Page 1461 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 10 April 2013
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it was a very good idea. One of the exciting things that came up was that, for those people that live around the lake, the actual town park, its interface with the lake itself and the beach area is quite important to them.
The third master plan that has been released recently in Brindabella is for the Kambah shopping centre. This report was released in July 2012 and the draft variation to the territory plan has now been released for consultation. The draft variation is currently online at www.timetotalk.act.gov.au. DV 317 shows the transformational plan to a community hub that has been available for over 30 years. Key elements to this variation include: allowing an increase in building height in parts of the centre from two to three and four storeys, stepped to ensure adequate sunlight to open spaces; the provision of a new road connection to Primmer Court to improve vehicle and pedestrian circulation around the centre; relocation of the car park to make land available for additional retail and mixed use development; and retaining surface level car parking for the convenience of centre patrons.
The community has been involved throughout the development of the master plan since March 2011, providing valuable feedback at stakeholder interviews. There have been two drop-in sessions at the centre, community surveys, newsletters, emails and public meetings. The ACT government received 98 formal submissions on the draft master plan, including strong messages about protecting the village character of Kambah. It was, as you will know, Mr Assistant Speaker, the very first shopping centre in Tuggeranong.
In conclusion, the ACT Labor government has always been and will continue to be a government open to community consultation. These master plans are just another project that shows what the ACT can do in ensuring the blueprint for our town centres are clear and will provide the best possible outcomes to the community who rely on them.
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Children and Young People, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Women, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Racing and Gaming) (4.10): It is with great pleasure that I speak in favour of this motion today, especially where it relates to ensuring that our children are educated in the very best schools that we can deliver. Providing high quality infrastructure to the community is the bread and butter of government. Indeed, making sure that we respond to the need of the community and deliver to them facilities and services that improve their lives and our communities as a whole is, I think, the very reason we all choose to enter this place.
When it comes to schools, it is the belief of the Labor Party and this Labor government that students should be given the tools to succeed no matter what their background is. This philosophy includes making sure that the built environment is not only fit for purpose but contributes to a culture of excellence in our education system. While we do not often consider it, the school environment—that is, the way a class looks and feels—has the power to change the way a student engages with the material in front of them and the experience and expectations of education. A classroom or school that looks welcoming and shows clear signs of love and care will contribute to the students who are also caring about their school and their learning.
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