the four categories in (1) above the Government’s approach is to work with the lessees to achieve a development outcome that is appropriate for the site. Where necessary other measures available under the planning and building laws are being considered. Measures include utilising directions to lessees under Controlled Activity Orders or the ultimate sanction of terminating the Crown Lease.
(3) Properties in the categories in (1) above may be in breach of relevant planning and building laws.
(4) The money that the Government spends on the management of these sites is spread across the Territory’s annual budget figures and is not one specific allocation of funds. However, with respect to ESDD activity within the current ACT Budget, the Government has allocated three full time inspectors for the 11-12, 12-13 financial years to undertake an intensive program to look at blocks in the categories outlined in (1).
The program is proactively looking at these properties with the aim of resolving the issues on each property which may include various compliance measures available under planning and building laws. The commencement of formal enforcement action during this two year program will see the resultant litigation extend past the program lifetime which indicates a significant investment by Government to resolve these issues.
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