Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD) is committed to ensuring open, proactive and meaningful communications and community engagement. The significance and diversity of issues and projects for which the directorate is responsible, is reflected in the both the opportunities and methods for community engagement.

Our approach is focused on:

  • collaborating and integrating early with project teams to achieve project objectives
  • developing comprehensive community engagement strategies and
  • tailoring activities to specific target audiences and project goals.

The Directorate is guided by the principles and values based on those of the International Association for Public Participation, IAP2.

Over the past year the Directorate embraced the opportunity to be innovative in how it engages with the community. Opportunities were seized to communicate and interact with new audiences, including those who are increasingly turning to social media and online platforms for their information. Events such as Pop-up Cabinet and Periscope Cabinet conducted via Twitter enabled the Canberra Community to directly interact with Ministers in a way that was most convenient for them.

The Canberra Brickworks Precinct proposal also presented an opportunity to try a community engagement approach that had not been used in the ACT before. The Land Development Agency (LDA) established a community panel to develop precinct objectives for the site, a collaborative process that successfully re-established trust with key project stakeholders.

The Asbestos Response Taskforce continued to take a proactive approach to educating and informing the community around this significant issue and the response being implemented to address it. In 2015–16 the Taskforce expanded its engagement activities from those most directly affected to the broader community as the demolition program has rolled out across Canberra. This incorporated a number of engagement methods ranging from the traditional through to social impact assessments of highly affected areas to enable tailored engagement such as doorknocking and suburb-specific events.

Chief Minister’s Stream

Access Canberra

Project Summary
Customer Satisfaction Survey In February and March of each year Access Canberra conducts a customer satisfaction survey.
The purpose of this engagement allows Access Canberra to report on its new service delivery methods being a “no wrong door” approach to its services and to make it easier for businesses, community groups and individuals to get their business done in the ACT.
For the customer survey undertaken in 2016, 602 individuals and 346 business were surveyed:
  • 51 percent of survey respondents were aware of Access Canberra (up from 20 percent in 2015)
  • 87 percent of customers are happy with our customer service (steady with 2015 result)
  • 91 percent of people said it is easy to do business with Access Canberra.
  • This was a six percentage point improvement from 2015, indicating that Access Canberra is making it easier to do business with government.
Client Assessment Surveys Access Canberra conducts Client Assessments for Compliance areas every week.
In this case the clients are those people that compliance inspectors have dealt with in their day-to-day work.
The questions asked while conducting the survey reflect the Access Canberra principles of engagement and education.
Each quarter a report is compiled with the overall findings of the survey as well as the results for each business unit. From this information Access Canberra is able to determine where we are doing well and where improvements are required.
Each quarter’s results are compared with the previous quarters by way of a graph. In the 2015–16 reporting period approximately 2,900 clients were contacted to participate with a 98 percent satisfaction rate.

ACT Gambling and Racing Commission

Project Summary
Gambling Advisory Reference Group The Gambling Advisory Reference Group draws views and opinions across a broad section of organisations in the ACT. There are nine members of the group representing community organisations and areas of the ACT Government. It generally meets twice per year to discuss topical gambling and racing issues including problem gambling and harm minimisation approaches.
Gambling Industry Consultative Committee The Gambling Industry Consultative Committee provides an opportunity for the Commission to consult directly with gaming and wagering industries. It includes representatives from ACT gambling licensees, industry stakeholders and ACT Government. Its twelve members generally meet twice per year to discuss regulatory and compliance issues as well as proposed gambling and racing policy changes.
Problem Gambling Assistance Fund Advisory Committee The Problem Gambling Assistance Fund Advisory Committee provides advice and oversight of the projects administered under the Fund.
Its six members include representatives from ACT gambling providers, the community sector and ACT Government. It meets as necessary, generally on a quarterly basis, to discuss current and potential future projects under the Fund.

Asbestos Response Taskforce

Project Summary
Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme Continuing the series of engagement opportunities provided to the homeowners, tenants and the community since its establishment, the Taskforce has hosted a series of public forums and meetings, including:
  • two community forums (northside and southside) held in July 2015 for affected homeowners and the community with a focus on the scheme, demolition process and health concerns
  • two community meetings (northside and southside) held in August 2015 providing information about the demolition process
  • two community drop-in sessions (northside and southside) held in September 2015 providing an open forum for individualised face-to-face conversations
  • two Asbestos Management Plan information sessions (northside and southside) held in January 2016 to provide an opportunity for homeowners still residing in their affected property to understand the requirements of new legislation.
With the commencement of the demolition program, the Taskforce went into the field during July 2015 to talk with and survey neighbours in order to understand their experience and concerns and inform the development of materials and engagement activities.
From this work the Taskforce has developed a suite of engagement materials that, with the support of ACT Property Group and the demolition head contractors, keeps neighbours informed throughout the process—from acquisition of the affected property, through the demolition works to deregistration and sale.
These materials along with suburb analysis and targeted engagement activities aim to provide neighbours with a complete information experience.
To this end, the Taskforce has:
  • delivered more than 4000 letters to neighbours of affected properties
  • doorknocked  more than 700 neighbours of high-rated clusters of affected properties providing the opportunity to discuss concerns face-to-face
  • hosted a Neighbour Day community celebration held in April 2016 in Kambah, with approximately 300 people attending
  • held a drop-in information session at Curtin shops in
    May 2016 providing an opportunity for residents of Curtin and Lyons to discuss the demolition activity occurring in their suburbs.
The Taskforce has also been available at established community events providing further opportunities for the broader community to ask questions and remain informed.
During 2015–16 the Taskforce set up information stands at:
  • “Parties at the Shops” in Erindale, Kaleen, Hall and Garran
  • the Tuggeranong Festival.
Additionally, during the 2015–16 year, the Taskforce attended nine Community Council meetings, reaching approximately 100 people, to provide status updates on the program and understand and address community concerns.
These enhanced engagement activities supported the more traditional approaches, including website, Facebook and an e-newsletter (with a reach of 2700).
Most recently an online neighbour survey was added to the suite of engagement options, with 67 responses received since it commenced in March 2016.
This comprehensive range of engagement activities and opportunities has assisted Canberrans to understand the significant work being undertaken in their community. It has allowed the Taskforce to be aware of individual challenges being faced by the community members and to seek to minimise inconvenience and disruption.

