A draft special variation has been prepared to accommodate a secure mental health facility in Symonston for treatment and rehabilitation of vulnerable members of the community, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell announced today.
DSV S323 follows the Planning and Development (Symonston Mental Health Facility) Amendment Act 2014 passed by the Legislative Assembly in June and proposes to amend the Territory Plan to open the way for the mental health facility to be developed at part blocks 11 and 14, section 49 Symonston, the former Quamby youth detention centre site.
“The DSV will facilitate the proposal to be fast-tracked through the planning system, while still enabling important consultation with the community and the National Capital Authority to take place,” Mr Corbell said.
“The variation only affects the Symonston site and will not apply to other health facilities in the ACT. A development application following usual processes will still be required.
“Following the community consultation, the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate will prepare a report on consultation with the community and the National Capital Authority about the issues raised. The ACT government executive will consider the results of consultation and may make the variation, with or without changes.”
The development of the facility is an ACT government priority and is part of stage one of the ACT Government’s Health Infrastructure Program.
“Today’s announcement provides the community and mental health services with certainty about the development and longevity of future mental health facilities in the ACT,” Mr Corbell said.
Comments about the draft special variation are invited from the public for 15 business days from Friday 20 June. See the notification at www.act.gov.au/draftvariations.
(Media Release Simon Corbell)
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