The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement by ACT Planning Minister, Simon Corbell, that additional funds will be allocated in this year’s Budget to reform the ACT’s planning and land administration system in 2005-2006.
The Minister has said that the reforms will deliver for Canberra a streamlined integrated development process removing duplication and providing a one-stop shop for development approvals.
Property Council ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter, says the Property Council is pleased that the ACT Government has identified planning reform to be a top priority in the 2005-2006 Budget.
"We fully support the comments made by the Minister that the ACT needs a clearer, more time responsive and administratively manageable planning system," Ms Carter said.
"The planning system in the ACT to date has been fragmented, with the lack of coordination between key agencies resulting in frustration and delays.
"We’re especially pleased with the announcement that the Government intends to provide a one-stop shop for development approvals. This is an eminently sensible approach, and one which the Property Council has advocated for a long time.
"What we need now is immediate action. We note that the Government intends to release a directions paper and associated technical papers for public comment later this month.
"We also encourage the Government to provide additional funding to allow ACTPLA to implement the planning reform process as a matter of priority.
"The Property Council will liaise closely with Government on this issue, and we will be asking for commitment to an early date for the establishment of a central agency as part of the planning reform package," Ms Carter said.
Contact:
Catherine Carter, Executive Director, 02 6248 6902 or 0412 330 079