Communications

Project Summary
Pop-up Cabinets in Woden, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Weston Creek In 2015–16, ACT Government Cabinet members hosted five ‘Pop-up Cabinets’ around Canberra. These events were an opportunity for Cabinet to meet directly with local communities to discuss the issues that matter most to them.
The Pop-up Cabinet format was a new and innovative way to engage with Canberrans and to make it as easy as possible for the public to meet and speak with their Ministers.
During each two-day Pop-up Cabinet (Woden, Belconnen, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong) there were a range of opportunities for the community to meet and speak with their Ministers. The tools used to engage with the community are outlined below:
  • Woden — 2–3 September, 2015. Speed-meet the Minister session, Woden Business Forum, Community Services Roundtable, and an ACT Government stand (staffed by Ministers and their staff) in Westfield Woden
  • Belconnen — 2–3 December, 2015. Speed-meet the Minister session, ACT Government stand (staffed by Access Canberra staff) in Westfield Belconnen
  • Gungahlin —  3–4 February, 2016. Speed-meet the Minister session, Gungahlin Business Forum
  • Tuggeranong — 2–3 March, 2016. Speed-meet the Minister session
  • Weston Creek — 12 May, 2016. The Weston Creek Pop-up Cabinet was focussed on a series of media events
Ministers also did a range of tours and meet and greets with local businesses and schools during each Pop-up Cabinet, along with a number of media events.
A total of 61 people registered to participate in the formal events scheduled as part of each Pop-up Cabinet, and an additional 25 people are likely to have engaged with the ACT Government stands at Westfield in Woden and Belconnen. In addition, Ministers also participated in a range of tours and meet and greets with local businesses and schools during each Pop-up Cabinet, which would have involved close to 100 additional participants.
A breakdown of registrations for each Pop-up Cabinet is below:
  • Woden – Speed meet the Minister session (18 individuals registered to attend, Woden Business Forum (seven people representing six local businesses registered to attend), Community Services Roundtable (seven people representing six community service organisations registered to attend).
  • Belconnen –Speed meet the Minister session (eight individuals registered to attend).
  • Gungahlin – Speed meet the Minister session (eight individuals registered to attend), Gungahlin Business Forum (eight people representing six local businesses registered to attend).
  • Tuggeranong – Speed meet the Minister session (five individuals registered to attend).
  • Weston Creek – Nil
Pop-up Cabinet allowed ACT Government Ministers to meet with individuals, businesses, community organisations, teachers, students, nurses, emergency services personnel and many others to discuss the issues that matter to them, and to see firsthand the important work that goes on throughout the community in a range of different sectors. Each of the engagements allowed Ministers to understand community concerns and how government can support them.
Periscope Cabinet On Monday 31 August 2015 Cabinet hosted the world’s first Periscope and Twitter Cabinet. This event kicked off a week of community engagement for the ACT Government, with the first Pop-up Cabinet held in Woden the same week.
In 2011 the ACT Government became the first jurisdiction to host a Twitter Cabinet, demonstrating the government’s commitment to embracing innovation to connect with the community. Hosting Twitter Cabinet is another opportunity for the Canberra community to engage with Cabinet by providing an opportunity to speak directly with Ministers via Twitter.
Twitter Cabinet lasts for one hour, during which time members of the community can participate by either asking questions to Ministers directly or by following the hashtag. This makes it really easy for people who may not wish to ask a question directly to still be involved and engaged by following the conversation online and see what is being discussed.
In August 2015 the traditional Twitter Cabinet format was updated to make use of new technology, and was live streamed via the mobile application Periscope. The Periscope component allowed Canberrans, Australians and even people overseas to watch the proceedings of the evening live, and to ask questions via this platform as well. The Periscope feed was hosted by Amanda Whitley from HerCanberra, and it attracted 515 unique viewers throughout the hour.
During the August Twitter/Periscope Cabinet, 349 tweets were sent from 107 unique tweeters. During the hour Cabinet sent 72 responses back to the community, with 19 outstanding questions answered within the following days. Cabinet received and responded to questions on issues including making housing more accessible, the revitalisation of Tuggeranong, gaming regulation, road works, urban renewal projects, upgrades to local shops and town centres, parking and sports funding.

Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission

Project Summary
Review of Water and Sewerage Services Tariff Structure In 2015–16 the Commission released an Issues Paper as the first step in its review of Icon Water’s water and sewerage services tariffs.
In June 2016 two additional technical papers that examine the elasticity of demand for water and marginal cost pricing in the ACT were also released by the Commission as part of the review.
We invited public comment in the form of submissions from interested parties. Notification of the consultation process was made through the media and on our website.
We received seven submissions on the Issues Paper during the consultation process. Consideration of the submissions will form part of the draft report which is due for release in September 2016.
Final Decision: Retail electricity price adjustment 2016–17 &emdash; standing offer prices for the supply of electricity to small customers In June 2016 the Commission released its final decision on regulated retail prices for ActewAGL Retail’s small electricity customers from 1 July 2016.
The price adjustment for 2016–17 is the annual adjustment which is made in accordance with the method set out in the Price Direction: Standing offer prices for the supply of electricity to small customers 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2017.
Notification of the decision was made through the media and on our website.
Regulated Water and Sewerage Services – 2016–17 Price Adjustment In June 2016 the Commission determined the maximum prices that Icon Water can charge for its regulated water and sewerage services from 1 July 2016. The report describes the price adjustment process for 2016–17, including details of the price calculations.
Notification of the determination was made through the media and on our website.
 Seminar – South Australian Water – regulatory determination 2016 In June 2016 the Commission hosted a seminar at which Adam Wilson, CEO of Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) spoke on the process and key outcomes of their SA Water Regulatory Determination.
The Seminar was attended by 16 attendees from several ACT Government directorates, representatives from ActewAGL, Icon Water and NSW regulatory bodies.

Long Service Leave Authority

Project Summary
Long Service Leave registration and entitlement payments The Authority provides assistance to portable long service leave scheme employers to complete their registration, quarterly returns and payments; and to scheme employees to answer their inquiries and help with their long service leave entitlement claims.
Employer assistance includes:
  • The Authority provides information to all employers in the administered schemes regarding levy rate and legislation changes, return and payment reminder, etc. throughout the year. Authority staff regularly engage with key industry stakeholders through attendance at a variety of workshops and forums to provide information on the operation of the portable long service leave schemes.
Employee assistance includes:
  • Apprentice presentations are conducted to industry and CIT apprentices from time to time to ensure the apprentices are aware of their benefits under the Long Service Leave (Portable Schemes) Act 2009.

Office of the Chief Digital Officer

Project Summary
iConnect program In June 2016, iConnect conducted user focus groups to seek feedback on the first wave of new digital services (comprised of vehicle transactions), future online services, and the perception of Beta sites.
A total of 21 participants attended across three sessions, representing seven stakeholder groups. User feedback was received on the look and feel of webpages, the accessibility and consistency of the language describing services, how future services align with user priorities, and how to present a Beta site to maximise customer uptake.
iConnect has fed this into the design of new online services as one of its mechanisms towards delivering a user-centred digital experience.
People Centred – Connected Care Project (PCCC) The People Centred – Connected Care exemplar project (PCCC) was a joint venture between the ACT Government and the Federal Government’s Digital Transformation Office.
Over a six-month period the project team conducted extensive user research with:
  • 119 health consumers
  • 37 health staff
  • nine advocacy groups.
The user research was conducted in accordance with the ethics framework used by the Health Directorate and occurred in three phases:
  1. initial research was conducted to identify areas of opportunity for using digital technologies to improve the experience for people accessing and managing non-urgent outpatient and community-based health services across the ACT. Engagement took the form of phone interviews, face-to-face interviews and contextual enquiries.
  2. focus was narrowed to new parents and how they accessed and managed immunisation and health check appointments for their children. A number of options were presented to health consumers and their feedback sought on design, language used, usability and accessibility. This feedback was fed into the design of the final product.
  3. health consumers participated in testing of the final product, ensuring usability and accessibility.

