Page 2500 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 31 July 2019
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MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Orr for her interest in planning across the ACT. On 11 July this year I used my call-in powers to approve a DA for a mixed-use development in the Dickson group centre. Residents and businesses in the inner north have been calling for a second supermarket in the area for years. As our population in the inner north continues to grow we need to ensure that there are appropriate facilities such as supermarkets and other retailers.
Residents and businesses also wanted certainty about whether this development would go ahead. The need for certainty as well as the needs of inner north residents were key considerations when I made my decision. A previous development application for a larger proposal had been appealed to the Supreme Court and the ongoing court action had caused uncertainty for the inner north.
The new development application clearly addressed community concerns raised in the previous development application. I am satisfied that the affected community and businesses were appropriately consulted and that the DA underwent a rigorous assessment.
MS ORR: Minister, how will the development benefit the Dickson community?
MR GENTLEMAN: A revitalised Dickson group centre would comprise a new supermarket, supplemented by small retail tenancies and five levels of residential development consisting of 140 apartments.
Submissions from the community about the DA were particularly supportive of the inclusion of adaptable housing in the development. A distinctive aspect of the new development application is a renewed focus on community spaces. The development is smaller than the original application and has been reconfigured to be open and integrated with Dickson Square and the Dickson library. The 237 publicly accessible parking spaces in the current open car park will be replaced in the basement by a total of 655 parking spaces provided as publicly accessible parking.
MR GUPTA: Minister, how will this contribute to jobs in Canberra?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Gupta for his question and his interest in jobs for the ACT. The government is committed to creating more jobs in our local community. This development is another example of how this government is creating a more diverse Canberra economy with a range of different jobs. When I was considering this development, I took into account that it would provide additional certainty to the local community and businesses and provide a way forward for the ongoing renewal of the Dickson area.
The proposal will provide a substantial public benefit to the Canberra community, an economic boost for the area and more local jobs. Hundreds of local jobs will be created during the construction phase as well as around 160 ongoing jobs in the retail elements of the development. Increased activity in Dickson will also provide a boost for existing businesses.
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