Page 3118 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 22 August 2017
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If we are to get the best outcomes from our metropolitan planning we need a better understanding of the shopping needs of our growing population, including the need for more choice and competition. We are therefore investing $575,000 over four years in new retail modelling software and up-to-date surveys of floor space in our centres and shopping demand patterns. The initiative will help us integrate our shopping and employment centres into our modern transport network so they can better complement each other.
A quick glance around the ACT indicates how much the government is doing in urban renewal. While the new Suburban Land Agency and City Renewal Authority are taking the lead, the planning directorate has a significant role. The government is progressing the sale of the asset recycling initiative sites, with sale proceeds to be invested into the light rail. Importantly, these urban renewal projects will also contribute to a diversity of housing choice for Canberrans with existing urban areas. The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate with support from the Suburban Land Agency is managing the release of the asset recycling initiative sites in Red Hill, Griffith, Narrabundah and Strathgordon. The Red Hill precinct is scheduled for release and settlement in 2017-18. The Stuart Flats in Griffith, Gowrie Court in Narrabundah and Strathgordon Court in Lyons are programmed for release and settlement in 2018-19.
Our colleagues in the Community Services Directorate are managing the relocation of public housing tenants. After an extensive consultation process with the community, the Red Hill estate development plan will deliver high quality urban renewal development and public realm, encouraging a diverse range of housing typologies, including single residential detached dwellings, single residential terrace dwellings, and apartments. It is intended that the specific controls identified in the planning control plan will be uplifted into the Red Hill precinct code through a technical amendment to the Territory Plan.
The asbestos response task force continues to provide a coordinated and compassionate response to the 1,023 home owners and their families directly affected by the Mr Fluffy legacy through the loose-fill asbestos insulation eradication scheme. I am pleased to say the goal to rid our suburbs of Mr Fluffy is progressing well, with the eradication scheme ahead of schedule and under budget. The estimated net cost of the scheme has decreased by $59 million, from S366 million to $307 million, reflecting strong sales results and the efficiencies gained as the scheme has progressed, particularly savings through the demolition program.
Some 1,006 home owners participating in the scheme have accepted offers to sell their properties at a total cost of $663 million to the government. Over 650 owners have received stamp duty concessions totalling $15.9 million to help purchase another home or buy back their remediated block, and 990 assistance grants totalling $11.4 million have been paid to help people relocate. Strong sales results are being achieved. Through 26 auctions that offered 408 blocks, 370 have sold with a value of approximately $245 million. In the coming months the taskforce will continue its ongoing and regular engagement with former home owners and tenants, neighbours, and the wider Canberra community. It will also focus on properties classified as complex, including unit titled properties or those that share a wall.
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