This web page has been created to answer common questions about the City Technology City proposal and the process of assessment.

What has been happening so far?

ACTPLA have been undertaking an evaluation of the Preliminary Assessment (PA) for the Canberra Technology City proposal.  ACTPLA has now completed that evaluation and has provided its PA evaluation report to the Minister. In this evaluation ACTPLA recommended that the Minister direct that further environmental assessment be undertaken.

 
On 6 August 2008 the Minister directed that the proponent to engage an independent consultant to undertake an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address those matters not adequately identified in the PA, including heritage impacts, noise impacts and health impacts.

Where to from here?

The EIS will provide more detailed analysis of the proposal, and this information will inform the DA assessment and decision making process.  Within 14 days of his decision to direct an assessment, the Minister will advise the proponent of the matters to be addressed in the EIS and the relative emphasis to be given to each matter.

How long will the EIS take?

The timing for the completion of the EIS process depends largely on the time taken by the consultant to prepare the EIS, its adequacy and the issues raised by the public during the consultation period.  According to the Land (Planning and Environment Act) 1991 (the Land Act), a decision must be made on the development application by 26 March 2009.  The EIS process will need to be completed prior to this date providing sufficient time for ACTPLA to assess and make a decision on the DA.

Can I comment on the EIS?

Yes.  When ACTPLA receives the draft EIS it will publicly notify the EIS.  The ACT community will have 20 business days to comment on the document.  The draft EIS will be made available on the ACTPLA website and in hard copy or CD from the ACTPLA Shopfront at 16 Challis Street, Dickson.

 
Any public comments received during the notification period will be carefully considered by ACTPLA in its evaluation of the EIS.

Why wasn’t an EIS called earlier?

In making his decision to direct that an EIS be undertaken, the Minister was required under section 121(3) of the Land Act to consider the PA, and to determine if there were reasonable grounds for the Minister to call for an EIS. 
 

When will a decision be made on the Development Application?

ACTPLA now has until March 2009 to make its final decision on the DA.