Page 2697 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The government have put the cart before the horse. First they decided to do their light rail project, then they figured out this would require demolishing all Northbourne Avenue public housing properties and then they hastily decided where to build new housing properties, basically by seizing on any vacant land.
One of the fact sheets on the department’s website is about frequently asked questions about where public housing will be relocated to. One of the FAQs, the frequently asked questions, is: “Why are you undertaking Territory Plan Variations?” It says:
This objective is designed to support greater urban sustainability and increase the focus of development on Canberra’s town centres and along the major public transport corridors, particularly the proposed light rail linking Gungahlin with the City.
You would think that when you were planning where to build new public housing properties, ensuring that they are located close to public transport, as per this frequently asked question, and are not concentrated in particular areas creating pockets of disadvantage would have been the first thing a responsible government would do. Yes, you would expect a reasonable, responsible and accountable government to do that.
We have spoken many times in this place about the salt and peppering approach. The government’s own fact sheet from the economic development division, from July of this year, says: “What is ‘salt and peppering’?” The answer is:
‘Salt and peppering’ refers to the dispersion of public housing across all Canberra suburbs.
Canberra’s long standing ‘salt and pepper’ approach to the distribution of public housing allows public housing tenants an opportunity to be part of their communities and gives children the chance to attend schools all over our city.
All over our city! It goes on to say:
Dispersing public housing and reducing concentrations of disadvantage is just one way in which Canberrans can send a clear signal that it is an inclusive community, and proud of providing a range of housing options for all Canberrans.
Hear, hear! I agree. “Dispersing public housing and reducing concentrations of disadvantage is just one way in which Canberrans can send a clear signal that it is an inclusive community.” I agree with that.
However, despite many questions here in this place, the ACT government has not made a commitment to replace public housing properties along the Northbourne Avenue corridor, which is strange in light of the fact that government has repeatedly expressed its commitment to the salt and pepper approach. For example, the Minister for Housing, on 18 June 2015, in estimates hearings said:
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video