ACT Minister for Planning, Mick Gentleman, has used his ‘call-in’ powers to approve the demolition of several public housing buildings along the northern parts of Northbourne Avenue.
“I have made the decision to call in this development application after being well informed by the heritage council as well as the broader community. This will ensure demolition work can commence as soon as possible to enable the future redevelopment of these important sites within the Northbourne Avenue corridor,” Minister Gentleman commented.
Minister Gentleman explained that following advice from the ACT Heritage Council, a number of buildings are preserved as representative types. Registered trees and many identified regulated and high value trees are also protected by this decision. The Minister added that he ensured the application has been independently and thoroughly assessed by the planning and land authority. While I have made the final decision, I have done so after being well informed by the heritage council considering the planning and land authority’s expert and independent advice as I am required to do under law.
“The application has been assessed by planning and land authority, like any other application; however the decision I have made today is final and cannot be reviewed in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.” Minister Gentleman commented.
Minister Gentleman went on to point out that the government is working with both public housing tenants and community service providers to ensure tenants on Northbourne Avenue know what’s happening under the Public Housing Renewal Program, and a number of tenants have successfully moved to new homes. Tenants relocating under the program are provided with regular catch-ups with the Linked into New Communities Taskforce and their relocation is guided by their needs and preferences.

It should be noted that under Section 158 of the Planning and Development Act 2007 the Minister can ‘call-in’ and approve an application if he or she considers it will respond to a major policy issue, have a substantial effect on achieving objectives of the Territory Plan and provide a substantial public benefit.