Policy and Cabinet

Project Summary
Regulatory Reform Panel The purpose of the Regulatory Reform Panel is to provide a consultative body for the ACT Government and industry to collaborate on reducing regulatory impediments to ACT businesses.
Through the member organisations represented on the Panel, the department consults with ACT businesses on regulatory and government processes which impose unnecessary burdens, costs or disadvantages on business activities in the ACT.
Meetings of the Panel are held regularly and additional forums with other industry groups, businesses or members are held as required.
Panel membership in 2015–16 included the Canberra Business Chamber, the Council of Small Business Australia, the Australian Hotels Association (ACT) and Clubs ACT.
The Panel informs the development of the annual Red Tape Reduction Bill and other regulatory reform projects.
Single Licensing Framework The purpose of the engagement was to understand specific industry issues about the current process for business licensing and to provide an opportunity for business to co-design new legislation for licensing.
The engagement included:
  • online surveys of business
  • site visits
  • industry reference groups
  • consultation on policy papers and draft legislation.
Over 50 individual businesses were engaged throughout the process. A number of face-to-face round tables were also held for members of three industry reference groups.
The co-design process involved the following industries which were part of the first phase of the single licensing project: car repairers and dealers, pawnbrokers and second hand dealers.
The industry feedback informed the development of the Traders (Licensing) Bill 2016 which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly in June 2016.
Taxi Industry Innovation Reform This engagement continued to inform and consult with relevant stakeholders on the Taxi Industry Innovation Reforms which commenced in 2014–15. More specifically, consultation was intended to solicit a wide range of views on an eventual policy and legislative framework that would enable increased consumer choices in a strong and sustainable on-demand transportation industry.
The Directorate undertook a series of scheduled and ad hoc meetings with key industry peak bodies, commercial corporations, community advocacy groups (including ACTCOSS), independent contractors (such as taxi owners) and individuals. These engagements occurred throughout the development of new regulation. The Directorate also informed the community of the reforms, via web-based content, fact sheets, stakeholder letters, media releases, and social media channels.
Since the commencement of initial reforms in October 2015, further targeted community engagement on regulatory reform and implementation has involved a dedicated Implementation Working Group and Stakeholder Forum (with more than 35 stakeholders approached). The engagement process saw a strong response from industry and community, as evidenced by a diversity of views on policy, commercial, micro-economic, and interest-group matters. More than 18 organisations contributed input to the entire reform process – many repeatedly.
The process is to ease the transition for industry and the community in what will be a substantially changed on-demand transport environment.
Public Transport Reform Over 2015–16, Policy and Cabinet Division led the ACT Government’s public transport reform agenda.
To assist this reform process, in August 2015 Policy and Cabinet Division consulted with the community on their views of public transport in the ACT. This included focus groups and a phone survey (n=1,000). This assisted with the development of the Public Transport Improvement Plan (released in October 2015) and the approach taken to establish Transport Canberra.
On 28 April 2016, the Transport Canberra Transition Team held a community transport workshop with a range of community stakeholder groups, including the ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS). The workshop served as a key input to strategic planning for Transport Canberra.
Between March and June 2015, the Transport Canberra Transition team conducted a comprehensive survey of public transport in the ACT. This survey will help to shape Transport Canberra’s public transport improvement program to win new public transport customers. The survey comprised six focus group sessions, an online survey, a phone survey (n=2,000) and on-board passenger surveys.
Smart City / Internet of Things Policy and Cabinet Division undertook a Smart City Opportunity Assessment over 2015–16 to canvass the digital landscape and consider opportunities for digital effort.
To assist with this research project, in November 2015 Policy and Cabinet Division held two smart city workshops: one through the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) to hear from local businesses; and a further workshop to hear from leading technology companies.
Reportable Conduct Scheme This engagement was intended to inform and consult with relevant stakeholders on the Government’s intention to implement a reportable conduct scheme for child abuse allegations occurring in institutions. Policy and Cabinet Division held two public roundtable discussions in March 2016 which were attended by representatives from the disability, education, out-of-home care, union and government sectors.
At these sessions, participants were asked to focus on three major questions, in addition to the six raised in the discussion paper, namely:
  • should a reportable conduct scheme be introduced
  • which organisation should have the oversight power
  • what type of employees should be in scope of the scheme.
Private consultations were also held for those unable to make the public sessions, or for those who requested one. Presentations were also made to the ACT Council of Social Services Peak Forum and the Sexual Assault Reform Program Reference Group.
In addition to the face-to-face consultation discussed above, over 20 written submissions were received.

Treasury Stream

ACT Compulsory Third Party Insurance Regulator

Project Summary
CTP Quiz The CTP insurance quiz was designed to gauge drivers’ level of knowledge of the ACT CTP scheme and to improve understanding of the arrangements.
The online quiz was published on the CTP insurance website from 18 April to 15 May 2016 and was distributed via digital and direct mediums both internally and externally, including the ACT Government Facebook and Twitter pages; digital and hardcopy versions of the Our Canberra newsletter; the Whole of Government Daily Notices; and the internal CMTEDD newsletter, The Loop.
This quiz targeted more than265,000 Canberra motorists aged 17–65 over the four-week period.
A total of 1,632 participants took part in the quiz with 79% of participants answering five or more questions out of 10 correctly. Despite the pass rate, the majority of participants (62%) answered three to five answers incorrectly.
On average Canberra motorists lacked knowledge about:
  • how costly the ACT’s CTP scheme is relative to other jurisdictions
  • the relative proportion of different payments paid out by the scheme, including the relatively low proportion of medical expenses paid to injured persons
  • the nature and meaning of an ‘at-fault’ system, and the need to prove fault in order to receive compensation
  • what the CTP policy covers in terms of insurance; and
  • eligibility for the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme (when injuries are catastrophic).
The CTP insurance quiz was very successful in reaching Canberra motorists to measure their understanding of the ACT CTP insurance scheme and directing them to the updated website for more information. The number of participants was four times greater than the original target sample size.
Insurance Council of Australia Meetings The CTP regulator and insurers met once during 2015ā€‘16 at a meeting facilitated by the Insurance Council of Australia (out-of-session teleconferences were also conducted with insurers on important issues).
The meeting and teleconferences included discussion on matters relating to improving the operation of the CTP scheme.
These discussions included: developing Sharing Guidelines for the Industry Deed; reviewing the data, circumstances and approach to ridesharing; revising claims forms to reduce duplication; reviewing the premium filing process to improve efficiency; and progressing implementation of the ACT Personal Injury Register.
The meetings facilitated by the Insurance Council of Australia are an effective forum for discussing topical issues regarding CTP Insurance.
CTP Claims Forms Consultation was undertaken with the ACT Law Society and other legal stakeholders in 2015–16.
Changes were proposed to remove the duplication of fields requesting information, consolidate the medical report required from doctors into one document, and minimise the number of signatures and authorities required to obtain personal information.
The changes to the claims forms have had a consequential effect on the Early Payment Guidelines.
It is the intention of the CTP regulator that the revised guidelines and forms will be available for use by late 2016.

Finance and Budget

Project Summary
Budget Consultation
Budget Day Community Briefing
The Budget Consultation process serves to inform decision-making processes associated with development of the Territory’s annual budget.
Community groups, interested parties and individuals are invited to provide their commentary via a dedicated Budget Consultation website.
87 written submissions were received as part of the 2016–17 process, with submitting parties able to request their input either be treated as confidential or publicly listed on the website.
ACT Government agencies consider the input provided as they develop new initiatives for the Government’s consideration.
The annual Budget represents the Government’s response to the matters raised via the consultation process
CMTEDD conducted a budget briefing on Budget Day (7 June 2016) for peak community, business and industry organisations, with over 120 people from local interest groups attending.  The Chief Minister and Treasurer, Mr Andrew Barr MLA, delivered a presentation and senior ACT Government agency representatives were available to answer any questions from attendees.

