No. 56 

PLANNING FOR CANBERRA’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

The Stanhope Government has provided $500,000 in the 2006-07 Budget towards planning for the future development and growth of Canberra, Planning Minister Simon Corbell announced today.

The funding will go towards the implementation of the Spatial Plan which will see planning for future development in Molonglo Valley, opportunities for redevelopment and renewal at East Lake and an employment corridor between Majura and Symonston.

 “The Spatial Plan is the Government’s key strategic planning document, setting out actions for 30 years and beyond for directing and managing urban growth and change,” Mr Corbell said.

“This is the third year of Budget funding to continue implementation of the Spatial Plan and in 2006-07 the $500,000 will be used for detailed precinct planning and to investigate the feasibility of a variety of infrastructure requirements in Molonglo Valley and East Lake.  As well, the funding will allow the ACT Planning and Land Authority to start investigating the establishment of a Majura-Symonston employment corridor as envisaged in the Canberra Spatial Plan.

“These initiatives will significantly increase the social, environmental and economic sustainability of Canberra.

“Molonglo Valley presents a number of opportunities to undertake development in a more sustainable way.  This includes access to good transport links to employment centres and further protection of identified wildlife corridors.  In response to the threat of bushfires, asset protection zones will be created to support the bushfire abatement zone. 

“Another aspect of the Spatial Plan implementation is the East Lake urban renewal project, situated between Kingston and east Fyshwick.  This area has the potential to accommodate future demand for a wider range of housing in locations close to employment and services.

“The site will form part of the future Majura-Symonston employment corridor.  The potential land uses along the north-south employment corridor – along the Majura and Monaro Highways, from Majura Valley through to Symonston and the Jerrabomberra Valley – will be investigated over 2006-07.  The investigations will focus on whether this corridor will support the growth of broad-acre industrial, commercial, tourism, recreation and transport-related activities when additional land is required.”