Released 25/07/2017
Residents, community groups and businesses have voiced their opinion on the direction of the city centre and its prominent gateway, Northbourne Avenue. Over 300 Canberrans provided their suggestions for the urban renewal of Canberra’s premier centre and its gateway during consultation earlier this year.
“During the consultation, the community identified Garema Place, Haig Park and Sullivans Creek as high priority locations for improving public space in the heart of our city,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Many respondents recognised that urban renewal in the City and Gateway corridor has the potential to demonstrate new urban experiences, inner-city living and the modern business culture in our city.
“Through this strategy and further consultation we want to make sure that urban renewal in the city and along Northbourne Avenue delivers benefits for the entire Canberra community,” Minister Gentleman said.
Younger respondents, in particular, welcome the urban experience on offer in Braddon and New Acton. They would like to see these precincts continue to flourish and other precincts brought to life in a similar way, such as by harnessing the potential for courtyards, laneways and underutilised open spaces.
“People want to visit spots in Canberra that have a ‘buzz’ and showcase our local culture and identity – be it food, art, design or creative small businesses – it is this local culture that creates a distinct sense of place and belonging,” Minister Gentleman said.
Better harnessing the potential of Sullivans Creek as a green thread that stitches together neighbourhoods is seen as prime opportunity for the area.
“Returning parts of Sullivans Creek to a more natural state, upgrading the shared path, improving public parks along the Creek and buildings addressing the creek over time are some suggested ways to achieve this,” Minister Gentleman said.
Residents are also keen to see housing diversity, affordability and family-friendly urban lifestyles enhanced in the corridor. Attractive housing and lifestyle choices for a wide range of household types, incomes and tenant arrangements have been highlighted as important.
“Increasing accessibility and amenity for pedestrians, cyclists and people using public transport is important while managing traffic volumes and congestion in a sensitive way,” Minister Gentleman said.
Almost 5,000 people visited the project website during consultation with 100 people completing the survey and 160 people talking to the project team during Meet the Planners sessions in the City, Dickson, Ainslie and O’Connor. In addition, community groups and business stakeholders have been involved in workshops to progress implementation of projects.
“The ACT Government is now considering the community’s comments in further detail before developing a draft strategy for release later this year,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
For more information visit http://haveyoursay.planning.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases