Page 4042 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 17 November 2015
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development on the surrendered blocks whether both dwellings address the street or not. I acknowledge that this would make it more feasible for many of the surrendered blocks to accommodate dual occupancy dwellings without the rear dwelling being considerably smaller than the front dwelling.
After careful consideration of this recommendation, I have decided to proceed with the variation with the existing 35 per cent plot ratio. I am mindful that the draft variation that was released for consultation had the 35 per cent plot ratio, and changing it to 50 per cent now would be a surprise to many in the community. I do not disregard the 50 per cent plot ratio out of hand; I think it has merit. But it needs to be considered in a broader, more strategic review of residential zones. This will allow consideration of appropriate provisions to limit the potential impacts of the 50 per cent plot ratio on surrounding dwellings.
Lastly, I can advise the two members of the standing committee that at the completion of the first refusal process the ACT government will explore any options available to it to consolidate blocks for multi-unit developments. However, there are strong controls in place in the RZ1 zone that may prevent this. Should any suitable sites in the RZ1 zone be identified, they would need to be considered on their merits and, if deemed appropriate, would be subject to further territory plan variation processes.
I am satisfied that variation 343 strikes a balance between modest increases in residential density and protecting residential amenity and character. It will also assist in recouping some of the costs incurred by the asbestos eradication scheme.
The ACT government did not ask for or anticipate the asbestos insulation problem, but I am proud to say that we have dealt with it and we continue to deal with it head on. We have not balked at difficult decisions. Amending the territory plan in relation to surrendering blocks is one part of the response.
Papers
Mr Gentleman presented the following papers:
Official Visitor Act, pursuant to section 17—Annual Report 2014-15—Official Visitor for Children and Young People.
Children and Young People Act, pursuant to subsection 727S(5)—ACT Children and Young People Death Review Committee—Annual Report 2014-15, dated 30 October 2015.
Children and young people’s commitment
Paper and statement by minister
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning, Minister for Roads and Parking, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Minister for Children and Young People and Minister for Ageing): For the information of members, I present the following paper:
ACT Children and Young People’s Commitment 2015-2025—Priority areas.
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