ClubsACT Submission - the draft district strategies and the draft new Territory Plan

On 2 March 2023, ClubsACT members met for a consultative discussion on the draft District Strategies and the draft new Territory Plan with representatives of JACS and EPSDD.

Arising in the discussions, the following specific recommendations were made and are endorsed by ClubsACT.

Clubs ACT recommends, on behalf of its members:

> that the District Strategies should provide longer term information about changed land use that is relevant to club diversification efforts. For example, where there is a known future build-up of density along major corridors and around local centres, this should be clear from the documents;

> that rather than listing all club sites in the relevant District Strategies, consider a statement in each strategy document that identifies that club sites are change sites. This would give an express recognition of clubs as subject to priority for changed land use in the Territory Plan and District Strategies;

> seek a closer connection between planning and gaming policy so that government policy about a reduced reliance on gambling revenue through diversification is coordinated more consistently and effectively;

> the definition of ‘club’ in planning instruments and its effect on land use and zoning to require revision through specific consultation;

> a change to the uses permitted on club land be considered. For example, most club land is CZ6 (or PRZ2). CZ6 permits short stay accommodation but not residential uses. Clubs ACT suggest that allowing residential use of this land is necessary to support their diversification efforts and Government residential densification objectives;

> the government consider a ‘class’ treatment of club land to allow planning controls to match government gaming policy expectations regarding diversification (similar to SEPPs in the NSW planning system);

> serious oversight to be given to the final plans to ensure that the District Strategies will not become an obstacle to club diversification through land redevelopment. ClubsACT members are concerned that land use changes outside a 5-yearly review of the District Strategies may become more difficult;

> further draft circulation of the District Strategies prior to final consideration by government; and,

> development of a consolidated strategy for club diversification, and support to navigate government processes such as through a ‘clubs executive sponsor’. A singular point of entry for the industry to liaise with in their efforts to plan and prosecute development opportunities and to assist in resolving issues. This is a key recommendation of the Licensed club industry.

ClubsACT is happy to expand further on these matters and notes a commitment from EPSDD in the meeting of 2 March that these matters as raised by the industry will be given serious consideration in the finalisation of the plans.

Kind Regards

Craig Shannon CEO 3 March 2023