Page 464 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 18 February 2015
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So far, work has been completed on master plans for the Dickson, Kingston, Kambah, Erindale and Weston group centres, as well as a master plan for the Tuggeranong town centre to revitalise and attract investment to the area. Master plans for the Pialligo rural village and for Oaks Estate have also been completed to protect the unique character of these settings in those areas while permitting moderate levels of commercial activity to assist in retaining the viability of each centre.
Work is currently underway on the remaining master plans, including Mawson, Curtin, Tharwa, Kippax and Calwell, as well as the Woden and Belconnen town centres. These master plans will guide the development and renewal of these centres into the future. Of course, community and industry engagement in the development of these plans is critical, as I have said, to their success.
As master plans are integrated with the light rail and are multidisciplinary, they also address a range of elements, including increased density, allowing for higher density development in centres close to services and public transport and therefore reducing our urban footprint. For example, the light rail master plan considers where development can occur to maximise the benefits of light rail and support urban infill targets, and I am expecting to release the light rail master plan soon for consultation.
Public transport, incorporating development with the frequent network and along transport corridors, encourages more users onto those services through safe and easy access, better pedestrian connections and allowing for park and ride facilities. For example, in the Erindale group centre master plan a key component of the work was to resolve a public transport hub for the centre and commuters between town centres as well. Likewise, a light rail master plan will support the development of enhanced public transport services along identified transport corridors.
Master plans for centres also address more detailed, precinct-based issues such as traffic and car parking, managing traffic and parking issues by encouraging better pedestrian and cyclist access to desired destinations. For example, the issue of connectivity in managing pedestrian movement through the centres is a key outcome for all master plans.
In the public domain, allowing for green urban spaces such as tree-lined streets and pocket parks will help ameliorate urban temperatures and absorb air pollutants. For example, in the draft Woden town centre master plan currently released for public engagement, the provision and integration of public open spaces within and through the centre is a key feature to improve the amenity for workers in, visitors to and residents of the centre as well.
Throughout the consultation on the ACT planning strategy, the government heard strong support for investigation into higher density developments alongside our existing transport corridors, town centres and group centres. The government responded to these issues and accordingly prioritised the master plan studies to areas where redevelopment pressures are growing.
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