Draft Amendments to the National Capital Plan
Draft Amendment 78 – Stirling Ridge and Attunga Point
National Capital Plan Draft Amendment 78 – Stirling Ridge and Attunga Point (DA78) proposes to adjust current land use boundaries within Sections 17, 22 and 128 Yarralumla to accommodate diplomatic land use, to secure Stirling Ridge as an Open Space area and to foster management of Attunga Point as a possible future location for the Prime Minister’s Residence.
The draft amendment also seeks to remove the National Capital Use area intended as an extension to Empire Circuit, passing through part of Stirling Ridge and the former West Lake community to connect with Alexandrina Drive.
The proposed adjustment of land use boundaries results in a net increase in open space for the area while fulfilling the NCA’s responsibility to provide sites for the purposes of diplomatic use and for a future residence for the Prime Minister of Australia.
A public information session will be held on:
Tuesday 13 November 2012 at 6pm, at the Yarralumla Uniting Church, Denman Street Yarralumla 2600.
The NCA requests that people who want to attend, register their interest by completing the RSVP form at www.nationalcapital.gov.au/DA78rsvp.
Draft Amendment 79 – Removal of West Basin Pedestrian Bridge
National Capital Plan Draft Amendment 79– Removal of West Basin Pedestrian Bridge (DA79) proposes to remove from the National Capital Plan, all references to a pedestrian bridge connecting the Acton Peninsula to the Parliamentary Zone across the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin.
DA79 is in response to Immigration Bridge Australia’s decision to use an alternate site for commemorative purposes.
A public information session on DA79 will be held on:
Wednesday 7 November 2012 from 12pm to 1pm at the National Capital Authority, Ground Floor Treasury Building, King Edward Terrace, PARKES ACT 2600
Draft Amendment 80 – Yarramundi Reach
The purpose of Draft Amendment 80 – Yarramundi Reach (DA80) is to remove the development reservation at Yarramundi Reach to more adequately reflect the capacity of the site for development. DA80 will assist in protecting the natural and cultural heritage values of Yarramundi Reach.
A public information session on DA80 will be held on:
Wednesday 7 November 2012 from 1 pm to 2pm at the National Capital Authority, Ground Floor Treasury Building, King Edward Terrace, PARKES ACT 2600
DA78, DA79 and DA80 of the National Capital Plan have been prepared in accordance with sections 15(1) and 23 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 and are now available for public inspection and comment.
The National Capital Authority invites interested people and organisations to provide written comments on DA78, DA79 and DA80 by close of business on 14 December 2012 to:
Andrew Smith
Chief Planner
National Capital Authority
GPO Box 373
CANBERRA ACT 2601
email: draft.amendment@natcap.gov.au
Copies of DA78, DA79 and DA80 are available from:
www.nationalcapital.gov.au
National Capital Authority
Treasury Building
Ground floor King Edward Terrace
PARKES ACT 2600
between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday
National Capital Exhibition
Barrine Drive
Commonwealth Park
between 9am and 5pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends
Further information is available by telephone on (02) 6271 2888 or email draft.amendment@natcap.gov.au.
Overview
The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Amendment Bill 2012 (C2012G00224) was enacted to address gaps and problems in the management and planning of land within the Australian Capital Territory, specifically concerning diplomatic land use, open space preservation, and the removal of certain infrastructure such as pedestrian bridges. This legislation was enacted by the Parliament of the Australian Capital Territory and aims to ensure that the National Capital Plan can be adjusted to meet evolving needs, such as accommodating diplomatic land use and preserving significant natural and cultural heritage sites. The policy objective of this Act is to provide a framework for the National Capital Authority to make necessary amendments to the National Capital Plan, balancing the needs for development with the preservation of open spaces and heritage sites. The Act allows for public consultation and feedback on proposed amendments, ensuring that the changes reflect the interests and needs of the community.
Scope and Application
The Draft Amendments to the National Capital Plan, specifically Draft Amendments 78, 79, and 80, pertain to the Australian Capital Territory and are crafted under sections 15(1) and 23 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. These draft amendments aim to modify land use boundaries within certain sections of Yarralumla to allocate land for diplomatic use and to designate Stirling Ridge as an Open Space area, while also considering Attunga Point as a potential site for the future residence of the Prime Minister. Additionally, Draft Amendment 79 proposes the removal of the National Capital Use area planned for Empire Circuit, which would traverse Stirling Ridge and the former West Lake community. Concurrently, Draft Amendment 80 seeks to lift the development reservation at Yarramundi Reach to better align with the site’s development potential, while also safeguarding its natural and cultural heritage. These amendments are open for public inspection and feedback, with interested individuals and organisations invited to submit written comments by the specified deadline.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Draft Amendments to the National Capital Plan, specifically Draft Amendments 78, 79, and 80, outline the proposed changes to land use boundaries and development reservations. Draft Amendment 78 (DA78) seeks to adjust land use boundaries within Sections 17, 22, and 128 of Yarralumla, aiming to accommodate diplomatic land use, secure Stirling Ridge as an Open Space area, and potentially designate Attunga Point for the future residence of the Prime Minister (section 15(1) and 23 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988). Draft Amendment 79 (DA79) proposes the removal of references to a pedestrian bridge connecting Acton Peninsula to the Parliamentary Zone across the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin (section 15(1) and 23). Draft Amendment 80 (DA80) intends to remove the development reservation at Yarramundi Reach to better reflect the site’s capacity for development and protect its natural and cultural heritage values (section 15(1) and 23).
The obligations imposed by these draft amendments on the parties involved include providing written comments on the proposed changes by the specified deadline (close of business on 14 December 2012). The National Capital Authority, as the governing body, is responsible for soliciting these comments and ensuring that the public has an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the amendments. Additionally, the amendments require adherence to the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, which governs the planning and land management practices in the region.
Should there be any breaches of the obligations and requirements set out by the National Capital Plan, there could be civil or criminal consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of planning and land management acts typically involve fines or other legal actions as stipulated under relevant legislation. The maximum penalties for such breaches can vary, but they often include substantial fines that reflect the gravity of the infraction. It is important for all parties to comply with the stipulated processes to avoid any potential legal repercussions.