Minister Barr: Green light for UNSW Canberra City campus
- Written by ACT Government
Released 02/07/2020
Today legislation has passed allowing the establishment of the UNSW Canberra City campus via a long-term lease of the land. The project will bring more jobs to Canberra – contributing to our economic recovery and providing a much-needed long-term economic boost to Canberra.
The ACT Government announced in early March that UNSW would establish a world-class research, education and innovation campus in Canberra that will boost our city’s education offerings, attracting up to 6,000 students and create around 2,000 jobs.
UNSW Canberra is continuing with the development of its master plan for the precinct following extended consultation with the Canberra community between March and mid-May, which attracted more than 300 pieces of feedback.
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.
“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.
“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,” said Minister Gentleman.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
