A MOTION put forward in the ACT Legislative Assembly today (October 8) calls on the ACT Labor-Greens government to nominate a start date for construction on the Molonglo Group Centre and Surrounds planning framework.
The calls come after the Molonglo Valley Community Forum (MVCF) has expressed “profound disappointment” that the 2021-22 ACT Budget, handed down this week, revealed that the Molonglo Commercial Centre will be delayed two more years.
Canberra Liberals deputy leader Giulia Jones will head the motion, saying this week’s budget has confirmed the worst fears for residents of Molonglo Valley in that they will wait even longer for the start of land releases for their shopping district.
“The Molonglo Valley is currently experiencing significant residential growth, with a forecast population of nearly 35,000 by the end of this decade. And the fastest land release region in the territory,” Mrs Jones said.
“Delivery of critical community facilities, shops and services in the Molonglo Valley have been plagued by significant delays, forcing residents to rely on neighbouring facilities in Weston Creek.
“At the last election, Molonglo Valley residents were promised a fast tracked commercial centre only to see the Labor-Greens Government drop the ball once again.
“The Molonglo Valley community are rightfully angry to see in this week’s budget the delay of the commercial centre’s first land release by a further two years.
“This government needs to come clean, table their full plans, and to nominate a start date for construction.”
The motion also calls on the Labor-Greens government to table to Molonglo Group Centre and Surrounds Planning Framework in full to allow the community the opportunity to analyse these plans.
“Earlier this year the National Capital Design Review Panel reviewed EPSDD’s planning framework for the centre and highlighted significant problems,” Mrs Jones said.
“After 15 years of planning, this is an extraordinary critique of the government’s ability to deliver high quality outcomes for the Molonglo Valley.”
Who can be trusted?
In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.
If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.
Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.
Thank you,
Ian Meikle, editor