Lifetime Care and Support Scheme

Project Summary
Lifetime Care and Support (LTCS) Participant survey A research survey of ACT participants in the LTCS Scheme was undertaken in February 2016 for the first time since the commencement of the ACT LTCS Scheme on 1 July 2014.
The purpose of the survey was to seek feedback from all ACT LTCS Scheme participants (5 participants) to gain an understanding of their expectations of and experience with the Scheme. Analysis based on the feedback was used to identify opportunities for improvements in the operation of the LTCS Scheme and ensure that its focus remains on effective rehabilitation and recovery outcomes.
The survey was conducted by a social research consultant who specialised in undertaking research of services in the disability and health sectors. LTCS Scheme Participants and their nominated representatives were invited to participate in the survey by letter sent to them with information on the purpose of the research and how the survey would be conducted. Scheme participants who wished to participate in the survey were then contacted and a time was arranged for the consultant to speak to them individually. All participants in the scheme agreed to be interviewed as part of the survey.
The results of the research together with opportunities for enhancements to the Scheme were reported to the LTCS Commissioner.
It is the intention to undertake a survey of Scheme participant views on an annual basis.
Lifetime Care and Support Scheme to cover catastrophically injured workers The Lifetime Care and Support (Catastrophic Injuries) Amendment Act (No 1) 2016, which passed the ACT Legislative Assembly in May 2016, broadens the LTCS Scheme to cover private sector workers who suffer a catastrophic workplace accident. This is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to implement a National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) to cover catastrophically injured workers as part of the agreement with the Commonwealth Government to roll out the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the ACT. Feedback was sought from insurers and self-insurers in the development of draft legislation to give effect to an expanded LTCS Scheme to cover workers. Consultation also included the provision of answers to questions raised by stakeholders. The unions, the Work Safety Council and the ACT Business Council were also consulted.
The Scheme to cover workers commenced 1 July 2016. The ACT Government is now working with Insurers, Self-insurers and the NSW Lifetime Care and Support Authority (also known as NSW Lifetime Care) regarding implementation of the LTCS Scheme to cover workplace accidents.

Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations

Project Summary
Portable Long Service Leave – Extension of Community Sector Industry and Contract Cleaning Industry Portable Long Service Leave Schemes to the aged care and waste management workers respectively. This engagement was aimed at consulting with relevant stakeholders in the aged care and waste management sectors in the development of the scope and content of amending legislation to include workers in these sectors in the community sector and contract cleaning schemes.
Given the nature of the information and input required stakeholders were engaged either face-to-face, by email or by teleconference (depending on location).
The Health Services Union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, United Voice and the Transport Workers Union were engaged on behalf of workers in these sectors.
For aged care, affected employers and the applicable employer peak bodies were engaged.
In relation to the contract waste worker employers, the Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of NSW and affected employers were engaged.
Peak industry bodies engaged included the Canberra Business Chamber and the ACT Council of Social Services.
Development of a new workers’ compensation scheme for the ACT public sector workforce This engagement was aimed at consulting with employee representatives on the design of a new workers’ compensation scheme for the ACT public sector (ACTPS) workforce. Given the technical nature of the subject matter the preferred method for this consultation was face-to-face meetings with key stakeholders. On this basis, government officials have met on ten occasions with a delegation representing the interests of Unions ACT. Ongoing discussions between the union delegation and government officials began in August 2015 and have been conducted in good faith. The intended outcome of this consultation process is the introduction of a socially and financially responsible workers’ compensation scheme for the ACT public sector.

Economic Development Stream

Arts Business Events Sports Tourism

Innovation, Trade and Investment

Project Summary
Study Canberra sector engagement The ACT Government’s Study Canberra program promotes Canberra as a study destination to Australian and international students in partnership with Canberra’s key education institutions.
Study Canberra program initiatives include the engagement of prospective and new students, stakeholders, and the wider community by attending several local events each year.
Much of the face-to-face engagement is conducted with the Study Canberra Student Ambassadors. The Ambassadors are students representing a wide variety of backgrounds and a diverse range of academic disciplines taught by education institutions in Canberra, and comprise domestic and international students from the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), University of Canberra (UC), University of New South Wales Canberra (UNSW Canberra) and two Canberra colleges.
Orientation activities are an important part of welcoming new students and helping them to settle in to their new environment. Study Canberra participated at orientation events during Semester 2 (August 2015) and Semester 1 (February 2016) for new students at CIT, UC and the ANU.
Study Canberra also operated the Airport Welcome Desk at Canberra International Airport in partnership with UC for the commencement of Semester 1 2016.
Study Canberra was represented at the Canberra Careers Fair in July 2015 with more than 7,000 students, career advisers, parents and teachers attending this two-day event.
Tertiary Open Day in August 2015 saw Study Canberra participating in campus activities at ANU, UC and UNSW Canberra, and supporting other institutions through Tertiary Open Day activities. Over 6,000 people visited UC and ANU alone with the event bringing many regional, interstate and international visitors to the ACT.
Study Canberra attends these events in conjunction with Visit Canberra to ensure wider promotion of Canberra as a city and study destination.
During 2015–16 the ACT Government successfully hosted two Study Canberra Student Welcome events (21 August 2015 and 4 March 2016) which serve as an official welcome to our city for new interstate and international students.
Hosted by the Chief Minister, over 250 students and staff from all ACT higher education providers, including Vice-Chancellors, several country Ambassadors, and Federal and ACT Government staff attended these events.
Procurement workshop Innovation, Trade and Investment and the CBR Innovation Network supported Procurement and Capital Works to undertake an industry engagement session in November 2015 for the procurement of a ‘Whole of Government Capital Works Enterprise System’.
Innovation, Trade and Investment facilitated the attendance of approximately 30 Canberra-based businesses, allowing companies the opportunity to have early input into the development of the procurement activity.
This led to opportunities for one-on-one meetings between interested businesses and the project manager to discuss potential solutions to the proposal.
Field Officer Program The Field Officer program continued to evolve during 2015–16. The Field Officers provide guidance to Australian Apprentices and their employers on how to navigate the ACT vocational education and training (VET) system and link them with relevant support services, whilst gathering intelligence from industry and the users of the VET system to inform policy decisions and identify ACT skills needs.
During the reporting period 600 employers and 700 Australian Apprentices visits occurred.
Registered Training Organisation Forums The forums provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with Training and Tertiary Education on current and future vocational education and training activities and related matters in the ACT and nationally.
Forums held in 2015–16 covered a range of topics including:
  • local and national reform in the skills training sector
  • review of the ACT Australian Apprenticeships program
  • ACT Vocational Education and Training Administrative Record System (AVETARS)
  • Skilled Capital funded training initiative
  • ACT Quality Framework including registered training organisation (RTO) audits and professional development opportunities and
  • Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS).
Representatives attended from registered training organisations (RTOs) including:
  • public and non-government school RTOs
  • group training organisations (GTOs)
  • industry skills councils and service skills organisations
  • Apprenticeship Network providers (ANPs)
  • the Canberra Business Chamber
  • the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET)
  • the ACT Association of Providers of Training Services (APTS)
  • the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS)
  • industry peak bodies and the Australian Government.
ACT VET Think Tank The objectives of the ACT VET Think Tank are to identify and discuss key current and emerging strategic, policy and operational matters confronting Training and Tertiary Education.
It provides a perspective of the ACT vocational education and training (VET) community on the ACT VET system and informs strategies to strengthen interaction, communication and collaboration between the Directorate and ACT VET stakeholders.
The ACT VET Think Tank is chaired by the Director, Training and Tertiary Education, and membership includes representatives from a range of stakeholders including:
  • registered training organisations (RTOs)
  • group training organisations (GTO)
  • Apprenticeships Network Providers ACT Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET)
  • the ACT Association of Providers of Training Services (APTS).
There were two ACT VET Think Tank meetings in the 2015ā€‘16 reporting period.
ACT Training Awards The ACT Training Awards are the ACT’s premier vocational education and training community event. The 2015 Awards presentation in September 2015 recognised the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, school students, employers, colleges, registered training organisations (RTOs) and industry within the vocational education and training sector.
Two ACT nominees were recognised in the 2015 ACT Training Awards and went on to be runners-up in their national categories at the 2015 Australian Training Awards. The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards for the vocational education and training sector recognising organisations, training providers and individuals for their contribution to skilling Australia. The ACT runners-up at the Australian Training Awards were:
  • Hana Chapman-Speering as Australian School Based Apprentice of the Year and
  • Samantha Marks-Galea as Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year.
Review of the ACT Australian Apprenticeships (User Choice) Program This was the first substantial review of User Choice in many years, and was timely following the development and implementation of the Skilled Capital program.
Consultation with vocational education and training (VET) stakeholders was a key component and included four online surveys targeting registered training organisations (RTOs) and Australian Apprentice employers; three RTO focus groups; and interviews with representatives from industries with strong Australian Apprenticeships uptake to ascertain the impacts of proposed changes on industry. The review resulted in changes to the User Choice subsidy and payment model.
Skilled Capital 12 Month Evaluation The evaluation was conducted to review the Skilled Capital program’s first year of operation. Extensive consultation with vocational education and training (VET) stakeholders enabled a thorough assessment of its key elements and attributes.
The approach included the Skilled Capital Progress Survey and registered training organisation (RTO) focus groups, participation in which was open to RTOs who had or were currently delivering Skilled Capital qualifications. A selection of RTOs not currently accessing the Skilled Capital program, were also contacted for comment via email. The findings of the evaluation highlighted that the policy design parameters implemented in Skilled Capital are working as intended and supported the implementation of a number of changes in 2016, to further improve the program.
Professional development for registered training organisations Workshops for registered training organisations were conducted for the first time to support compliance with the ACT Standards for the Delivery of Training and Compliance Guides for ACT Government subsidised training initiatives.
Industry and community consultation on the ACT Skills Needs List The ACT Skills Needs List was first published in July 2014 and identifies the skills needs and funding priorities for qualification level vocational education and training (VET) in the ACT.
The Draft ACT Skills Needs List 2015 went out for consultation in August 2015, seeking feedback from industry, employers, training providers and members of the wider community. This was a key component to the review of the ACT Skills Needs List, to ensure it remains aligned with changing ACT skills needs.

