Helping community groups access land


Released 01/08/2019

The ACT Government is looking to support not-for-profit community organisations to access concessional land with changes that would see available land more effectively shared and used.

The Planning and Development (Community Concessional Leases) Amendment Bill introduced to the Legislative Assembly today would make it easier for not-for-profit community groups to tender for land offered at less than market value.

The changes aim to provide equitable access to land for community organisations and provide certainty for community organisations on land release timing and the opportunities on each site.

If the Bill is passed, the Government will identify suitable sites and open expressions of interest from community groups to apply to use it.

Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the new approach would make the consideration process clearer and more equitable.

"The current process is a 'first come first served' direct sales process and does not promote a fair or efficient allocation of land to community organisations," Mr Gentleman said.

"We want to ensure that community land is used in an efficient way that provides the greatest benefit for Canberrans."

Minister for Community Services and Facilities Minister Steel welcomed the changes, saying they would allow communities to flourish.

"These changes to the release of community land will provide our community organisations with the ability to develop and grow," Mr Steel said.

"Applications from community organisations will be assessed against criteria that prioritises social value, promotes efficient land uses, maximises whole of community benefits and rewards innovation and collaborative service provision."

The provisions in the Amendment Bill will commence in late 2019.

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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James Webber

(02) 6205 7402

0466 023 084

james.webber@act.gov.au


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