Page 158 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 11 February 2015
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Childcare—centres
MS LAWDER: My question is to the Minister for Planning regarding a proposed childcare facility on Harrington Circuit in Kambah. Minister, while we all acknowledge the need for childcare places, nearby residents of the proposed facility have contacted the opposition and the government about concerns regarding parking, traffic and safety. Minister, could you please advise how the facility complies with the territory plan and what consultation has taken place with residents about the proposed facility?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Lawder for her question. Yes, there has been quite a bit of interest in regard to the development application for a childcare centre in Kambah, for the operation of a childcare centre. The development application went into the Environment and Planning Directorate well prior to Christmas and then the DA was publicly notified on 17 December last year. Until 22 January this year, we had 51 written representations in regard to the development application. The application is now being considered by ACTPLA.
In regard to consultation with the community, I have had a number of calls. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend a meeting request on the particular development at the time. There was a request made, a time and date to be notified. Unfortunately, that did not occur so I was not able to get to that request. I have worked with the Tuggeranong Community Council too on assisting those around the area to have community input into the development application.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, can the owner of any house in Canberra seek to convert their home into a registered childcare facility?
MR GENTLEMAN: There are several opportunities for people to make development applications for childcare centres. I understand there have been quite a few in the Kambah area as well. So it is up to the directorate to determine whether those applications are appropriate.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, what are the rules around home businesses in the ACT?
MR GENTLEMAN: There are quite detailed regulations with regard to running businesses from the home. I have had quite a bit to do with a home business in regard—
Mr Hanson: A point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: A point of order. Can we stop the clock, please.
Mr Hanson: It is on relevance. The question was “what are the rules”, not how many there are. I would ask Mr Gentleman to address it. I am sure—
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