Proposed fast-track planning laws would bring the ACT in line with the states in allowing the government to designate projects of territory significance, Sustainable Development Minister Simon Corbell said on Monday.
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Defending the government's process in introducing powerful laws to create special development zones and major project classification, Mr Corbell told an Assembly committee the ACT Heritage Council had concerns about the laws' operation in relation to greenfield estates.
Despite the concerns, he declined to say if amendments to legislation would be introduced when it returns to the chamber.
''Overall the Heritage Council have told me they are not opposed to the introduction of this legislation,'' Mr Corbell said. ''They believe some refinements should be considered.''
Last week legislation was referred to the Assembly's standing committee with oversight for planning and environment. It heard public awareness of development applications would be improved by provisions allowing for draft variations to the Territory Plan to be considered at the same time.
The hearing provided some of the most detailed scrutiny of the legislation to date, after it was introduced without significant public debate or questions from the Canberra Liberals and the Greens. Mr Corbell said more transparent decision-making would take place than under the current ministerial call-in powers for developments.
''At the moment it can be very difficult for people in the broader community to understand what is proposed on a particular site solely from viewing a draft variation to the Territory Plan because that variation provides for the overall zoning control … but it doesn't actually demonstrate what the built product may be on that site,'' he said.
''This is an optional process, but one that has benefits in terms of timeliness but also in terms of better information to the community.''
The government has previously identified the Capital Metro light rail project and a secure mental health facility as projects set to benefit from the legislation.
Provisions from the Heritage Act and the Tree Protection Act would not apply under the laws and residents opposed to developments in special zones would also lose appeal rights.
The Northbourne Avenue corridor could be one of the first areas to be designated as a special development precinct to allow a fast-tracked development of light rail from the city to Gungahlin.