Planning and Development Amendment Bill passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly

Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the legislation was an important step to ensure the long-term leasing of land to UNSW and the delivery of the new university campus would meet community expectations.

UNSW Canberra are pleased that the ACT Government prioritised the project, fast tracking the bill and that it received bipartisan support in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

“This is an exciting project in the heart of Canberra that will play a major role in the renewal of the city centre and elevate Canberra’s reputation as the knowledge capital,” Minister Gentleman said.

“The Planning and Development Amendment Bill 2020 ensures the Territory’s investment in this important project, including the land, $25 million and the cost of site remediation, is protected. It also ensures that UNSW Canberra has appropriate flexibility to operate the new campus and that the community has confidence that the land will only be used for its intended purposes.

“It provides further protections so that any transfer or variation to the lease after the initial 20 year period would require the consent of the Planning and Land Authority, and any transfer would have to be to a vocational or tertiary education provider registered under Commonwealth legislation.

“The ACT Government looks forward to continuing to work with UNSW Canberra as they continue to engage with the community about the new campus,” he said.

UNSW Canberra Rector Professor Michael Frater said the news allows plans for the new campus to move ahead.

“This is great news not only for UNSW but also for Canberra. UNSW Canberra has a strong and proud history in the ACT and this new campus will allow UNSW an even greater role in the future of the city.

“This is very much the next phase of the UNSW Canberra story and we look forward to work continuing on the development of UNSW Canberra City,” Professor Frater said.