Page 479 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 18 February 2015
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Planning—delays
MRS JONES: My question is to the Minister for Planning. The Canberra Times reported on 12 February that ACAT has overruled the termination of the lease on a property in Waramanga where renovations have been in progress for 40 years. The Canberra Times also reported that the government is considering “the opportunity to introduce a municipal-style regulatory framework that would enable issues such as the state of undeveloped blocks to be dealt with expeditiously”. Minister, what is the nature of the changes the government is considering and when will the new framework be introduced?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mrs Jones for her question. Yes, the government is considering some changes to the planning system in regard to operations in planning. It is looking at opportunities to ensure that developments can go ahead in a timely manner and that there is recourse for those in the community that feel that perhaps builders or developers have not gone ahead in a timely manner. Those matters are being discussed at the moment.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, what steps has the government taken to deal with the ongoing problems in Delegate Street, Kaleen, where a property has over 100 whitegoods stored in the front and back yards?
MR GENTLEMAN: I am not sure that the Kaleen matter has anything to do with the original question, but I am happy to talk to the directorate and see what developments have taken place in regard to the Kaleen matter and come back to the member.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Minister, what steps has the government taken to deal with ongoing problems across Canberra, and in particular in Kambalda Crescent, Fisher, where the front yard is full of rotting food?
MR CORBELL: Madam Speaker, I will take the question in relation to Kambalda Crescent, Fisher, as it is being dealt with by the Health Protection Service. The matter that Mr Coe refers to at Kambalda Crescent in Fisher is a matter driven by hoarding behaviour by the resident at that address. The Health Protection Service has issued a number of abatement notices to provide for the clean-up of both the front and rear yards of that residence and also to pursue the clean-up of the interior of the property. Some of those abatement orders have been implemented; others are pending, depending on the notice period to the resident.
As the health minister, I have met with residents at Kambalda Crescent and I am aware of their concerns. I have undertaken to them to continue to pursue the matter through the provisions available under the Public Health Act. In addition, I have asked my directorate to develop proposals for the government that would allow for a more effective case management approach to hoarding behaviour. Clearly, whilst short term
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