MINISTER for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell has given the green light to the Giralang shopping centre redevelopment and wants work to start as soon as possible.

The decision was made Under Section 158 of the Planning and Development Act, which states 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.

Mr Corbell called in the development application from the ACT Planning and Land Authority and decided that the redevelopment should proceed and that work start as soon as possible.

“This redevelopment would see a new supermarket and other retail outlets be established at the Giralang centre, which will be a positive outcome for local residents,” Mr Corbell said.

“The application process for this redevelopment has taken some time, and as the responsible minister I decided that it was in the best interest of the local community, to enable this important project to go ahead.”

Under Section 158 of the Planning and Development Act 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.

Mr Corbell said that the application would provide a substantial public benefit.

“In making the final decision, I have considered the advice from the planning authority, as well as the issues raised as part of a public notification process.”

Under the Planning and Development Act, a decision made by a minister is not subject to review by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The development includes a new supermarket, retail outlets and parking.

“The gross floor area of the supermarket has been limited to 1500sqm, which is consistent with the ACT Government supermarket policy and the assessment of the traffic and economic impacts to the area,” Mr Corbell said.

“It is time that the Giralang centre received a breath of fresh air, and this decision will allow redevelopment, consistent with the Territory Plan, to progress.”