Agency takes land off market
Block 109 of Section 23 at Ngunnawal has been removed from the market by the Suburban Land Agency to provide more time to work towards a better balance of social and financial benefits for the community.
There had originally been a call for tenders to build 160 residential care beds and 30 supportive dwellings in a retirement village on the block, which contains the Gold Creek Homestead.
The Agency said the Homestead had no heritage value but it had attracted community interest and numerous parties had contacted the Agency, saying they would like to see the Homestead maintained.
Casino panel on the cards
A new advisory panel is to be appointed to provide greater oversight and transparency of decisions about the Canberra casino.
Legislation that has passed the Legislative Assembly has tasked the new body with providing oversight of the ownership and gaming operations of the casino and to consider what is in the public’s interest.
It will also advise the Government on any future application to operate gaming machines or fully automated table games.
The panel’s work will be in addition to the role of the Gambling and Racing Commission, which will continue to provide advice to the Government about regulatory compliance and how to reduce gambling harm in the best interests of the community.
Wright move on land
A block of land in the southern suburb of Wright will be reserved for community use after Ministerial approval for Variation 358 to the Territory Plan.
The Variation prohibits residential care accommodation, supportive housing and retirement villages on the land.
Instead, the block will be restricted to other community uses, such as a community activity centre, childcare centre, educational establishment, health facility, place of worship or outdoor recreation facility.
The Variation addresses the Wright community’s concerns before the site becomes part of the Land Release Program 2018–19.
The next step is for the Variation to be considered by the Legislative Assembly.