VisitCanberra

Project Summary
VisitCanberra
Destination Canberra Conference
On 25 February 2016 VisitCanberra hosted the inaugural Destination Canberra Conference (DCC). The DCC is a new initiative aimed at supporting the promotion and development of the tourism industry, as we work towards growing the value of the visitor economy to $2.5 billion by 2020. 
The DCC focused on key destination marketing opportunities in the ACT and Canberra region and was aimed at industry professionals in the private and public sector who have a passion to grow the visitor economy.
Launched by Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA, the DCC covered topics such as the global outlook, marketing in the digital age, customer service, partnership marketing and aviation. The DCC provided a platform for delegates to absorb practical innovations which could raise the profile of their organisation and the ACT and Canberra region as a tourism destination, and provide inspiration and guidance to the industry on where to from here.
The DCC was followed by a half-day of hands-on workshops on Friday 26 February, providing the opportunity for delegates to further expand on learnings from the conference. The workshops covered topics relevant to the ACT and Canberra region, including China ready, trade and distribution, cultural tourism and consumer insights in digital marketing. Over 220 delegates from Canberra and the region’s tourism, hospitality, transport and education sectors attended the conference.
Regional Tourism Workshop On Friday 10 June 2016 VisitCanberra coordinated a regional tourism workshop that focused on the potential for the Canberra Region to adopt a more collaborative focus on tourism activities.
With the commencement of direct international flights by Singapore Airlines from 20 September 2016 and the roll out of the new destination marketing platform, One Good Thing After Another, the opportunity exists to better collaborate towards Tourism 2020 to drive overnight visitation and expenditure opportunities with industry partners.
Representatives from CMTEDD, Destination NSW, the CBR Joint Organisation, Tourism Snowy Mountains, Southern Highlands, Sapphire Coast and Shoalhaven attended the workshop.
Cabbies Breakfast Delivery of two Cabbies Breakfast and one Cabbies Afternoon Tea sessions to provide and share current tourism product information and to promote quality customer service through the local taxi industry.
Promotional material including the 2015 Canberra Region Visitors Guide and Seasonal Events Guide are provided in information packs to drivers.
Sessions were held on 10 September 2015, 8 March and 5 May 2016. Sessions in 2016 have also included an update on the relocation of the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre to Regatta Point. On average 150 drivers attended these sessions.
Uber Morning Tea Delivery of two Uber Morning Tea sessions to provide and share current tourism product information and to promote quality customer service through the local taxi industry.
Promotional material including the 2015 Canberra Region Visitors Guide, Seasonal Events Guide, and new visitor App are provided in information packs to drivers.
Sessions were held on 18 December 2015 and 15 June 2016. Sessions in 2016 have also included an update on the relocation of the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre to Regatta Point.
On average 120 drivers attend these sessions.
UC, ANU and CIT Open Days
Canberra CareersXpo
CIT Community Days
CIT International Orientation
ANU and UC O-Week
VisitCanberra has attended a range of university open days and international student orientations in collaboration with StudyCanberra to promote the destination and provide quality customer service and support to new students.
StudyCanberra supplied bags for which VisitCanberra included content such as the current Canberra Visitor Guides, seasonal events guide, tear off maps, Canberra cycle loops and a one page print out on ‘How to find out about events in Canberra’.
  • ANU and UC Open Days – 29 August 2015 – 700 bags at each
  • Canberra CareersXPO – 29 & 30 July 2015 – 900 bags
  • CIT Community Days – 4–6 August 2015 – 100 bags at each campus (Woden, Reid, Bruce)
  • CIT International Orientation – 4 February 2016 – 100 bags
  • ANU and UC O-Week – 10 February 2016 – 500 bags
Defence Community Organisation Open Day VisitCanberra had a presence at the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Open Day at ADFA on 5 March 2016.
This event was an opportunity to connect with new families that had relocated to Canberra.
150 visitor information packs were distributed.
Radford College Presentation After successfully gaining a grant through the ACT Government Mandarin Culture and Language Grants Program Radford College developed a course whereby the students study Economics and Business and Civics and Citizenship under a thematic approach of Engaging with Asia.
As part of this course, the students have one lesson a fortnight with a Chinese teacher learning about culture, etiquette and background that will hopefully prepare them to do business in or with Asia. On 4 May 2016 VisitCanberra presented to Year 10 students studying this new course on the benefits of direct international flights and engagement with Asia.
Approximately 100 students attended the presentation.
National Seniors Australia Presentation to National Seniors Australia, Canberra North Branch members on 3 December 2015.
The purpose of the presentation was to communicate the role of VisitCanberra and the value of the Visitor Economy to the ACT. National Seniors Australia is a not-for-profit membership based community organisation which has as its major objectives:
  • to provide economic and social benefits for people 50 years and over
  • to represent members’ views to Government at all levels and also on numerous consultative committees
  • to make donations and provide service and advice to charitable institutions assisting people 50 years and over.
With a national membership of 300,000, it is Australia’s largest organisation representing those 50 years and over.
Approximately 80 members attended this presentation.
University of Canberra presentation VisitCanberra gave a presentation to tourism and business management students at the University of Canberra on 11 August 2015. The purpose of the presentation was to address tourism employability and the skills needed to get into the industry.
Approximately 30 students attended the presentation.
Meetings and Events Australia VisitCanberra presented to members and industry representatives of Meetings and Events Australia on 25 November 2015.
The purpose was to engage meetings and events professionals on the importance of markets and shopping to the tourism industry and present case studies on how VisitCanberra has worked with/supported these types of businesses in the past.
Details of the recently launched Delegate Boosting Kit (developed to assist conference and event organisers to encourage beyond conference leisure based activities and conversion of business event travel into future leisure travel) were also provided at the presentation.
Approximately 50 MEA members/industry representatives attended the presentation.

