Released 25/07/2017
Joint media release: Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management and Zed Seselja, Senator for Australian Capital Territory
The community can now have their say on the first 11 water infrastructure projects as part of the Territory’s $80 million ACT Healthy Waterways project, a partnership between the Australian and ACT Governments.
Liberal Senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja and ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman, announced the first 11 projects of the ACT Healthy Ways project today.
ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman, said the Eleven projects will span across four catchments – The Lower Molonglo, West Belconnen, Lake Tuggeranong and Yarralumla Creek – have all been submitted for development approval. The sites are located in Duffy, McKellar, Florey, Isabella Plains, Monash, Wanniassa, Fadden, Mawson and Curtin.
“The sites were selected after extensive investigation and consultation with the community. More than 3000 people either attended one of six drop-in sessions or visited the ACT Government’s YourSay website to view the plans released last year,” Minister Gentleman said.
“We know from feedback that the projects are well supported. Canberrans love our lakes and rivers and have a keen interest in improving water quality. They also value the recreational and educational opportunities that infrastructure like wetlands provide,” Minister Gentleman added.
Senator Seselja, Senator for the Australian Capital Territory, said ACT Healthy Waterways is a long term cross-government investment in the quality of our water.
“The Australian Government is placing the emphasis firmly on building more modern and efficient water infrastructure. That is why we are contributing up to $76 million for the construction of priority water infrastructure across the ACT to reduce the impact of urban run-off and improve downstream water quality and river health,” said Senator Seselja.
“The largest project included in the first group is the construction of twin wetlands between Cotter Road and Dixon Drive. Spanning an area of 35,300 square metres, it is likely to be a popular resting point for cyclists and a great place for families, with the Centenary Trail as its centrepiece.”
Minister Gentleman said four of the first 11 projects are located in Tuggeranong.
“Lake Tuggeranong was identified as a priority catchment in the early stages of the ACT Healthy Waterways project. Residents there are passionate about water quality and in time the new infrastructure should see a decrease in the frequency of lake closures,” Minister Gentleman said.
“I encourage the local community to take a look at the plans and provide their feedback,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
Construction is expected to start on the projects in mid 2017. Up to 14 additional projects will be submitted for development approval over coming months.
The development approval process includes 15 working days for public notification. To view the plans online and make a comment, please visit www.planning.act.gov.au or find more information via your smartphone at the DA Finder App.
As part of ACT Healthy Waterways, a stormwater education program will encourage Canberra residents, businesses and visitors to take better care of our waterways by making sure only water enters the stormwater drains. This program will be launched in coming weeks.
For more information about ACT Healthy Waterways, including a copy of the consultation report, visit www.environment.act.gov.au/water/ACT-Healthy-Waterways
The ACT Healthy Waterways Project is jointly funded by the Australian Capital Territory and Australian Government as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases