This is our final 2022 ISCCC news update for the year, and provides an opportunity to wish you all the best for the festive season and the New Year.
How will your suburb be affected by proposed new ACT Government District Strategies?
The ISCCC urges you to have your say on the ACT Government’s draft Inner South Canberra District Strategy by the closing date of 3 March. The Government has a policy of locating 70 percent of new housing in established suburbs, and projects a demand for an additional 12,400 dwellings in the inner south by 2063.
In particular, we suggest you look at the Sustainable Neighbourhoods map at Fig 36, page 111 of the draft Strategy:
The yellow highlighted areas are coded T4 General Urban, which means medium rise up to 3 storey apartment buildings. The pink areas are up to 6 storey buildings (T5 Urban Centre), and the red areas are over 6 storey buildings (T6 Urban Core).
For Yarralumla and Deakin, significant areas on either side of Adelaide Avenue may be rezoned for apartments up to, or exceeding 6 storeys, with several blocks behind them rezoned for up to 3 storey apartments. The Canberra Brickworks and Forestry Precinct developments in Yarralumla are already in the pipeline. West Deakin is proposed for significant intensification as a health employment precinct with increasing building heights. Deakin local centre and surrounding area are proposed for intensification. The Deakin sports grounds appear to be included for further investigation as a “possible change area”.
Griffith – a significant area from Manuka to Griffith shops may be rezoned for up to three storey apartment buildings, and a few spots up to 6 storeys.
Forrest – an area in the vicinity of Franklin Street and National Circuit encompassing the old Italo-Australian Club site is proposed for urban intensification.
East Lake (between Kingston Foreshore and Fyshwick) and Dairy Road in Fyshwick: are already in the detailed planning stage for urban intensification.
Kingston – it appears that building height restrictions around the Kingston Group Centre may be lifted to accommodate up to 6 storeys or more.
Old Narrabundah – a large area between the Narrabundah shops and Sturt/Jerrabomberra Ave may be rezoned for up to 3 storey apartment buildings.
Red Hill – it appears most areas highlighted for change are already being redeveloped as part of The Parks development around the shops.
Oaks Estate and Symonston – are included in the East Canberra District Strategy, rather than the Inner South Canberra District Strategy. The removal of Oaks Estate from the inner south area appears to have serious implications for the residents of Oaks Estate.
General – the ACT Government is also seeking community views on whether there is support for allowing dual occupancies in single dwelling zones (currently zoned RZ1).
Find out more, including about how to have your say, at:
https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/act-planning-review/draft-inner-south-district-strategy
The ISCCC is analysing the draft District Strategies and the new draft Territory Plan, and will provide feedback to our community in the New Year.
Update on draft Planning Bill
The draft district strategy is part of a total package of proposed planning changes. The Legislative Assembly’s Planning, Transport and City Services Committee has completed an inquiry this week into the new Planning Bill. The ISCCC’s submission and other submissions to the inquiry are at:
Relevant media coverage includes:
https://citynews.com.au/2022/hold-the-bill-planners-get-too-much-power/
https://citynewsqbn.com.au/2022/planner-proposes-planning-change-that-suits-planners/
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8023076/is-this-the-act-governments-most-contentious-bill/
The final report of the Committee of Inquiry has just been released, and if you have limited time, you may wish to focus on the recommendations. The additional comments by the three members of the committee on pages 105-112 are also very interesting in providing insight into their perspectives:
Summary record of ISCCC AGM and Public Forum on Planning Review on 8 November 2022
The ISCCC held its Annual General Meeting on 8 November 2022. The draft minutes of the meeting, the ISCCC Chair’s report on activities in the past financial year, presentations on the new draft Territory Plan and District Strategies by the ACT Government Chief Planner Ben Ponton, and a response by retired planner Richard Johnston, are at:
https://www.isccc.org.au/draft-record-of-agm-forum-8-november-2022
Travel disruption for 2 months from 14 January on Novar/Kent Streets and Dudley Street, Yarralumla and Deakin
Your travel will be disrupted for two months from Saturday 14 January 2023 if you travel often along Dudley Street from Cotter Road, and between Yarralumla and West Deakin along Novar and Kent Streets. These roads will be closed to enable intersection signalisation and other roadworks to be completed. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained across Kent Street Bridge. There will be bus stop impacts and diversions for bus route 57 whilst these road closures are in place. Find out more at:
What do you think about a proposal to reduce speed limits on suburban streets?
Local community group Living Streets argues that Canberra streets currently prioritise driving over walking, cycling, other active travel, and using public transport, and that slower, shared streets would promote more active travel.
ACT Government will legislate a right to a healthy environment
In 2023, the ACT Government will progress legislation to include a right to a healthy environment in the Human Rights Act 2004 (see https://the-riotact.com/the-act-will-soon-have-the-right-to-a-healthy-environment-heres-what-that-means/617621)
Best wishes for the festive season and the New Year.
Regards
Marea Fatseas
Chair ISCCC