MICK Gentleman has used his ‘call-in’ powers to approve the demolition of several public housing buildings along the northern parts of Northbourne Avenue.

“I have made the decision to call in this development application after being well informed by the heritage council as well as the broader community. This will ensure demolition work can commence as soon as possible to enable the future redevelopment of these important sites within the Northbourne Avenue corridor,” Mick said.

“The community will benefit from making this land available for future redevelopment and I believe that this decision is the first step to providing urban renewal to the most important entrance corridor to our city.

“The use of a call-in in this instance will ensure the timely and unimpeded commencement of the demolition process along this important corridor, whilst preserving the most important heritage and environmental values.

“Following advice from the ACT Heritage Council, a number of buildings are preserved as representative types. Registered trees and many identified regulated and high value trees are also protected by this decision.

“Under Section 158 of the Planning and Development Act 2007 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.

“The application has been assessed by planning and land authority, like any other application; however the decision I have made today is final and cannot be reviewed in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“The government is working with both public housing tenants and community service providers to ensure tenants on Northbourne Avenue know what’s happening under the Public Housing Renewal Program, and a number of tenants have successfully moved to new homes.

“Tenants relocating under the program are provided with regular catch-ups with the Linked into New Communities Taskforce and their relocation is guided by their needs and preferences.

“The government will continue working through these channels and Housing ACT staff are also available to assist any public housing tenants with questions following today’s decision.”