The Canberra Liberals have accused the ACT Government of negligence, following the Auditor-General’s report last month which found that the government had not met its planning objectives for the Parkwood development in Ginninderry.
“In the middle of a housing and land supply crisis, we have a negligent government that continues to falter on its planning promises,” said Peter Cain MLA, Shadow Minister for Planning and Land Management.
“The situation in Parkwood is symptomatic of poor governance. The Auditor-General has criticised this government for having made little to no preparations in case the ACT/NSW border is not moved to incorporate the new development. Negligence again from this complacent Labor/Greens government.”
In 2020, the ACT and NSW Governments, together with the Yass Valley Council, established a Steering Committee to develop a model for infrastructure and services delivery to Parkwood. The report found that they met twice yearly early last year, but had not met since March 2021, or developed a work program of activities (as required by its terms of reference), nor was there was any evidence of how matters discussed then had since been progressed.
Mr Cain noted that this occurred while ACT Government agencies had not convened a cross-border forum in almost a decade.
The Auditor-General recommended that the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD) reconvene the Committee and work with members to agree and deliver a work program each year.
In 2016, the report stated, the ACT Government entered into a joint venture agreement for the residential development of up to 11,500 dwellings as part of the Ginninderry development in West Belconnen. Ginninderry includes a component over the border in New South Wales, called Parkwood. Parkwood is approximately one hour’s drive from Yass, and is only accessible from the ACT, as it is bounded on two sides by bodies of water.
The audit found that the ACT Government’s preferred approach to delivering services in Parkwood was for the ACT-NSW border to be moved so that Parkwood becomes part of the Territory, but that it was uncertain whether the NSW Government would agree to this.
“Continuing uncertainty about the prospects of moving the border and the cost implications for the Territory increases the risks associated with this option and its cost-effectiveness for the ACT, and there is a need for forward planning to reduce and manage these uncertainties,” the Auditor-General said.
Mr Cain said: “Without a proactive government to provide a clear strategy on delivering positive outcomes, Canberrans will continue to struggle with the increased costs-of-living and lack of available housing.
“This report bears significant consequences for ACT residents and emphasises that without improved management of the ongoing uncertainties of the Parkwood border issue, then the associated risks will mean thousands of Canberrans may be without housing.
“This is yet another symptom of a complacent and lethargic Labor-Greens Government.”
