The ACT planning minister is under fire from Greens members within his government after using controversial call-in powers to approve development plans for stage two of Denman Prospect.
The significant development will see a new housing estate, known as Stromlo Reach, developed on Canberra’s western edge in the Molonglo Valley.
“It will deliver around 1,000 new homes, including 20 per cent affordable housing, which will provide a significant benefit to the community at a time when we desperately need more housing delivered,” Planning Minister Chris Steel said.
But the decision has “blindsided” the ACT Greens who have accused ACT Labor, their senior partner in government, of taking a cue from a developer.
The Greens said a developer involved in the planning of Stromlo Reach had written to former planning minister Mick Gentleman requesting he use his call-in powers to expedite the development.
“We are so surprised and disappointed around the reckless decision to actually use this power — which isn’t even possible under the new system,” Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti said.
Last year, the government overhauled its planning processes with ministerial call-in powers no longer an option.
But because the development application for Stromlo Reach was submitted ahead of the changes, Mr Steel has been able to employ the controversial sign off.
Ms Vassarotti said the move was “completely outside of the spirit of the decisions we have made as a joint government”.
ACT Greens planning spokeswoman Jo Clay described the land as “extremely environmentally sensitive” and said new housing should instead be built within Canberra’s existing footprint.
“Canberrans are sick of this destructive sprawl. We have much better places to build,” Ms Clay said.
The Canberra Liberals have long called for the release of new land for housing.
Opposition planning spokesman Peter Cain said Mr Steel has not been forthcoming.
“If he used his call-in powers, surely that indicates that he thinks it might hit some hurdles,” Mr Cain said.
“And the community deserves to be consulted on developments that are of significance.”
In defending the move, Mr Steel said the powers “can be used if there is a significant community benefit and if it helps to deliver on the outcomes of the Territory Plan”.
Mr Steel said the developer must meet environmental requirements around creek connectivity, tree replacement and the consideration of burrowing fauna.
He said he understood the adjacent land was of higher environmental value than the area subject to development and said he would “seek advice” on protection options.
Push to protect Blewitt’s Block
There has been an ongoing community campaign to save a neighbouring part of the Molonglo Valley known as Blewitt’s Block.
The historic patch of woodland was once farmed by WWI veteran Aubrey Blewitt in the 1920s but today is a haven for bird watchers.
Conservation Council ACT Region executive director Elle Lawless said “Blewitt’s Block is really a jewel in the crown of our bush capital”.
“It’s incredibly rich in biodiversity … home to gang gang cockatoos, superb parrots, a huge array of wildflowers and many threatened species as well,” Ms Lawless said.
“So, development really close to a site like Blewitt’s Block has flow-on effects, or what’s known as fringe effects.
“This means you get light pollution, noise pollution, increased rubbish, waste and invasive species.
“And for the animals that live there, it’s harder for them to breed, forage and move across the landscape — then you see declining populations.”
Ms Lawless said she was “really disappointed” when she learned Mr Steel had used call-in powers to approve the Stromlo Reach development.
“We have requested to meet with Mr Steel about Blewitt’s Block. We sent him a letter in January. We’ve also invited him to a walk at the site. We haven’t heard from him.”
Ms Lawless said she would be renewing her push to see Blewitt’s Block protected as a nature reserve.