The success of the ACT government's City Plan will be limited if ''punitive'' development fees remain, says the property council.
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The Property Council of the ACT's submission on the long-term vision for the city centre says the start and finish fees placed on commercial and mixed-use developments may stifle growth crucial to the plan.
The City Plan, which was launched as a concept in late March, will determine how the city and surrounds should evolve, including commercial and residential development, transport and public areas and facilities.
The extension of the city to the Lake Burley Griffin west basin in the City to Lake project is also being developed within the plan.
The first stage of public consultation closed last Friday.
The property council has listed three recommendations, including aligning key planning policies with the objectives of the proposed City Plan. This comprises modifying and improving the controversial lease-variation charge, removing start and finish fees on commercial and mixed-use developments and improving incentives for adaptive reuse of older buildings in the city.
The council is also advocating for a separate cabinet committee to oversee the delivery of the plan.
Acting executive director Lino Lacomella said the plan was important to the property sector and substantial investments and development opportunities would be the ''springboard for a successful City Plan''. But there were several disincentives for those wanting to develop in the city.
''The ACT's punitive commence and complete fees on commercial and mixed-use developments will significantly limit the success of the City Plan,'' he said.
''The fees are discouraging overall levels of investment in city development, along with the entire ACT.''
Some 30 submissions were made.