Published Monday, 21 January, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
AVOCA DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT GO AHEAD IN CURRENT FORM: SCHWARTEN
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten has today announced that the proposed Department of Housing development in Hillvue Crescent, Avoca will not go ahead in its current form.
Mr Schwarten said the development had been considered by the Director-General of the Department of Housing under the provisions of the Integrated Planning Act 1997.
“The proposed development included 16, two-bedroom apartments on the site,” Mr Schwarten said.
“In line with the legislation, the department released details of the project for public notification for three weeks in October and November last year.
“A total of 17 submissions were received. Issues raised focused on the number of apartments proposed and the allowance of car parking spaces for residents.
“After initially supporting the development (letter dated 22/8 attached), the Bundaberg City Council changed its mind in late December and its objection was also considered.
“All submissions were considered by the Director-General who informed me this morning that she has decided not to proceed with the development in its current form.”
“The department has followed the guidelines set down in the legislation to the letter and the Director-General’s decision is a clear indication that that the legislative powers available to her for approving public housing projects are being used accountably and responsibly,” he said.
Mr Schwarten said a further development would be considered for the site.
“Obviously this is a good block of land which has been owned by the department for a long time,” he said.
“It is ideally located for public housing so the department will now look into what the best use and yield for this site is so poor people who live in the Bundaberg area get a chance to be housed.”
Mr Schwarten said the result also proved that claims the decision had already been made or that it was being “bulldozed through” were wrong.
“The fact is these days wherever we try to build public housing we get complaints and I am certainly not one to bow to attacks on public housing,” Mr Schwarten said.
“But this decision proves that the process does work, is fair and that the State Government has due process and abides by it.
“I explained this to Mr Perske but he would not listen and perhaps now he will better understand the process,” Mr Schwarten said.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said the development had been considered by the Director-General of the Department of Housing under the provisions of the Integrated Planning Act 1997.
“The proposed development included 16, two-bedroom apartments on the site,” Mr Schwarten said.
“In line with the legislation, the department released details of the project for public notification for three weeks in October and November last year.
“A total of 17 submissions were received. Issues raised focused on the number of apartments proposed and the allowance of car parking spaces for residents.
“After initially supporting the development (letter dated 22/8 attached), the Bundaberg City Council changed its mind in late December and its objection was also considered.
“All submissions were considered by the Director-General who informed me this morning that she has decided not to proceed with the development in its current form.”
“The department has followed the guidelines set down in the legislation to the letter and the Director-General’s decision is a clear indication that that the legislative powers available to her for approving public housing projects are being used accountably and responsibly,” he said.
Mr Schwarten said a further development would be considered for the site.
“Obviously this is a good block of land which has been owned by the department for a long time,” he said.
“It is ideally located for public housing so the department will now look into what the best use and yield for this site is so poor people who live in the Bundaberg area get a chance to be housed.”
Mr Schwarten said the result also proved that claims the decision had already been made or that it was being “bulldozed through” were wrong.
“The fact is these days wherever we try to build public housing we get complaints and I am certainly not one to bow to attacks on public housing,” Mr Schwarten said.
“But this decision proves that the process does work, is fair and that the State Government has due process and abides by it.
“I explained this to Mr Perske but he would not listen and perhaps now he will better understand the process,” Mr Schwarten said.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832