Page 1124 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 25 March 2015
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MADAM SPEAKER: Sit down, Mr Corbell. Mr Barr, on the question.
MR BARR: Madam Speaker, on the question, the service holiday has been known for some time. In relation to the bus timetable provision, under the ACTION EBA there is a requirement for a certain notice period to be given in relation to drivers indicating their availability to volunteer on the day.
Mr Hanson: When did parents find out?
MR BARR: For ACT public schools, when the term dates were published last year.
Planning—consultation
MS FITZHARRIS: My question is to the Minister for Planning. Minister, can you please update the Assembly on the statement of planning intent currently under development and the workshops and other consultation which have been undertaken to prepare this document?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Fitzharris for her question. The Planning and Development Act 2007 provides an opportunity for the Minister for Planning to issue a statement that sets out the main principles that are employed to govern planning and land development in the ACT. The previous statement was issued by Minister Barr when he was Minister for Planning, in 2010. As the statement was last updated in 2010 by Mr Barr, it is timely to update the document again to reflect current views and opinions which exist in our community.
What is more, engagement with the community is something that is very important to me as Minister for Planning, and developing a new statement of planning intent presents the opportunity to do this. In preparing a new statement of planning intent, I would like to better understand the needs and ideas of the wider community and stakeholder groups and the priorities that they have. There is an opportunity to underscore what has been achieved to date and to highlight planning priorities to maintain momentum and shared commitment to the desired future of our city.
As Canberra grows and transitions into a major city it faces challenges common to most Australian and international cities. Governments and communities everywhere are looking to balance issues such as managing urban growth, reducing traffic congestion, accommodating a changing population, improving economic productivity and social inclusion and addressing the implications of climate change and limited natural resources. The ACT will tackle these issues in a way that respects and responds to the unique characteristics of the local community and business attitudes.
In preparing a new statement we need to bear in mind the four key themes that underpin the ACT government’s vision for our city. These themes are: making Canberra healthy and smart, growing the economy, enhancing livability and opportunity and investing in urban renewal.
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