The Canberra Conservation Council expressed “”grave disquiet” yesterday at the terms of the inquiry into a North Canberra development announced on Tuesday.
The president of the council, Jacqueline Rees, said the inquiry time of less than four weeks was far too short, given that no-one had yet been named to do it, and its terms of reference too imprecise.
The council was concerned about the sloppiness in attitude to meeting the Better Cities criteria with the development.
The Minister for Environment, Land and Planning, Bill Wood, announced the inquiry after Independent MLA, Michael Moore, made allegation in the House about “”mates” being involved in the Torrens Street, Braddon, development and that there was a “”smell about it”.
Mr Wood said an inquiry was needed so those named by Mr Moore could clear their names.
It will inquire into “”any difficulties identified with the development” and consider “”how the consultation process for similar developments can be improved”.
Mr Wood said he was confident of the integrity of his department.
Ms Rees said the council was concerned with the planning aspects. The appointment of the person to head the inquiry was crucial.
“”As is common with these inquiries, the choice of person doing the inquiry can largely determine the outcome,” Ms Rees said.
The community needs a person truly informed on planning issues and independent.
“”The extraordinary combination of Liberal and Labor MLAs in attacking Michael Moore should make anyone suspicious of what sort of inquiry will be held,” she said.
Mr Moore had raised important and substantial issues about the standards of process of ACT planning, she said. These should not be swept away with a snow job.