The Greens’ Meredith Hunter is celebrating success in her amendments to the Planning and Development (Lease Variation Charges) Bill.
“The lease variation charge is premised on the idea that developers should pay for the rights they are being granted by the community. The greens very much agree with this principle and our amendments ensure that this is balanced against the commercial realities so that we get high quality developments and a fair return for the community,” Ms Hunter said.
“The Greens amendments will encourage development in strategic locations as well sustainable designs by creating exemptions and reductions to the charges.
“We believe that development along transport corridors is vital for improving the sustainability of our city and provides key policy support for our public transport system.
“By providing a financial incentive to developers we should see a focus on building in places like Northbourne Avenue, which is an excellent place for greater urban density.
The Greens amendments:
— Clarify a process for the Government to detail exemptions from the charge, through criteria for sustainability, transport corridors zones, community facilities and heritage significance;
— Make the administration of the scheme more accountable by ensuring that all decisions and assessed values are made public; and
— Ensure that the parliament has better oversight of the scheme.