The ACT Government is still committed to delivering a new green waste facility on Canberra’s northside. I write this to correct the record on statements and an opinion piece in the Canberra Daily last [week] (Fit the Bill, CW 22 September 2022, p6).

The current status of the project still needs further assessment by the independent Planning and Land Authority. References made to a decision by the Government and, more specifically, the powers of Planning Minister Mick Gentleman are misunderstood.

Minister Gentleman continues to have no involvement in the independent planning process.

The ACT Government respects the Planning and Land Authority’s decision on the development application for the new facility.

We are currently reviewing the decision to better understand the issues raised and inform our next steps.

This may include submitting the application for re-consideration, rethinking traffic management plans, as well as examining potential odour or bushfire risk.

The proposed facility is designed to provide a convenient place for northside residents and the growing Belconnen community to drop off their garden waste.

We will continue to work to deliver this important project, as committed to in our most recent budget.

We thank the community for their patience as we work to deliver better waste services and facilities for the northside.

Canberrans can still continue to drop off green waste at the existing Parkwood site.

• ACT Minister for City Services, Chris Steel
  
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