Released 13/12/2017
Work is expected to get underway shortly on the Manuka Oval media centre in time for Canberra’s first ever international cricket test match next summer.
Approval for the project has been received by the National Capital Authority and, following extensive community consultation since early 2016, Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman has used his Ministerial call-in powers to ensure the project will be delivered on time.
“It is important for work to start soon to ensure it is complete in time for the Test match next summer – and with minimal disruption to the upcoming AFL season. Given the approval by the National Capital Authority, the extensive consideration of the heritage aspects of Manuka Oval and the lengthy consultation with the community, I was satisfied that the project should proceed,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Particular care was taken with assessing this proposal to promote high quality, creative design, while at the same time safeguarding the important heritage and iconic values that Manuka Oval holds for the Territory.
“The application has been independently and rigorously assessed by the planning and land authority and I have made the final decision taking into account their expert and independent advice as I am required to do under law.
“In granting approval to the development application, I have also examined and noted concerns raised by members of the community and imposed conditions on the development as part of my decision,” Minister Gentleman concluded
Project consultation timeline:
- April 2016, Manuka Oval media centre announced as part of the ACT’s commitment to host an International Test Match in 2018/19.
- November 2016, discussions with the national Capital Authority about the project.
- March 2017, community consultation began, which included:
- A community workshop to introduce the project, and develop a set of guiding principles for the development;
- Online feedback sought from the community on the guiding principles of the project;
- Community drop in session for feedback on the draft guiding principles of the project;
- Online feedback for community to comment on draft designs for the project; and
- A second community drop in session for feedback on draft designs for the project.
- June 2017, $11.6m worth Budget funding given to the project in the 2017/18 budget.
- October 2017, Development Application lodged with ACT Planning and Land Authority, providing a new opportunity for feedback from community.
- November 2017, invitation to the community representative groups and stakeholders to provide a project update. This invitation included information that the DA for the facility had been lodged and featured plans that were presented to the community.
- 9-11 November, 9,500 postcards delivered to residents in the Manuka precinct advising the development application had been lodged.
- 15 November 2017, meeting held with community representative groups to provide a project update.
- 30 November 2017, the NCA approved the Development Control Plan for the project.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases