The ACT Planning Minister used special powers to approve a home in Canberra's north for vulnerable women, including those fleeing domestic violence, after residents from the affluent suburb had the initial application approval overturned.
Canberra's YWCA planned to build 10 stand-alone apartments in the Canberra suburb of Ainslie to shelter older women experiencing homelessness and women and children escaping domestic violence.
The application was approved initially, but a group of locals objected to the plans, which led to it being overturned by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal ACAT. Some of the reasons listed by locals against the project included environmental concerns, fears about traffic, and lack of public transport.
Planning Minister Mick Gentlemen said today that he had used his call-in powers to approve a second development application - with the number of apartments reduced to nine - to prevent the application from being taken to the tribunal again.
Of the 257 submissions received to the second development application, 190 were in support of the development, while 67 were against it.
The YWCA Canberra Frances Crimmins said that the delay had been frustrating for the organisation, but urged those who objected to the site of the development to consider how the homes could bring diversity to the area.
But I guess what we would say, when we look at the strengths they bring to the neighbourhood, and if people would open their minds and not view social housing tenants through a lens of 'What is wrong with you? Isn't it great that we have a diverse community? Call the truce'': YWCA looking to cooperate with neighbours.
Ms Crimmins said she was grateful to the Planning Minister for clearing the way for the build to go ahead by using his call-in powers.
It's a very happy day for us and we would like to thank Mr Gentleman for making an informed decision and a considered decision in calling this application in.
She stated that the YWCA was looking forward to cooperating with neighbours as the homes were built in the coming months.
She said we're looking forward to working with the neighbours, those who didn't support it but there were many who did.
While some neighbours objected to the development, others like Meredith Edwards said she was delighted to see the project progressing.
As an Ainslie resident, I am delighted to know that the YWCA's housing project, designed to meet an urgent and growing need, is going to proceed at last, she said.
Its residents will have affordable and safe accommodation close to transport, medical facilities and shops. The planning system was an area of government that should be used to protect vulnerable Canberrans, said Mr Gentleman.
After careful consideration of the concerns raised by members of the community, I have used my call-in powers to approve this project and allow the construction of these supported housing units to begin as soon as possible, he said.
He said he recognised the concerns raised by some members of the community but said there were ways to address the issues raised and still build the housing.
There were a number of conditions on the development, including measures to safeguard protected trees on the site and the adjacent park, which were among the neighbours' concerns, Mr Gentleman said.
Ms Crimmins hopes the project will be complete and will begin to house Canberra's most vulnerable in the next 18 months.