Page 1682 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 9 May 2018
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MS CHEYNE: Minister, how does the recently released expression of interest for demonstration housing projects support the housing choices project?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Cheyne for her interest in this topic. The next important part of the housing choices consultation is a demonstration housing project. Last month I announced a process inviting the Canberra community and industry stakeholders to submit an expression of interest to deliver best practice and innovative planning and design projects across the territory.
The ACT government is committed to the planning and delivery of housing that supports a vibrant, compact and sustainable city while also providing a wide range of housing options. The demonstration housing project is a sign of this commitment and forms one part of the government’s approach to planning for the future housing needs of Canberrans and the housing choices consultation that I have outlined.
This project will provide an opportunity for architects, builders, residents and social housing providers to showcase innovative design and delivery of real-world examples that are not currently available in the ACT, including small houses, co-housing and carbon neutral buildings.
It is anticipated that the demonstration housing project will deliver built outcomes highlighting how innovative planning design and delivery can benefit Canberra’s future through a more compact and vibrant city while delivering a greater choice of housing to the Canberra market.
The first stage expression of interest will assess market interest, capability and the experience of suitably qualified proponents. Proponents will have the chance to identify existing planning constraints that may need to be changed to enable the delivery of their proposal. Successful first-stage applicants will then be invited to refine their proposals further and submit more detailed design concepts during a second stage.
Light rail—stage 1 construction
MR MILLIGAN: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, my office has received numerous complaints from Gungahlin businesses about the level of noise in the town centre resulting from light rail construction. In fact yesterday one business owner recorded noise at over 100 decibels that lasted the entire business day. Minister, how do you expect business owners and employees to operate under these conditions when they cannot conduct a conversation, serve customers, take phone calls or conduct their daily business?
MS FITZHARRIS: I do not expect that that sort of noise level would be part of the construction, particularly during business hours. I will take specific advice on whether that was the case yesterday. It is clear that there is a lot of construction, which actually means a lot of investment in the Gungahlin town centre. I am aware it is having an impact on businesses.
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