TABLING STATEMENT
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
(PLANNING AND LAND MANAGEMENT) ACT 1988
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT 54
OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN
PARLIAMENTARY ZONE (SECTION 55 PARKES)
Section 6 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (the Act) provides that the National Capital Authority (the NCA) is responsible, among other things, for preparing and administering the National Capital Plan, for keeping the Plan under constant review and for proposing amendments to it when necessary. Amendment 54 of the National Capital Plan, Parliamentary Zone (Section 55 Parkes) has been prepared in accordance with sections 14 to 23 of the Act.
The Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the Hon Jim Lloyd MP, approved Amendment 54 on 5 September 2006, in accordance with section 19 of the Act.
The Amendment is being laid before both Houses of Parliament as a disallowable instrument in accordance with the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. If either House, in pursuance of a motion of which notice has been given within fifteen (15) sitting days after the Amendment has been laid before that House, passes a resolution disallowing the Amendment, or part of the Amendment, the Amendment or part so disallowed ceases to have effect.
Amendment 54 widens the range of uses permitted on Section 55 Parkes in the Parliamentary Zone by deleting the eighth paragraph under “Land Use and Development” in “Appendix T6. Master Plan for the Parliamentary Zone” which says the site (Section 55 Parkes) should be reserved for a significant national building, such as a National Theatre and Concert Hall and replacing it with a statement that says the site should be reserved for a significant national building and/or a significant national place of special status and interest.
In accordance with subsection 15(1) and section 24 of the Act, the NCA released Draft Amendment 54 (Section 55 Parkes) of the Plan (DA54) for consultation from Saturday 20 May 2006 to 9 June 2006. A public notice was placed in The Canberra Times on 20 May 2006 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 May 2006.
The National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) made the only submission on DA54. Questacon supported the proposed changes to the Plan as it will provide greater flexibility and planning opportunities for future uses for the site.
On 31 May 2006 the NCA sought the views of the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) on the proposal. On 22 June 2006 ACTPLA wrote to the NCA advising that it does not wish to raise any concerns regarding the draft amendment and has no further comments on the proposal.
On 31 May 2006 the NCA sought the advice of the Office of Regulation Review on the need for a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS). On 9 June 2006 the Office of Regulation Review advised that DA54 will not require a RIS as the amendment appears to be minor or machinery in nature and does not alter existing arrangements substantially.
On 29 May 2006 the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads (Lloyd) referred DA54 to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories (the Committee), and advised the Committee of the release of DA54.