Page 1053 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 6 May 2014
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The Planning and Development (Extension of Time) Amendment Bill contains a number of important changes, including setting out a new fee structure for all new leases granted on or after 1 April 2014 based on a simple, flat multiple of one times the general rates for EOT breaches. New crown leases will no longer have a commencement clause, further simplifying the EOT fees by applying them only on the breach of the completion date.
For existing lessees, a new fee scale will apply from 1 April 2014 and reflect the period of breach at that date. Further, all extension of time fees accrued during the period from 22 June 2012 to 31 March 2014 will be waived or refunded. This will provide a stimulus to the property industry and provide them with an incentive to develop their blocks.
The management of these waivers and refunds will be administered under section 130 or 131 of the Financial Management Act 1996. Legislative changes are not required to the Planning and Development Act 2007 to implement this policy. The arrangements for existing lessees will complement the new EOT fee structure for new lessees and provide broad equity between these two groups. All lessees will be treated in broadly the same manner regardless of when they become aware of the government’s announcement, and the new policy will not discriminate between those lessees who have done the right thing and paid their EOT debt and those who are yet to pay.
This bill will provide a number of benefits for new and existing lessees. It will provide a simple, clear and transparent fee structure moving forward. For all existing lessees it provides relief to allow them to develop on their land. The bill demonstrates the government’s willingness to listen and respond appropriately to industry concerns. There is no doubt that this will assist in stimulating development and ensure that construction continues throughout the territory. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail stage
Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.
MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (11.20): Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave of the Assembly to propose an amendment which has not been circulated in accordance with standing order 178A.
Leave granted.
MR SMYTH: I move amendment No 1 circulated in my name [see schedule 2 at page 1136]. This is an important amendment. If we are going to make the Planning and Development (Extension of Time) Amendment Bill 2014 actually deliver what the government says it will, we must listen to the industry. In this regard, their big concern is with section 277A of the act. I will give you an example that was
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