Griffith $36m health centre draws parking and green space worries

The outlet says Griffith follows South Tuggeranong, which has just opened, as the next of four promised ACT Government community health centres. North Gungahlin and West Belconnen are also planned.

The report found overall sentiment was generally positive, especially about having more preventative health services in one place. Region Canberra also notes one respondent raised the earlier loss of the Narrabundah health centre to Winnunga.

The numbers

Community engagement lasted six weeks, 21 August to 30 September. Region Canberra reports 249 face-to-face interactions across seven joint sessions shared with the Telopea Park School project, more than 939 visitors to the YourSay page, 12 survey responses and eight online comments.

The concerns it lists:

• Parking: residents and nearby businesses fear pressure on shopping-precinct parking. Some said parking is essential for patients who cannot walk, cycle or afford taxis, and others objected to a large surface car park and suggested basement parking.
• Size and design: some praised the modern look, while others raised the building’s size, bulk and height.
• Green space: residents asked that trees, parkland and the local playground be protected.
• Access and traffic: requests included a bus stop closer to the centre, a more level path from bus stops for older and less mobile people, and traffic calming around Stuart Street.
• Location and services: some proposed Kingston or Manuka, and others asked if treatment would be free, if GPs would work from the centre and if mental health caseworkers would be on site.

Deputy Chief Minister and Health Infrastructure Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith welcomed the feedback, according to the outlet.

What’s next

Earlier feedback already led to a planned green corridor linking Throsby Park and Blaxland Park, Region Canberra says. The design team is examining whether more green space can be kept before the development application is lodged.

Infrastructure Canberra will refine the design in light of the concerns, then lodge the application. It will be publicly notified through the ACT Planning Authority, so people can make formal submissions. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, subject to planning approval.

Infrastructure Canberra also proposes designating the centre a Territory Priority Project, which would stop third-party appeals from delaying construction. Griffith Narrabundah Community Association president John Edquist opposed that, calling it appalling in a democratic society. He said groups should keep the right to challenge decisions at the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal because appeals often expose government mistakes, per the report.

The Australian Developer has not opened the consultation report or any planning record, and the details above are as reported by Region Canberra. Related: Canberra Airport hires BESIX Watpac to cost Regatta Place stadium.