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From the Minister for Planning
Planning Minister Justin Madden today called-in from VCAT a proposal for a $75 million National Centre for Health and Wellbeing at the Australian Catholic University's Fitzroy campus.
Mr Madden said the proposal was for a new 6 Star Energy rated nine-storey development, comprising lecture theatres, classrooms, gymnasium, café and bookshop, staff areas and rooftop garden.
"The Australian Catholic University wants to expand the range of courses it provides at Fitzroy with new Occupational Therapy, Paramedicine, and Public Health courses proposed from 2011," Mr Madden said.
"Placements at Australia Catholic University's Fitzroy campus are in high demand, with an increase in first-preference applications of 74 per cent since 2008.
"The proposed development will accommodate an additional 2,000 students and 500 staff and is expected to create more than 380 jobs during construction.
"Due to the strategic significance of this site and the ability for this proposal to contribute to planning policy objectives, I have determined to call in the matter from VCAT.
"Calling in this important project allows a decision to be made in a shorter timeframe and enables the Australian Catholic University to plan its future academic programmes."
Mr Madden said the proposed development incorporated a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives including turbines to produce up to 10 percent of the building's energy needs, solar hot water, natural heating and cooling systems, as well as rainwater harvesting and recycling.
"Senior officers of the Department of Planning and Community Development will hear from all eight parties to the VCAT proceedings ensuring everyone has a chance to be heard," he said.
"They will then consider the proposal before making a recommendation to me on the project."
A recommendation will then be made to Governor in Council and the decision will follow.
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