Page 2076 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 15 May 2013
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There are quite a lot of issues of discussion around the Calwell group centre. I think there are some key issues, including ensuring that the area is properly planned. I note there are a significant number of blocks—community, residential and commercial—which are likely to be released for sale in coming years. There are also issues around the planning of waterway improvements through pond sites, the lack of provision of child care and a lack of dental facilities. There is an issue around the best location of an SES base and the need for more diverse residential housing.
I note that with the release of a number of blocks there is concern in the community that people may not be consulted on the proposed use of the blocks which are intended for land release. They are keen for the community to be included in any consultation before any of those blocks are sold. There is an issue here of matching up the master planning process and the timing of the release of any of those lands. Given how long a master planning process can take, given the level of community engagement that is required in that process, I would urge that before any of those blocks are released there is a good level of community consultation. I think it is, as much as possible, valuable to have done the master planning process first. But I think we can do a lot of good work with the community outside of any master planning process if there is pressure on to release those blocks, whether they be for commercial or residential purposes.
I have been contacted by the south-east Tuggeranong residents group. We are organising a meeting in the near future to discuss needs in their community. I think that will also help me get a better sense, both as the Greens member and as the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, of some of the gaps that exist in the area.
I will be supporting Mr Corbell’s amendment. I think it provides some additional information and some context for this. I was also pleased to see in that master planning program the inclusion of the Woden-Athllon-Mawson corridor. This is significant in that it is not just a group or town centre; it is actually a master plan for a transport corridor. That is something new and something very valuable if we are to turn this city into a more sustainable city in the future. I will now move the amendment circulated in my name, which is an amendment to Mr Corbell’s amendment:
Omit subparagraph (d), substitute:
“(d) that on 26 October 2011, a motion was passed in the Assembly which, amongst other things, called on the Government to:
(i) prioritise a master plan for the Calwell Group Centre and surrounding community and commercial facilities zones in line with the need recognised in the ACT Draft Planning Strategy and the previously agreed master plan process; and
(ii) through the master planning process, identify:
(A) a site for a second childcare centre in Calwell;
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