SHANE Rattenbury says the Manuka community will be engaged in a consultation process to inform any future development in the area, following a motion passing in the Legislative Assembly yesterday.

“Following considerable community reaction to the GWS-Grocon unsolicited bid proposal to redevelop and upgrade facilities at Manuka Oval, it was clear that we needed a process to engage the community around their expectations for the precinct,” Shane said.

“Following the success of a similar model in the Yarralumla Brickworks process, the Assembly agreed that if the Manuka Oval unsolicited bid proposal progresses, a community reference group will be established to define parameters of the project and ensure that any development is in line with community expectations on a range of issues.

“The Community Reference Group should include relevant community groups, sporting interests, heritage experts and local traders and will create a mechanism where the community can work with the Government to define the broad objectives for the Manuka Oval precinct, allowing any proposal to be assessed on its merits by all parties.

“I am pleased that today the Assembly also agreed that the government should undertake a masterplan for the entire Manuka precinct, including the Manuka Pool and grounds and other buildings with heritage value. While there is an existing plan for upgrade of the Manuka Oval, this does not include the surrounding retail and commercial area.

“This masterplan is important given the number of developments in the Manuka area which are changing the dynamic of the area. These changes need to be planned for in relation to issues like heritage, vehicle and pedestrian traffic, parking demand and commercial impacts.

“My proposal allows passion to drive innovation, and build a mechanism to improve the community discussion. We can harness that passion to achieve the best possible outcomes for our community – for residents, for businesses, for sport fans, for government and for Canberra.”