Public Meeting 9 December 2015
9 December 2015
Chair: Peter Elford
Committee members in attendance: David Pollard; Jacob Vadakkedatthu; John Phippen; Prasad; Henley Samuel; Kevin Cox and Ian Ruecroft
Committee members absent: No apologies advised
Community members present: Approximately 200 (at 6.30pm)
Agenda Item 1. Continuation of an information session held by the ACT Government’s Public Housing Renewal Task Force regarding a proposed new public housing project adjacent to the Franklin Early Childhood Centre.
Mr. David Collett, Executive Director, or the taskfroce provided information and answered questions from the audience
The meeting was advised that there was no intention of expanding Franklin School at this time. Franklin area to South of existing site was not suitable for education.
Questions coming from the audience during the GCC meeting were:
Q: Rationale behind mixing medium-density housing (limit of 2 story)
A: No decision yet, requesting Community input.
Q: What opportunities for Community input?
A: Will be at Franklin Primary School P&C meeting 17:00 – 18:00 Tuesday, <date to be added>.
Q: Why is ACT building public housing, why not buying existing housing?
A: There is the option to achieve both; however building fit-for-purpose residences is preferable.
Q: What does the criteria consider?
A: Bus routes and available blocks.
Q: Are both Franklin blocks still under consideration?
A: No decision.
Q: Is there an intention to start building soon?
A: The website will be updated to inform the public that no DA has been lodged and that no detailed planning work has commenced.
Q: What actions will be taken to avoid public housing issues, for example assaults etc. People have purchased properties to get away from this. Which public housing tenants will be located to the residences?
A: Currently working with each public housing tenant to ensure tenants are suitable for the residences. There will also be a support plan for each tenant. Tenants with behavioural issues – Government wish to have an inclusive and non-discriminatory public housing structure. The website will contain information regarding education advice about previous years.
Q: How will you be able to ensure that public housing tenants behave appropriately?
A: Will provide more information regarding how public housing will ensure appropriate public housing tenant behaviour.
Q: Identified blocks are currently zoned commercial and educational use. Is this the appropriate zoning for this type of development?
A: The zoning is appropriate.
Q: What will happen if the Community does not accept the proposal?
A: Will take back to Government for consideration.
Q: Why don’t you survey Franklin to get Community opinion?
A: The website will publish current public housing results
Q: What impact will the public housing have on the school?
A: Land will be left for a future school development.
Q: When will they stop changing the proposal regarding Franklin? Why are they not constructing the oval?
A: The website will provide further information.
NOTE: A decision has not been made
Q: Are you open to suggestions on other sites?
A: Yes
Q: How will you inform the community on how to provide suggestions?
A: Doing a letter box drop, email and using social media. Utilising mainstream media such as newspapers, TV and also via the Gungahlin City Council.
Q: How come the initial decision was made without appropriate research?
A: Various options were explored
Q: Why isn’t public housing being dispersed into an existing complex rather than a purpose built complex?
A: Both options will take place
Q: How will you ensure that undesirable tenants are excluded?
A: Housing will match tenants within the community environment
Q: How will Government work with the GCC to bring about a suitable development?
A: GCC do not have the capacity to do this
Q: Will you list all the sites being considered for public housing?
A: Yes
Q: What is the level of risk regarding public housing? Information will be requested to inform the community regarding the public housing proposal to explain the risk and the risk management strategies
A: Public housing do not intend to do an risk assessment.
Q: Has the taskforce done a risk assessment?
A: No.
Q: How many tenants?
A: Less than 24
12 attendees remained at the meeting following the completion of this agenda item at 7.55pm
Agenda Item 2. Marketplace Development, Phil Knackstedt, Vinta Group
Basement 2 levels – underground corridor will also accommodate pedestrian accessDA approval 8 May 2015. Work commenced 25 May 2015
Open carpark June 2016. Kmart opening October 2016
Marketplace refurbishment complete by June
Discussion regarding pedestrian mall/shared zone – As is.
2 storm c/r under Big W – Not in current plan
The Marketplace is seeking to close the UG carpark during the hours midnight to 7am. This is outside the current Crown lease; which dictates 24hrs opening of the carpark.
8.14 – Advice provided that Bunnings will open this Saturday