No. 50

CANBERRA CENTRAL PROGRAM CONTINUES

The Stanhope Government will invest a further $500,000 in the City through its Canberra Central Program during 2006-07, Planning Minister Simon Corbell said today.

“For the fourth year in a row, the Stanhope Government will commit significant funds - in total more than $1.5 million over the four years – to continue working on ways to make the City a more lively and inviting place to live, work and play.  The 2006-07 funds will be used on a number of projects that set in place the necessary policies for the future development of our city heart,” Mr Corbell said.

“A key focus of the Canberra Central Project in 2006-07 will be the development of a single planning document outlining the processes and procedures that apply to development, planning guidelines, environmental sustainability and community safety in revitalising the City.  The ACT Planning and Land Authority and the National Capital Authority will work on this together to establish a framework that responds to the Griffin Legacy and clarifies the expectations, requirements and quality of sustainable development in the city.

“Complementing the one planning document will be the creation of a City Design Manual that will be distributed to the design and building industry to encourage a consistent approach to the design of public spaces in the city. Although the city will continue to have distinctive areas, the guidelines in the manual will help to deliver a high standard for common elements such as street furniture, paving, trees and lighting that will give the City a greater sense of unity and continuity.

During the next 12 months, the Stanhope Government will also:
•	receive recommendations from a study about best-practice methods for the management and maintenance of new and existing assets in the City;
•	improve community safety in the city by enhancing the levels of lighting, quality of paving and the like;
•	complete a land economic study that will determine the content, form, sequencing and staging of future development; and,
•	develop a long-term parking strategy for the City.

Mr Corbell said Christmas in the City celebrations had also been funded in the 2006-07 ACT Budget. “The City centre is a key destination for residents and visitors during Christmas, and the Christmas in the City events are an important part of making our city heart an enjoyable place to be,” he said. 

“Families can anticipate that this year’s lighting of the tree and other activities will be better than ever.”

Mr Corbell said a Canberra Central web site would be set up to provide information about the program, key projects and studies. “It will be a great place for visitors and residents alike to find information on future events in the City, relevant publication and current City news,” he said.