Calvary plan for more parking

Calvary Hospital could house 100 extra car parks if a draft variation to the Territory plan is approved to rezone nearby land, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, said today.

"Calvary Hospital is seeking to acquire a relatively narrow strip of unleased Territory land, which is currently being used as an informal car park," Mr Corbell said.

"If the draft variation to the Territory Plan is approved, the hospital would be able to rezone and acquire the small area of adjoining land on its northern boundary, and formalise its use as a car park.

"If built, a new car park would contain approximately 110 spaces and it is hoped this will alleviate some of the issues around parking for patients and staff.

"The ACT Government is aware of the parking problems at Calvary Hospital which has led to this draft variation, and has agreed to directly sell this land to Calvary Health Care Pty Ltd, subject to the outcome of the draft variation.

The Conservator of Flora and Fauna has supported the variation provided the new boundary is fenced to protect the adjoining bushland areas.

The variation proposes to change the land's current zoning of NUZ3 - Hills, Ridges and Buffers to CFZ - Community Facilities, to be consistent with the zoning of the hospital site.

Draft variation 313 is available at http://www.environment.act.gov.au/

Written comments from the public are invited on the draft variation by COBTuesday 10 April 2012.