Page 4249 - Week 13 - Thursday, 19 November 2015
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provide the public with clear examples of the aims of the projects; and to adopt more interactive and flexible engagement approaches, including improved online techniques and increased use of social media to reach out to the broader community. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, what role did the community play in the development of the statement of intent?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Dr Bourke for his supplementary. While there was no formal requirement for consultation on the statement, I considered it to be of the utmost importance to engage with the community and key stakeholders to find out their views on what the planning priorities for the ACT should be over the next five years. I was particularly happy to receive a large amount of correspondence from the younger generation of Canberrans, a number of whom have engaged for the first time in the political process.
The statement as a whole was developed following extensive community and stakeholder engagement over that six-week period I mentioned earlier. Individual workshops were held with community groups, peak industry and business groups, researchers and academics, senior officials of government, agencies, older people and the younger generation. A range of online opportunities was also provided for the broader community to be involved, including a conversation starter paper and the kitchen table conversation technique as well as feedback forms and individual submissions. More than 120 targeted stakeholders attended the six workshops with me. In addition, over 50 individuals and organisations submitted their comments and suggestions via feedback forms and written submissions to my office.
The engagement process revealed a wide range of consistent messages across the community, business and research sectors. While there is broad support for the existing strategic planning framework, there is less confidence in planning delivery and the implementation of outcomes on the ground in our buildings and public spaces. Concerns expressed included matters such as lack of design quality, sustainability and innovation in individual developments and beneficial contributions to the wider precinct. The four priorities of the statement responded to this message from the community and seek to address the concerns of Canberrans by providing a clear, innovative plan for the future of development.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, in the sessions with young people and old people were there any views expressed that were different from other groups?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Porter for her supplementary. While the key messages from older people focused on age-friendly city concepts and ageing within the community, many of the planning priorities raised were similar between young and old. Many residents expressed the need for more compact housing choices near services and local centres, good public transport and pleasant open spaces, particularly
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