Page 517 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 15 February 2017
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connected and will seize opportunities for urban renewal to become a showcase for innovation and design excellence.
Our city will be accessible and inclusive, where well-designed and friendly urban environments will promote the health, well-being and prosperity of all Canberrans. I am committed to ensuring that our planning and urban renewal programs enable and facilitate greater outcomes on the ground for our economic prosperity and growth, as well as for the greater civic life we wish to be renowned for.
The path to the Canberra of the future is marked out by transformational urban renewal and innovation, underpinned by the light rail network and the city to the lake vision, all founded on design excellence.
I will briefly outline some of the specific goals as outlined in the statement of planning intent that I believe are necessary to facilitate the delivery of the infrastructure our growing city needs and which will support economic growth, creating business confidence.
We will continue to collaborate on regional and cross-border planning, catchment management and infrastructure and transport projects. We will foster the development of prosperous economic and employment hubs in the city centres to support transport infrastructure, including light rail, and recognise and support the continuing development of Canberra Airport’s transport infrastructure, including air travel and freight.
We will engage with the community, industry, business and research sectors early and ensure public engagement is meaningful, transparent, effective and ongoing. We will communicate the vision and the process steps for each major project from strategic planning through to development applications, highlighting the opportunities for public contribution. We will work collaboratively across government to ensure continuity of vision and direction for major projects. We will also develop partnerships with industry and research sectors to foster innovation and sustainability in planning, design and development.
Earlier Mr Wall made some comments regarding business confidence. After attending the Business Chamber’s roundtable last week I can advise that not only are businesses more confident in the ACT but they are more excited. They are excited about future opportunities thanks to the policies that this government has introduced and our planning. Contrary to Mr Wall’s assertions, they are planning for an exciting future.
I also note Mr Wall’s allegations regarding calls and emails to my office not being responded to. Madam Deputy Speaker, we always respond to those calls and emails that ask for a response. Sometimes those responses take some time because we want to research all of the opportunities through the directorate and its available resources.
In conclusion, I reiterate my support for the motion and state again that the government will continue to support growth and development in the ACT. We will support businesses and the community alike throughout our planning and urban renewal projects.
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