This Bill proposes major changes to the process for Territory Plan variations.
It was presented to the Legislative Assembly on 20 March and referred it to the Standing Committee on Planning, Environment and Territory and Municipal Services on 8 April. The Committee has invited public submissions, with a closing date of 22 April.
Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury explained the Bill at the North Canberra Community Council meeting on 16 April.
He made his to the Council:
People who attended the meeting expressed concern about the short period being allowed for public comment on the Bill and the risk of unanticipated problems resulting from rushed drafting, simplistic requirements for designation of “significant” projects, the short periods that the Bill would allow for public consultation on proposed developments, the Bill’s provisions for removal of heritage protection.
The Council agreed to ask the Standing Committee on Planning, Environment and Territory and Municipal Services to extend the time for public consultation on the Bill.
Comments due by 22 April on Planning and Development (Project Facilitation) Bill.