MICK Gentleman has tabled planning changes to establish a new bus layover facility on land adjacent to the Phillip Oval.

“Territory Plan Variation 325 (V325) will use space near the oval to allow buses to be stationed while not in use, rather than returning the bus to the depot in-between shifts,” Mick said.

“This variation is an important part of the government’s Transport for Canberra plan which looks to review and recommend improvements to transport facilities so that we can meet future demands for public transport.”

V325 draws on the recommendations of contemporary public transport reports for Woden, informed by the Woden Town Centre Master Plan to rezone the south eastern corner of block 13 section 23, currently a public car park, from PRZ2 to TSZ2 to allow for a bus layover to be developed.

“The current temporary layover site to the south of the Hellenic Club next to Callum Street is unfortunately sited so that there are many bus routes running close to the bus terminus without any support facilities for drivers and staff.

“Most of the rezoning occurs outside the existing fenced boundary of the enclosed oval and does not impact on the existing area of irrigated grass or surrounds.”