A performance audit into how effectively the ACT’s cross-border governance arrangements support it to plan for services in Parkwood in west Belconnen has found the Parkwood Governance Steering Committee was yet to progress the planning of services.
In his report Governance Arrangements For The Planning Of Services For Parkwood, Ginninderry, Auditor-General Michael Harris said Parkwood was a component of the Ginninderry joint venture residential development and was located over the border in NSW.
“The ACT Government’s preferred approach is to move the ACT-NSW border such that Parkwood becomes part of the Territory,” Mr Harris said.
“Continuing uncertainty about the prospects of moving the border and the cost implications for the Territory increases the risks associated with this option and its cost-effectiveness for the ACT and there is a need for forward planning to reduce and manage these uncertainties.”
He said the Parkwood Governance Steering Committee, chaired by ACT’s Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD), was established in 2020 to provide a mechanism for the ACT and NSW Governments and the Yass Valley Council to develop and implement a model for infrastructure and service delivery in Parkwood.
“The Committee met twice in early 2021 but has not met since then or developed a work program of activities,” the Auditor-General said.
“There is no evidence of how the matters discussed in March 2021 have since been progressed,” he said.
“The Steering Committee has not effectively progressed the planning of services in Parkwood as intended.”
Mr Harris made two recommendations to CMTEDD, to re-convene the Steering Committee and work with the members to deliver a work program each year, and to review and endorse and/or revise the service delivery options.
The Auditor-General’s 61-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