National Arboretum, Events ACT and artsACT

Project Summary
Canberra volunteer, events, education and marketing program The National Arboretum Canberra continued to support and facilitate an active and wide ranging community engagement program with several key elements:
Guiding, working bees and other volunteer activities through the Friends of the National Arboretum, the Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (STEP) and the bonsai and penjing community, collectively contributing approximately 19,000 hours of volunteer time. This included 2494 free guided tours involving 13,873 visitors.
Provision of a public events program which included 32 events including exhibitions, concerts, workshops, an open day and other ticketed and free activities;
Provision of a fee-for-service education program for schools which reached over 3,200 students; an active marketing approach through social media, publicity, newsletters, advertising and on-site visitor services.
Community engagement continues to be a core part of the Arboretum’s function as it evolves and develops.
National Arboretum Canberra Strategic Direction Review- Stakeholder Consultation As part of a Strategic Direction Review, the Arboretum facilitated a series of stakeholder consultations that focused on capturing ideas and opinions about the future of the Arboretum. Consultations included:
21 one-on-one sessions with individuals who were identified as key Arboretum stakeholders. The sessions ran for approximately 45 minutes each.
9 focus group sessions with an average of 8 attendees per session. Each focus group ran for 2 hours and was targeted towards a different stakeholder group, including staff, Arboretum Friends and volunteers, forestry, horticulture and arboriculture experts, tourism industry professionals, gardening specialists, community engagement advocates, recreational user groups, and young Canberrans.
In total, 95 stakeholders were directly consulted during this process.
National Arboretum Canberra Strategic Direction Review-
Visitor Survey
The Arboretum undertook a visitor survey in May and June 2016 which resulted in over 2600 responses. The survey collected a range of demographic data as well as seeking views on the Arboretum’s purpose and future direction to inform the Strategic Direction Review.
The results revealed widespread and strong community support for the Arboretum and its diverse roles in conservation, education, recreation and tourism.
The Strategic Direction Review is due to be completed by August 2016 and will be provided to Government for consideration.
National Arboretum Canberra Ceremonial Tree Plantings The Arboretum continued its role in building relationships between the ACT and the international community through facilitating three ceremonial tree plantings, involving dignitaries from Iran, Tanzania and the UK.
ACT Cultural Infrastructure Plan artsACT is committed to an ongoing conversation with the community about the implementation of the 2015 ACT Arts Policy, including the development of the Cultural Infrastructure Plan.
The first CBRarts Forum Creative Spaces, Creative Places was a chance to discuss the future needs for cultural infrastructure in the ACT. Fifty-one members of the community took part in the forum in December 2015 to discuss how arts facilities can meet community needs now and in the future and the role of the arts in improving the vibrancy and liveability of Canberra. Seventy-three people responded to the online survey. A targeted arts facilities workshop was also held in February 2016.
Responses from the forum, workshop and survey will contribute to the development of the ACT Government Cultural Infrastructure Plan. Further artist workshops will be held in July 2016.
Other tools used to engage the community included social media, artsACT web updates, eNews articles and a survey.
ACT Arts Funding Plan artsACT is committed to an ongoing conversation with the community about the implementation of the 2015 ACT Arts Policy, including the development of the Arts Funding Plan.
The second CBRarts Forum Making CBRarts Happen was held in March 2016 and included 28 local arts workers and other stakeholders. This Forum was an important part of the discussion between government, organisations and individuals about the direct and indirect funding support available to the arts sector.
Discussions ranged from the features of the Canberra arts sector to sector needs towards the Arts Policy’s key principles. These discussions will inform the development of the new Arts Funding Plan. Further artist workshops will be held in July 2016.
Other tools used to engage the community included social media, artsACT web updates and eNews articles.
Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture The ACT Arts Policy includes a principle on Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture. As part of the development of relationships in the community artsACT took part in a market at Yarramundi Reach organised by the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. The provided an opportunity to alert the market attendees to the programs offered by artsACT.
Further engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will take place in 2016–17.
ACT Event Fund public information sessions To assist with the successful roll-out of the ACT Event Fund, two public information sessions for event organisers and potential grant applicants are convened by Events ACT after the Fund opens each year. The public information sessions provide advice to applicants on the aims of the ACT Event Fund, available funding tiers, eligibility, application preparation and the assessment process.
Each session is attended by approximately 15–20 event organisers. Holding these public information sessions has enhanced levels of engagement with the local events community, has served to improve the quality of funding applications over time and has ensured a clearer understanding of ACT Government objectives for the events sector.
One-on-one meetings with Events ACT are also available for those event organisers that require additional clarification and guidance.

Sport and Recreation Services

Project Summary
Stromlo Forest Park master plan Community consultation was undertaken on the updated master plan for Stromlo Forest Park in order to re-engage with the community on the future of the Park, following the development of the original master plan in 2010.
Residents living in the suburbs surrounding Stromlo Forest Park (Wright, Coombs, Weston Creek) received an invitation in the mail to complete a survey on the updated master plan. The consultation was also promoted via media release, social media, the Our Canberra newsletter, on various ACT Government websites and through the Land Development Agency’s Molonglo Mingle network.
During the three month consultation period seven written submissions and 744 online responses were received.
Following the consultation the final master plan for Stromlo Forest Park was released on 12 May 2016 as part of the Weston Creek Pop-up Cabinet. At the same time the Chief Minister announced that the first project that would be developed under the master plan is a new 50m pool at the Park.
A new sporting facility at the Lyneham Neighbourhood Oval Community consultation was undertaken on a proposal by Brindabella Christian College to build a new sporting facility on a portion of land within the lease boundary of the Lyneham Neighbourhood Oval to gauge whether there was support from the community for this development.
Following concerns raised by the community about the proposal, the ACT Government undertook a survey to get a clearer picture of the level of community support.
Residents living in the suburbs immediately surrounding the Lyneham Neighbourhood Oval received an invitation in the mail to complete a survey on the proposal.
Information about the consultation was also placed in newsletters for Lyneham High School and Lyneham Primary School, and Brindabella Christian College. In addition, two community forums were held (November 2014 and June 2015) to talk through the development proposal and provide residents with an opportunity to ask questions.
Meetings were also held between the ACT Government, Brindabella Christian College and key residents groups in the area, and presentations were made to the two ACT Government school P&Cs. The consultation was also promoted via media release.
The community survey was completed by 676 people and represented those who lived in north O'Connor and Lyneham, as well as parents at the three local schools – Brindabella Christian College, Lyneham Primary School and Lyneham High School.
The level of support from within the broader Lyneham community was shown to be less than 25%, and as a result the ACT Government did not endorse the proposal.

