The controversial plan to build embassies in Stirling Park is officially dead today as the National Capital Authority withdraws the proposal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The authority also accepts a recommendation from a parliamentary inquiry to develop a long term strategy for the allocation of land to diplomatic missions in the ACT.
However the authority says another tougher recommendation – to allow sub-divisions in existing diplomatic estates and take back land where no work has begun on an embassy within three years – is a matter for the federal government.
The authority had put the Stirling Park plan on hold several months ago pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The joint standing committee on the national capital and external territories held the inquiry into the allocation of land to diplomatic missions in the ACT after a row erupted over the proposal.
Residents said Stirling Park and its popular Stirling Ridge, even though owned by the authority, should be left as open space for all Canberra residents to enjoy.
Any new diplomatic enclave should be built in the greenfields area of Molonglo rather than the established Stirling Park, which was one of the last pieces of vacant land in the central area, they said.
The committee's report, released late last month, said residents were concerned the section of land was chosen simply because it was the most readily available.
"The committee agrees that this is not the best criteria for assessment," the report said.
The NCA discussed the inquiry's report at its bimonthly meeting last Friday.
The committee had recommended the federal government implement:
- a tougher stand on diplomatic leases, resuming land not built on with three years;
- Medium and high-density options for housing chanceries;
- Policies to allow the subdivision of existing sites within the diplomatic estate;
- A policy framework that allows more extensive use of residential and commercial properties to house chanceries, along the lines adopted in Washington DC; and
- In the future, a steady evolution towards a more commercial approach (as in Washington DC) should be encouraged.
The NCA responds: "The NCA notes this recommendation. This is a matter for the Australian Government. The NCA is ready to assist if requested."
The committee also recommended the NCA develop a long term strategy for the allocation of land to diplomatic missions in the ACT, which should forecast demand and supply and establish the various mechanisms by which these forecasts may be met.
These mechanisms should include designating sites for future diplomatic enclaves, establishing a policy for medium and high density properties, managing impacts on local residents and working out what role the private market might play.
The authority responded: "The NCA accepts this recommendation and will include the proposed master plan and land reviews in its forward work program."
