Released 04/05/2018
Canberra’s housing needs will be the focus of examination for tomorrow’s first Collaboration Hub session, when a group of 38 locals will consider the future housing needs and options for Canberra.
“The next three months will see these 38 participants discuss ideas, opportunities and challenges, and explore how our housing needs might be met in the future,” Minister Gentleman said.
“We need to explore how we can plan for the future, for a growing population with different housing needs and demands, while maintaining the character and amenity which makes where we live so special.”
In March invitations to participate in the Collaboration Hub were sent to approximately 15,000 randomly selected households. Of those that responded, 38 were selected by newDemocracy Foundation, independently from Government, to represent a broad and representative cross-section of Canberrans.
The Collaboration Hub follows on from earlier community consultation around Housing Choices. Stage 1 Housing Choices engagement held earlier this year highlighted housing affordability, age-friendly options and the retention of neighbourhood character as some of the key points that the community see as important.
The Housing Choices Discussion Paper, issued in November last year, was a helpful way to outline a number of topics around housing and to engage with the community. The feedback that followed from a broad range of submitters provided an excellent basis for the Collaboration Hub to take a deep dive examination of housing and will identify recommendations on what Government should consider. Stage 1 submissions as well as the engagement report are now available on www.yoursay.act.gov.au.
“There is no one right answer to this problem. We have to respond to the diversity of the community and its needs now and in the future. This is a genuine opportunity to influence the range of housing choices and future development in our city.”
Five in-depth Hub sessions will be held over three months to immerse the participants in all aspects of housing and planning and development in the ACT. The participants selected represent a wide cross section of the community and will bring their own perspectives and ideas. Throughout the process they will have access to a range of experts from industry and government to cover specific topics such as housing affordability and land use zoning.
“With the Collaboration Hub kicking off tomorrow, the results from stage 1 will help to inform our continuing conversation. I also encourage members of the community to visit the Your Say website for more information on how they can engage with this process,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
The Collaboration Hub is another example of the government’s commitment to strengthening community engagement and involving citizens more directly in the complex challenges and opportunities our growing city is facing.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases