Page 230 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 February 2016
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MR GENTLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. As I said, those variations are complex and controversial. DV343 is no exception. For this reason, I considered that the public’s best interests would be served by referring DV343 to the committee.
Mr Coe has questioned the planning basis for variation 343. He said:
It is simply an ad hoc cash grab by the government that will do a disservice to our community.
I strongly disagree.
Mr Coe interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Coe!
MR GENTLEMAN: Firstly, I can only reiterate that there will be no profits—
Mr Coe interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Coe!
MR GENTLEMAN: Firstly, I can reiterate that there will be no profits from the asbestos eradication scheme. The government would be remiss not to explore options to minimise costs.
Mr Coe interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Coe, I warn you. Carry on, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: The government would be remiss not to explore options to minimise costs wherever possible. However, I would not have supported variation 343 if it did not have planning merit.
We all know how the blocks subject to variation 343 were chosen. The impetus for the variation did not arise from a specific planning issue relating to these blocks. There are no neat patterns of affected properties. They were simply selected by the insulation in their roofs. However, this does not prevent us from looking at some good planning outcomes from this unique situation.
The asbestos eradication scheme will result in over 1,000 cleared blocks in established residential areas. Variation 343 provides options, voluntary options, for the affected lessees of some 743 blocks to redevelop their blocks for dual occupancy dwellings if they so desire. Variation 343 also achieved a good planning outcome by increasing housing options in Canberra suburbs. We have an ageing population who are increasingly looking to downsize without relocating from their neighbourhood or their community of interest. Dual occupancy development provides an option for those who want to have a smaller dwelling and a garden but do not want to move to a unit or an apartment.
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