The ACT government is proposing to ban public appeals against the development of a new $1 billion northside hospital in Canberra, aiming to expedite the project. Under the proposal, the public would be unable to challenge the hospital's development application through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Planning Minister Chris Steel is currently considering community feedback before deciding whether to declare the project exempt from third-party appeals. In a proposal document, he stated that the project would significantly benefit the ACT public.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith described the hospital as the territory's largest ever health infrastructure investment. “The project will deliver a new state-of-the-art hospital in Canberra's north which will provide care for Canberrans for decades to come,” she said, citing growing demand due to population growth, an ageing community, and evolving health needs.
Construction would require the relocation of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services, and a childcare centre. The public can provide feedback on the proposal until November 27 through the ACT Planning website.
Earlier this year, proposed planning law changes would automatically ban third-party appeals for public housing and health developments, currently requiring a declaration process. Minister Steel argued that such appeals cause unnecessary delays to projects benefiting the community. Resident groups have opposed the laws, which prevent them from challenging public housing developments.
