Page 3970 - Week 11 - Thursday, 26 September 2019
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Progress on implementing the actions will be monitored in consultation with the advisory council and through the ACT government’s own reporting mechanisms. Following the implementation of the first action plan the government will again work closely with the ministerial advisory council to develop subsequent action plans to deliver on the strategy.
MS CHEYNE: Chief Minister, how can we support LGBTIQ+ Canberrans to use facilities that suit their gender identities?
MR BARR: I thank Ms Cheyne for that very topical question. The answer is that those members of the community should use the facilities, including bathrooms and change rooms, that they feel most comfortable using.
Planning—Ginninderra Estate
MRS KIKKERT: My question is to the Minister for Planning and Land Management. Minister, the EIS for the 330,000 volt powerline currently being constructed east of Ginninderra Estate in Holt states that, “It has been assumed that any future residents should be aware of the proposed transmission line construction.” In response, stakeholders warned that future residents were being kept in the dark and, as you know, several Canberrans did buy blocks and even built houses in this estate without any clue that you had approved 49-metre high steel towers to go up behind their homes. Minister, when you used your call-in powers to approve this project, what evidence did you have in your possession that future residents would know about the towers you had approved or the impacts listed in the EIS, such as reduced property values?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mrs Kikkert for the question. It is an important one. Of course, this work started back in 2014 in looking at the proposed commencement consultation with landholders and other relevant stakeholders. Then, of course, the environmental impact work was set with the developer for the work that is happening and the residential construction that is occurring at Holt. It was their responsibility to advise future purchasers of the proposal for the powerlines in their purchase place.
MRS KIKKERT: Minister, after having been warned, why did you not include a condition that future residents must have full disclosure of this project and its environmental and economic impacts when it was in your power to do so?
MR GENTLEMAN: As I mentioned, it was up to the developer to provide that information to future purchasers.
MR WALL: Minister, how do potential purchasers learn whether you have approved a major infrastructure project that will drive down the value of land or homes they are considering if the developer is not doing so adequately?
MR GENTLEMAN: There is no evidence that this particular development in regard to power lines will drive down any house prices at all. Of course review contracts are available as well and we ask them to review their contracts.
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