The Northern Territory Planning Commission (NTPC) announced today the community now has the opportunity to comment on a draft Holtze Area Plan, proposed for land adjacent to the Palmerston Regional Hospital.
NTPC Chairman Gary Nairn today unveiled the draft plan and principles which identifies residential and commercial land to support the development of the Palmerston Regional Hospital and associated medical precinct.
“We will ensure that for the next six weeks every resident of the area has the opportunity to be heard,” Mr Nairn said.
“The development of the area plan will give the community more clarity about long-term future development in the area and ensure land is set aside for uses associated with the hospital, as well as commercial and residential land to support a vibrant community.”
Mr Nairn said the draft area plan and planning principles will support the Palmerston Regional Hospital and planned medical precinct, and will bring opportunities for commercial land which in turn will provide better facilities and services for the broader region.
Feedback will be sought from residents, community and industry groups. In particular, the NTPC will focus on targeted consultation with residents along Wallaby Holtze and Taylor Roads.
“Information received during the consultation period which runs until 26 June 2015 will form the basis of recommendations to the Minister for his consideration of the Area Plan and principles,” Mr Nairn said.
The Draft Darwin Regional Land Use Plan 2014 (DRLUP) identified the Holtze locality as a greenfield site suitable for urban development. An area plan is the next logical planning step, appropriately timed to support more detailed planning of the Regional Hospital and medical precinct.
Mr Nairn emphasised that with the planned development of the Palmerston Regional Hospital, it is best practice to complement this with further strategic planning of the area to give residents clarity about future development.
Community engagement will include information stands at the Freds Pass Show this weekend and the Palmerston, Howard Springs and Coolalinga Shopping Centres.
Mr Nairn said that while he understood Holtze residents may have a range of views on the draft plan, consulting with the community would mean residents’ submissions and comments received throughout the consultation process would be taken into consideration prior to finalising a submission to the Minister.
“The NTPC is committed to undertaking extensive engagement to obtain stakeholder and public feedback as part of its responsibility for developing strategic plans, including area plans, for the Northern Territory,” he said.
For further information, including the have-your-say factsheet, FAQs and draft area plan, visit www.planningcommission.nt.gov.au.
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Helen Farquhar 0437 458213