Territory Venues

Project Summary
Manuka Oval major events and temporary traffic management / parking plan for 2016 The purpose of this engagement was to inform the community and relevant stakeholders of planned major events at Manuka Oval in 2016 and to inform and discuss the temporary traffic management plan for each event during the year.
This engagement was undertaken on behalf of Territory Venues and Events. Tools used to engage the community included:
  • letters to the Inner South Canberra Community Council (ISCCC)
  • Kingston and Barton Residents’ Group (KBRG) and residents and businesses in close proximity to the oval
  • a meeting with representatives from the ISCCC and KBRG
  • Manuka Oval web updates
  • CMTEDD and Manuka Oval social media
  • ACT Government Community Noticeboard press
  • Ticketek message to ticket holders.
The outcomes of these activities were for information purposes.
A commitment to meet bi-annually with the ISCCC and KBRG to provide updates prior to each sporting season is ongoing.
GIO Stadium major events and temporary traffic management / parking plan for 2016 Residents in the suburb of Bruce were provided with details of te mporary traffic management arrangements for major events at GIO Stadium in 2016. This included access and egress options for local resident traffic before, during and after events.

Cultural Facilities Corporation

Project Summary
Operation of the CFC’s three advisory committees Purpose of the engagement: to seek advice on a range of specialised matters relating to the operation of the CFC’s three program areas: the Canberra Theatre Centre; the Canberra Museum and Gallery; and the ACT Historic Places.
Tools used in the engagement: plenary workshops of all committee members and individual sessions of each committee.
Approximate number of people who participated: 22 across the three committees throughout the year.
The outcome of the engagement: provision of expert strategic advice to the CFC.

Land Development Agency

Project Summary
Canberra Brickworks Precinct Following community consultation earlier in the year on the Canberra Brickworks + Environs Planning and Development Strategy, in August 2015 Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced a new proposed development (the Canberra Brickworks Precinct).
This smaller site, reduced from 49 ha to 16 ha, still delivers activation of the Brickworks and much of the public realm of the previous plan. The new proposal gave the LDA an opportunity to pilot a new form of community engagement and rebuild trust with the community.
In November 2015 the LDA established a community panel to develop precinct objectives for the site. The community panel consisted of seven stakeholders, with all panel members expected to consult with and represent the views of the group they represented and convey the considerations and outcomes of the panel to their members.
The community panel broadly represented more than 5,500 members. The panel met six times over four months, and the objectives were included in the Request for Proposal (RFP) when the Brickworks site went to the market on 2 April 2016 in a two-stage process to select a developer. Panel members expressed very strong support for the engagement process and its outcomes.
When the RFP closed on 16 June 2016, five proposals were received. The community panel will act as an advisory group in the RFP assessment process and will continue to be involved throughout the development of the precinct.
Furzer Street Precinct, Woden Work on the Furzer Street Precinct in Woden began in March 2015 and was completed in July 2016. The realignment of Corinna Street began in late November 2015, requiring the closure of a section of Corinna Street between mid-February and July 2016.
Community engagement tools included face-to-face meetings with the Woden Seniors Centre, Westfield Shopping Centre and nearby businesses to inform them of any traffic interruptions or impact, letterbox drops, emails, website updates and presentations to the Woden Community Council.
Approximately 400 letters were distributed to nearby apartments, government buildings and businesses, and 20 people attended an information session in February 2016 at Woden Library.
Under the ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program, the Furzer Street Precinct (Woden Block 16 Section 3) is scheduled for release in 2017–18.
LDA Events The LDA has engaged with the community through corporate events including:
  • the ‘Celebrate Gungahlin’ festival
  • the Real Estate Institute ACT Home Buyers’ Expo
  • the Moncrieff Display Village launch.
Southquay Greenway Park Naming Competition The LDA and the ACT Place Names Committee invited the community to help name the new park in Southquay Greenway by nominating:
  • the name of a person who made a significant contribution to the local community
  • a deceased Australian architect or
  • a word or characteristic associated with the history of the local area.
Ten nominations from the community were received.
Campbell Park Naming Poll The LDA and the ACT Place Names Committee invited the community to help select a name for the Campbell park. In keeping with the theme for the suburb, five names were short-listed. The selected names reflected the nomenclature themes of Defence personnel and/or the names of people who have some provenance with the suburb of Campbell. The park naming was via a voting system.
The LDA received a total of 372 votes for the five names put forward.
Molonglo Valley Resident Advisory Group The LDA initiated a working group for Molonglo Valley residents to meet monthly to discuss progress in the suburbs and opportunities for new events and activities.
A number of large-scale community information sessions were held to communicate development updates and ACT Government programs and initiatives.
Guest speakers included representatives of the Public Housing Renewal Taskforce, TAMS, EPD and the Molonglo River Corridor Team. Attendance at meetings varied from eight to 100 residents.
A community survey in May/June 2016 received 196 responses.
Bonner Residents Group The LDA worked with Bonner residents as part of the transition strategy for finalising the program in the community.
The LDA was involved in a number of strategic conversations on the future of community activities in the area. The group has approximately 8–10 active members.
Gungahlin Movie Marathon The LDA partnered with a number of organisations to deliver the Gungahlin Movie Marathon in June 2016, including the Gungahlin Community Council, My Gungahlin, Communities@Work and local Gungahlin businesses.
Monthly meetings with stakeholders developed the event and movie program. A community survey sought feedback on the movie program and received 260 responses.
Nineteen movies were screened over three days, with all ticket proceeds going to 12 not-for-profit groups working in the Gungahlin community.
Gungahlin Community Group Forum The LDA started a Gungahlin community forum in June 2016 with representatives from Bonner, Crace, Casey, Franklin and Forde to establish improved links with connecting suburbs.
City to the Lake
West Basin Waterfront
On 26 September 2015, the community were invited to comment on a works approval application for the West Basin waterfront, which is part of the City to the Lake project. The three week consultation process was conducted by the National Capital Authority as the agency with responsibility for development proposals at West Basin and follows community engagement processes undertaken by the ACT Government in 2013 and 2015. The application included two works packages. Works package 1 sought approval for lake reclamation, a new lake wall and site servicing. Works package 2 was for the construction of the landscape foreshore earthworks, hard and soft landscaping, boardwalk, pavilions and associated works. The application submitted included an illustrative masterplan, detailed drawings and artist impressions showing what the precinct would look like when complete. The application was supported by various studies that were undertaken to inform the waterfront design, including heritage, environment, tree assessment and retail analysis.
Accompanying the application was a Strategic Urban Design Framework to guide the City to the Lake project over the next twenty years. It reflects the principals of good urban design and outlines a set of key moves and design principles to achieve an urbane, diverse and pedestrian friendly precinct. Sustainability and design excellence are core goals of the project. The draft framework was displayed at the drop in sessions held during the consultation period in June 2015, and was updated to reflect feedback received.
Construction of the Point Park boardwalk is scheduled to commence in late 2016.
Urban Renewal Community Engagement – Making Canberra’s Heart Sing From 4–8 April, the ACT Government hosted the visit of two international urban renewal experts. Professor Larry Beasley and Mr Gordon Harris were invited to share their experiences on creating successful, sustainable cities that are valued by the community.
Professor Beasley is the retired Chief Planner for the City of Vancouver. He led the planning and development management initiatives to transform Vancouver into a world model for contemporary sustainable and liveable cities. He now teaches and advises on urbanism around the world. Mr Harris leads the development of UniverCity, an award-winning sustainable community on the Burnaby Mountain endowment lands of British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University.
Professor Beasley and Mr Harris delivered an intensive program of public lectures, master classes and workshops during their week-long visit. Activities were structured to identify the gaps and opportunities for state-of-the-art transformation in central Canberra and transformation ideas for central Canberra.
Participants across the week of events included university students and representatives from government, industry and the community. 150 people attended the lunchtime address, 144 spaces were filled for the masterclasses, 60 thought leaders participated in the forum and 100 people attended a free debate.
 Feedback received during the engagement process has informed the development of draft principles and a strategy statement for the transformation of Central Canberra.

