Greens put the kibosh on Manuka land swap deal

SHANE Rattenbury says plans to move the Manuka Occasional Child Care (MOCCA) to land occupied by Telopea Park School have been quashed after negotiations with the community and other MLAs.

“Amendments to a motion were put forward in the Legislative Assembly today that will ensure that Telopea will retain their land and MOCCA stays put until an alternate site is determined, noting the range of community concerns about the use of land,” Shane said.

“Following extensive feedback from the community, it was clear that the proposed land swap deal was not in line with community expectations – both about the proposed use of land, but also about the way in which the Government was communicating about the proposal.

“Earlier this year I wrote to the Chief Minister and expressed my concerns, calling on him to seek alternative options for the relocation of MOCCA to accommodate for the Canberra Services Club and calling on the Government to improve consultation with the community.

“I am really pleased that we have come to an outcome that recognises the community’s concerns, and ensures that the school will retain their tennis courts and an appropriate site found for MOCCA.

“The ACT Greens support urban renewal, however it is essential that we take the community with us on the journey and ensure the use of public land is in line with community needs and expectations.”

UPDATE: In response the Chief Minister had this to say:

Today in the Assembly I outlined the Government’s response to land redevelopment issues in the inner south.

Through an amendment I have moved this morning the Assembly has noted:

• the Canberra Services Club cannot rebuild a sustainable club that provides services to the community on the site of their former building;
• after a number of years of examination, the Economic Development Directorate Identified Griffith Blocks 2 and 5, Section 41, which is currently partially occupied by a building rented by the Manuka Occasional Childcare Centre (MOCCA) as the most suitable replacement site;
• demand for child care places in the inner south exceeds supply;
• the importance of ongoing community based, not-for-profit childcare provision in Canberra;
• the Government is considering the best location for a new, larger, replacement childcare centre for MOCCA in the inner south;
• the need for community involvement in the urban renewal of the Manuka business precinct;
• in response to the community’s concern about placing a childcare centre on Telopea Park School land, the Government has re-examined a range of sites, and is actively considering whether Section 78 Griffith may also be appropriate; and
• there are a variety of views in the community about changes to land use in Griffith relating to child care.

  In light of these issues, the Government has determined to:

• continue to engage with the wider Canberra community over future development of the Manuka precinct;
• decide on a permanent site for MOCCA, in consultation with MOCCA, noting the mix of community concern and support about possible sites;
• ensure that MOCCA will not move from its current site until new facilities are constructed; and
• ensure that the lease for the site of the Telopea Park tennis courts is returned to school and community use.

  Action on the above determinations will roll out over coming months and years in accordance with appropriate timeframes in each instance.

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