Page 3383 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 21 October 2014
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MR GENTLEMAN: Draft variation 319 to the territory plan proposes to change zone and overlay provisions at Kinlyside, Taylor, Horse Park North, Jacka and Throsby as a result of the Gungahlin strategic assessment biodiversity plan. It is to formally add all of Kinlyside and part of Throsby to the ACT’s nature reserve estate and rezone Horse Park North and part of Taylor and Jacka to the hills, ridges and buffer zone. Draft variation 319 was released for public comment during July and August 2014 and attracted two public submissions.
The main issues in this variation related to bushfire management requirements, including sites in Belconnen. A report on consultation was prepared by the planning and land authority, responding to the issues raised in the submissions.
Under section 73 of the Planning and Development Act I have chosen to exercise my discretion and not refer the draft variation to the planning and environment committee as I believe this draft variation formalises the outcomes from the approved Gungahlin strategic assessment biodiversity plan and provides ongoing protections to these identified areas with high ecological values. I now table the approved variation to the territory plan 319.
Active transport initiatives
Discussion of matter of public importance
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Lawder): Madam Speaker has received letters from Ms Berry, Dr Bourke Mr Coe, Mr Doszpot, Mrs Jones, Ms Lawder, Ms Porter, Mr Smyth and Mr Wall proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, Madam Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Ms Berry be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of active transport initiatives for Canberrans.
MS BERRY (Ginninderra) (3.45): As highlighted within successive State of Australian cities reports by the commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the ACT has one of the highest participation rates in active travel amongst the major Australian cities. The city we live in has beautiful vistas, a great path network and relatively flat topography, so it is no wonder Canberra has one of the highest participation rates. This demonstrates the potential for Canberra to lead the nation in active travel, and the ACT government wants our city to be a place where people live active lifestyles every day.
Between 2011 and 2013, overall weekly cycling participation grew from 21.9 per cent to 24.5 per cent, the highest of any state or territory and well above the national average of 16.6 per cent. Data on walking is not available between census years and will be measured through the next ABS census in 2016.
Active travel has multiple benefits for individuals and the environment, and delivers on key ACT government policies, including transport for Canberra, the ACT planning strategy, the ACT climate change strategy and towards zero growth, including the
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