COMMITTEES

Ms PAYNE (Canberra) (16:17): On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, I present the committee's report entitled, Report on the National Capital Plan Amendment No. 102: Hume Circle Precinct. Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e). Ms PAYNE: by leave—I am pleased to present the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories' Report on the National Capital Plan Amendment No. 102: Hume Circle Precinct.

The committee considers this to be a very significant planning proposal. It has generated considerable public interest and prompted important discussions about the future of Canberra, the operation of the National Capital Plan, and how best to balance the need for growth and renewal with the preservation of the characteristics that make Australia's national capital unique.

During this inquiry, the committee examined the legislative framework underpinning the National Capital Authority, as well as its consultation, strategic planning and long-term decision-making processes. The committee received evidence from a broad range of stakeholders, including residents, community organisations, planning experts, the National Capital Authority, the ACT government and the project proponent JEGA.

The evidence assisted the committee in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised by amendment 102. Throughout the inquiry, stakeholders raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the National Capital Authority's consultation processes and whether the community had been provided with sufficient opportunities to participate meaningfully in the planning process.

The inquiry also considered the national significance of the Hume Circle Precinct, strategic and long-term planning considerations, urban design outcomes, the provision of supporting infrastructure, and opportunities for ongoing community engagement. The committee heard clear evidence that future consultation processes must be more open, timely, transparent and meaningful, ensuring that community views are genuinely considered when planning decisions are made.

Effective public participation is essential to maintaining public confidence in the planning framework for the national capital. The committee also considers it important that future strategic and long-term planning processes are robust, evidence based and undertaken in a manner that clearly articulates how planning decisions align with broader national capital objectives.

The recommendations contained in this report are intended to strengthen future consultation and planning processes undertaken by the National Capital Authority. The committee also seeks to improve cooperation between the NCA and the ACT government to ensure that planning outcomes are supported by appropriate infrastructure and are responsive to community needs.

In developing its recommendations, the committee has sought to ensure that national capital considerations remain central to future planning for the precinct while promoting greater transparency and public confidence in decision-making processes. On behalf of the committee, I thank everyone who has contributed to this inquiry through written submissions and participation in the public hearing.

The committee greatly appreciates the time, effort and expertise provided by individuals and organisations throughout this process. I particularly want to acknowledge the residents of Staffordshire Terrace, who have been quite distressed by this process. I hope that, through this process of our inquiry, they feel that their voices have been heard and that the recommendations that we have made give them comfort about the future of their homes in Hume Circle.

I also want to thank my fellow committee members for their constructive engagement and their commitment to ensuring that community concerns were heard and properly considered throughout the inquiry. I particularly want to thank the deputy chair, Senator Andrew McLachlan, and Senator David Pocock, our ACT Senate colleague, for their important roles in the public hearing and the inquiry.

I also acknowledge the National Capital Authority, the ACT government and all stakeholders who participated in the inquiry process and assisted the committee in its deliberations. Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to the committee secretariat for their professionalism and dedication in supporting the committee throughout this inquiry. I commend the report to the House.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Claydon ): Does the member for Canberra wish to move a motion in connection with the report to enable it to be debated on a future occasion? Ms PAYNE: I move: That the House take note of the report. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The debate is adjourned and the resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for the next sitting.