August 20 Newsletter

It has been another busy month in North Canberra planning news. In particular, the recent use of Ministerial ‘call-in’ powers to fast-track the Dickson ‘Common Ground’ development exemplifies many of the concerns by residents about the current nature of the ACT’s planning processes.

Survey – Dickson swimming pool forecourt upgrade

Temporary improvements to the Dickson Pool forecourt will help you enjoy this space more this summer. If you’ve come along to have a look at these improvements please take the ACT Government’s 2 minute survey so they know how you feel the new space is working and what else they could consider. Your feedback will inform a detailed design for other upgrades in the future. The upgrades follow engagement with the community, which told the ACT Government the upgrades were one of their top priorities and suggested how this space could be improved.  The improvements include new landscaping, shade, seating, bike …

Successful appeal at ACAT

The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal has varied the conditions of approval of a Northbourne Avenue development. As a result of an appeal brought by the North Canberra Community Council, the Tribunal ordered changes to the conditions that apply to the proposed development. The changes include reducing building heights, increasing on-site parking and increasing solar access. The tribunal also acknowledged that broader traffic issues “cannot be properly addressed by looking at one development, or even one street, but needs a broader approach.” The tribunals’ decision is at http://acat.act.gov.au/decisions/north-canberra-community-council-v-act-planning-and-land-authority-and-anor-administrative-review-2019-acat-87