Procurement and Capital Works

Project Summary
Horse Park Drive, Gungahlin Horse Park Drive is being upgraded between Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Well Station Drive. The upgrade incorporates the duplication of Horse Park Drive and upgrades of three main intersections.
Tools used to engage with the community included:
  • letterbox deliveries to stakeholders and residents (2500)
  • social media
  • website updates and ongoing communication
  • three presentations to the Gungahlin Community Council and on-site variable message signage.
Communication activities were coordinated with the TAMS and Capital Metro communication teams. Night asphalt works at the Anthony Rolfe intersection were successfully completed In May with only one public enquiry received. Works were complete in early June, with traffic using the new lanes through the Horse Park Drive and Anthony Rolfe Ave intersection, resulting in two lanes through the intersection in both directions.
Communications are being coordinated on upcoming traffic impacts for Stage two of the duplication. Earthworks are underway to build up the new carriageway between Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Well Station Drive, and work on the bridge at Gungaderra Creek (on the new carriageway) started in mid-June.
Gungahlin Town Centre road extensions (Procurement and Capital Works) Work began in late February 2016 on the Gungahlin Town Centre East road extensions project, which involves extending The Valley Avenue from Kate Crace Street intersection to Manning Clark Crescent, and extending Manning Clark Crescent from Flemington Road to Anthony Rolfe Avenue.
The work required temporary closures of Flemington Road in March and April, and the closure of Manning Clark Crescent northbound for six months from 15 June 2016 until late September 2016.
This enabled the construction of kerbs, traffic islands and the upgrade of traffic signals at the intersection of Manning Clark Crescent and Flemington Road.
Engagement activities incorporated activities for the Horse Park Drive duplication due to crossover of key stakeholders. Tools used to engage with the community included:
  • letterbox deliveries to stakeholders and residents
  • social media
  • website updates and ongoing communication
  • three presentations to the Gungahlin Community Council and on-site variable message signage.
Over five months, 10,350 letters were sent to Gungahlin residents, and about 100 people attended two information sessions in March 2016.
Dickson intersections
(Procurement and Capital Works)
As part of the redevelopment and revitalisation of Dickson, several intersections in and around the Dickson Group Centre have been upgraded to improve safety and traffic management.
Work began in June 2015 and was completed in October 2015, slightly earlier than anticipated. It included the installation of traffic lights at the Antill Street/Badham Street intersection, including construction of a right turn lane from Antill Street into Badham Street, upgrading the Antill Street/Cowper Street intersection and improvements at the Cowper Street/Dickson shops access road intersection.
Engagement used a range of media to reach as many residents and road users as possible and included letter deliveries and direct emails to approximately 1200 residents and 80 businesses. Other engagement tools were a presentation to the North Canberra Community Council (NCCC), website information, news items, posters at the library and various shops in Dickson, face-to-face meetings, social media updates and on-site variable message signage.
Only a few enquires or comments were received about the work and there was positive feedback via email and phone calls, including from the NCCC.
In the next stage of the project, work began in mid-April on the upgrade of the Cowper Street/ Dickson Place intersection.
Public Housing Renewal Taskforce The ACT Government’s public housing renewal program is replacing 1,288 ageing public housing dwellings along the Northbourne Avenue corridor and elsewhere in Canberra.
The sale of selected multi-unit public housing properties is also part of the ACT Government’s agreement with the Commonwealth Government for the Asset Recycling Initiative (ARI).
Community engagement focuses on promoting awareness and understanding of the public housing renewal program, updating stakeholders and promoting the program’s role in key urban renewal initiatives.
Tools include media releases and events, website updates, emails, social media and presentations to stakeholders, including community councils.
During 2015–16 the Public Housing Renewal Taskforce engaged the Canberra community on the relocation sites for public housing under the program.
Engagements included presenting program updates at 10 community council meetings attended by more than 350 people; distributing 10 public notices on project developments to more than 1500 residents; holding two drop-in information sessions attended by more than 180 people; and responding to more than 150 emails to the Housing Renewal inbox.
The Public Housing Renewal Taskforce also worked closely with Housing ACT and a range of community service providers to provide support for tenants for their relocation.
Smart Modern Strategic Procurement Reform Program (SMS Program) Goods and Services (G&S) conducted a series of industry engagements to work directly with companies to identify, prioritise and develop strategies to improve their goods and services procurement experience.
The first engagement activity was an online survey which was issued to approximately 4,600 industry representatives; 223 companies responded to the survey.
The survey results subsequently informed two co-design industry workshops: the first identified issues and quick wins and the second focused on concept testing of proposed solutions and strategies.
The first workshop registered:
  • over 90 organisations (represented by 97 individuals)
  • 46 representatives attending on the day.
The second workshop registered:
  • 55 organisations (represented by 65 individuals)
  • 40 organisations (represented by 46 individuals) attending on the day.
As a result of this industry engagement, the SMS Program will focus on improving panel operations, including delivering system enhancement to support this aim, developing guidelines around tendering administration to better support business considerations, and harnessing industry and market expertise in procurement strategy development.
Quarterly roundtable meetings with the Master Builders Association and Consult Australia Procurement and Capital Works continued its practice of holding quarterly roundtable meetings with the Master Builders Association and Consult Australia as well as ad-hoc engagements with these groups or their representatives.
The attendees for these meetings comprise 8–20 representatives from the relevant organisation, and senior Procurement and Capital Works staff, as well as a small number of representatives from directorates involved in construction.
The roundtable meetings are held to maintain a dialogue between the ACT Government and peak bodies, with discussion of relevant ongoing procurement and construction related matters, as well as topical matters such as the introduction of electronic tendering.
Information forum for the construction industry Procurement and Capital Works held an information forum for the construction industry on 26 April 2016.
Topics presented included a presentation on joint ventures, an industry update and how to improve tender responses. The Local Industry Advocate, Ms Kate Lundy, also attended and gave a short presentation on her role.

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