Released 07/08/2020 - Joint media release
Common Ground Dickson, Canberra’s second Common Ground, has moved to the next phase to help deliver on the ACT Government’s commitment to support the most vulnerable in our community.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said “I’ve called in the Common Ground Dickson and associated infrastructure works to support people to move directly from homelessness into permanent housing in an area that is close to essential services.”
“We promised to deliver Common Ground Dickson and this call in will ensure it can be constructed to help vulnerable Canberrans and create local construction jobs,” Minister Gentleman said.
“There are strict conditions on the approval to ensure trees and heritage are protected, public facilities and green spaces are improved, and the Dickson Precinct Map is complied with.
“This development proposal had extensive consultation with the community throughout the planning process, including a pre-Development Application consultation and consultation for a Territory Plan Variation, and I am confident it will meet community expectations.”
Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry said housing affordability and homelessness has always been a priority for the ACT Government and Canberra needs certainty more than ever as we make our way through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a really important milestone for this Common Ground project. This means that the ACT Government, together with the Common Ground Board, can get on with the job to provide 40 more social and affordable homes for people most in need.
“Common Ground Dickson will see 40 social and affordable homes with a mix of one, two and three bedroom units available to provide long-term housing for people facing chronic homelessness, focusing on supporting women and children, families and single parents, and older women—growing cohorts in need of assistance.
“Common Ground is different from traditional homelessness support services because it locates safe and secure accommodation alongside vital supports and services that help tenants break from the cycle of homelessness, stay housed, improve their connections to health, education and employment, and to live independently.
“The construction of Common Ground Dickson and associated infrastructure works will also help the ACT economy and create jobs.
"A good secure home is fundamental to so many parts of life. The Canberra community has always shown its willingness to give to the greater good and a key to the success of Common Ground Gungahlin was the positive community response in donations to get residents established. I hope that will be repeated in Dickson,” Minister Berry said.
Conditions on the approval include:
- measures to protect existing trees located adjacent to the site
- additional bicycle parking spaces
- archival of the Original Canberra Aerodrome site to the satisfaction of the ACT Heritage Council prior to works commencing
- building height and setbacks must fully comply with the Dickson Precinct Map and Code
- compliance with utility service requirements.
Quote attributable to Stephen Bartos, Chair Common Ground Board:
“Moving ahead quickly with a second Common Ground housing development is welcome. Common Ground, alongside other housing programs, helps solve homelessness in the ACT. It provides high quality, safe, permanent and supported accommodation for people with complex needs, in a development that includes a variety of other low income tenants to create a vibrant community.
“Australia’s economic downturn means public housing will become more important than ever. Common Ground Dickson will be flexible, with apartments from singles through to families, to help deal with emerging housing needs as they arise.”
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases