We shouldn't let density drown out community voices

If you've followed the development landscape in Canberra for any length of time, you won't be surprised to learn that some have objected to plans to demolish the Dickson Tradies Club.

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And the objections are, on the face of it, predictable. A 13-storey building is too large. There won't be enough parking. More construction work will mean less foot traffic.

It's easy to counter such complaints with the gentle reminder that Canberra is a city that is developing rapidly. Dickson has long been marked as a high-density area, and new developments necessarily involve periods of construction and disruption.

Yes, the city is changing and the population is growing. And yes, urban density is a growing reality for many suburban residents. But goodwill is also important. Holding public consultation periods should involve more than just lip service.

We shouldn't let density drown out community voices

The Tradies Club development has been controversial from the get-go, despite having been given the green light for the first stage by the planning authority last week. This first stage includes a six-storey building and a 13-storey building with 246 residences between them.

Feelings would seem to be mixed; while some local businesses support having more residents in the area, others are worried about slower foot traffic for the inevitably long duration of the construction phase.

For those who don't live in the area, such concerns may seem trivial; the years go by, old buildings disappear and new ones pop up seemingly overnight.

But Dickson is an established and character-filled part of Canberra, and for many residents, that character seems to be slipping out of sight, like it or not.

Particularly galling is the loss of the Dickson Squash Club, which has operated from the site for nearly 60 years. Members have been told a new club simply won't work in the confines of the new development.

The Dickson Residents Group is also worried about "significant overshadowing, there's wind tunnels, it has an impact on pedestrians moving through the area".

"We just don't feel like after all that consultation that our concerns and other people's concerns have really been listened to."

While the Tradies have explained why the squash court won't be replaced, it's not clear how much feedback has been taken on and responded to in relation to the community's various other - very legitimate concerns.

Most Canberrans accept the city is changing, and fast. But those likely to be most affected should be heard.

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