Released 25/07/2017
A new City Renewal Authority will be established on 1 July to drive the renewal of the Northbourne Avenue, Civic and West Basin precinct, delivering on the government’s commitment to set up a dedicated authority.
The new Authority will be a statutory authority with its own board and strong corporate governance, together with high level strategic planning, design and commercial expertise. As our city grows towards a population of half a million people, we need to shape that growth so we can hold onto the best parts of our past as we pursue the opportunities of the future.
By renewing our urban areas and building functional, well connected suburbs, we can avoid the mistakes of Sydney and Melbourne.
Through good design to put people at the heart of renewed areas, all Canberrans will benefit from the City Renewal Authority’s work. It will work to improve public spaces within the precinct including streets, footpaths, parks and buildings—so they invite greater interaction between people and foster more social and economic activity.
The new authority will take the same precinct based approach that has been successful in projects like Southbank in Brisbane and Elizabeth Quay in Perth. The precise boundaries will be confirmed in the coming weeks, but the precinct will run from where Flemington Road intersects with the Federal Highway in the north, down Northbourne Avenue, including the Dickson Group Centre, to the CBD and on to Lake Burley Griffin. The authority will be responsible for delivering the Haig Park master plan as part of its mission to improve public spaces throughout the precinct.
Power to approve developments in the precinct will remain with the National Capital Authority and the independent ACT Planning and Land Authority.
The City Renewal Authority will lead and manage major projects and associated land acquisitions and sales in the city area – and administer design competitions to ensure Canberrans get the best possible design for their new public areas and buildings.
It will be responsible for community engagement relating to city renewal, improving public spaces in the precinct and preparing sites and associated infrastructure.
The Government will also establish the Suburban Land Agency to deliver new greenfield residential estates and more affordable housing. The new Agency, under the governance of a new board, will focus on land release, housing supply, better suburbs and associated suburban renewal projects.
Legislation will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly later this month for the new Authority and Agency to replace the Land Development Agency from 1 July 2017.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases