MINISTER for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman has used his ability to “call-in” and approve a development proposal for a new local centre for Giralang. 

The initial decision to establish a new local centre was made on August 17, 2011, by the then Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell.

Since then, Mr Gentleman says the people of Giralang have been denied that facility as a result of a series of prolonged legal challenges that eventually escalated to the High Court.  

He says the new local centre will be a contemporary mixed-use development, with ground floor commercial uses, including a 1000m² supermarket and other commercial tenancies; basement parking; and 50 residential units over four levels.   

New parking spaces will also be provided on Menkar Close; and the existing carpark for Giralang Primary School will be improved to provide a new drop-off arrangement and new parking spaces.   

“The contemporary mixed-use nature of the facility will benefit the community by combining retail, commercial and living opportunities,” Mr Gentleman says. 

“This new dynamic for Giralang will mean greater variety and choice in housing as well as a local centre that will be better integrated as a place, combining living opportunities with retail and commercial spaces.”

The proponent undertook extensive community consultation during late 2017 and early 2018 prior to lodging the development application with the planning and land authority on March 7.     

Under Section 159 of the “Planning and Development Act 2007” the Minister for Planning and Land Management may consider a development 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.

Following such approval the decision cannot be reviewed by a third party in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.