Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Customer Satisfaction Survey

In the first half of each calendar year Access Canberra conducts a customer satisfaction survey. The purpose of this engagement allows Access Canberra to report on its 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 2018, 602 individuals and 57 business were surveyed:

• 89 per cent of survey respondents (excludes customers contacted via client assessment surveys) were aware of Access Canberra (up from 77 per cent in 2017)
• 90 per cent of customers are happy with our customer service (slightly down from 91 per cent to 2017 result)
• 89 per cent of people said it is easy to do business with Access Canberra. This was a 6 per cent decrease from 2017
• satisfaction with service centres reached 96 per cent mainly as a result of excellent customer service
• the satisfaction rating for the contact centre decreased from 91 per cent in 2017 to 83 per cent in 2018 as a result of increased wait times
• the satisfaction rating for the website increased from 83 per cent in 2017 to 90 per cent in 2018. 61 per cent of respondents reported they had accessed the website. This is significantly higher than last year’s result of 52 per cent.

Client Assessments Surveys

Access Canberra conducts client assessments for compliance areas every week via phone or email. 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 we might need to make improvements. Each quarter’s results are compared with the previous quarters by way of a graph. In the 2017-18 reporting period around 2,300 clients were contacted to participate with a 95 per cent satisfaction rate.

Engaging, educating and raising awareness within the community can change attitudes and behaviours that contribute to unsafe and unhealthy work practices.

Positively changing these attitudes and behaviours can change workplace environments and create healthier and safer workplaces.

WorkSafe ACT aim to:

• promote the prevention of workplace injuries and the development of healthy and safe workplaces
• develop, implement and review strategies and plans for creating healthier workplaces
• engage in, promote and coordinate the sharing of information
• promote an understanding of the work health and safety laws through a mixture of education, training and other activities.

Such activities include:

• media campaigns
• audit activities
• Safe Work Month
• web portal
• education programs
• seminars (2 for 17-18)
• newsletters (5 for 17-18)
• safety alerts
• guidance material or publications.

In 2017-18, the Access Canberra land titles system (Tarquin) delivered the first upgrade of the ACT Land Information System (ACTLIS). The upgrade has modernised the way transactions are processed and provide industry and the public increased access to online services.

Industry awareness initiatives with ACT Law Society and industry users of the service was conducted and systems now have over 900 registered users.  The old Tarquin system has now been decommissioned.

The next 18 months will see further enhancements with changes to the way Dealing Lodgements are managed by industry.  Further education and training is proposed for 2018-19 to assist stakeholders on navigating and using further enhancements to the new system.

Gambling Harm Awareness Week

YourSay to 2019

The ACT Government sought to engage the community by asking how people experience engagement. We invited people to share their views via a survey on YourSay between 14 February and 23 March 2018. During March we also conducted a phone survey to understand the awareness of the YourSay platform.

More than 280 Canberrans gave their feedback via YourSay and 600 Canberrans participated in phone research. The survey found that 60 per cent of respondent engage with government to seek out more information on projects and initiatives. Phone research found that 37 per cent of Canberrans actively sought to engage with the government. Most respondents to the YourSay survey read the Our Canberra newsletter. Fix My Street and calling Access Canberra were also popular ways to engage. Respondents clearly wanted government to bring conversations to the community, either online or face-to-face.

The insights about how and why Canberrans engage with government will help us track improvements and implement practical steps to improve the experience of engaging with government.

Regulated Water and Sewerage Services Prices 2018-23

During 2017-18 the Commission undertook an investigation into the regulated price for water and sewerage services for the period 2018-23. During its investigation, the Commission provided a number of opportunities for submissions and feedback from the regulated business, consumers and other interested stakeholders. Public consultation is a vital part of the Commission’s investigations as it informs the Commission about the views of parties other than the regulated business. Feedback and information provided by consumers and consumer groups helps the Commission meet its objective of ensuring that prices promote efficient investment in and operation of regulated services in the long term interests of consumers.

The Commission held a community consultation forum on 28 September 2017 and a public hearing on 7 February 2018. Members of the community, ACT Government and industry stakeholders were present at both meetings. Feedback from attendees was recorded and considered in the Draft and Final Report(s). Each public forum had between 10 and 20 attendees.

The Commission also sought written submissions in relation to the Draft Report for the investigation released on 12 December 2017, and a technical appendix released 29 January. The Commission’s consideration of and responses to the submissions were summarised in the Commission’s Final Report released on 1 May 2018.

Community responses received by the Commission as part of its investigation consultation process had a genuine and recognised impact on the Commission’s final decision. Areas on which community engagement had particular impact included: the environmental impacts of water use, the ability for the utility to develop separate water use pricing arrangements with large users, and the impact of tiered pricing structures on vulnerable consumers.

During 2017-18, the Commission completed its investigation into Icon Water’s application for a Water and Sewerage Capital Contribution Code.

Public consultation was undertaken to ensure that final code was consistent with Commission’s objectives under the ICRC Act and the Utilities Act, which include promoting the provision of safe, reliable, efficient and high quality utility services at reasonable prices, and balancing efficiency, environmental and social considerations.

On 4 October 2017, the Commission released its draft decision on the proposed code and sought written submissions. Two public submissions were received. The Commission also held targeted meetings with interested parties.

The Commission’s consideration of and responses to submissions were summarised in the Commission’s final decision on the code. The Commission released its final decision on 8 December 2017. The Commission’s public consultation contributed to ensuring that the final code provides a fairer, more efficient and more transparent framework for developers of projects that trigger infrastructure upgrades to contribute to funding those upgrades.

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.  The Authority’s 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. The Authority’s staff also visit at the employers’ premises to provide assistance regarding scheme coverage, registration process, and return submission.

Apprentice presentations are conducted to industry and CIT apprentices from time to time to ensure the apprentices are aware of their entitlements under the Long Service Leave (Portable Schemes) Act 2009.

On 14 November 2017, the ACT LGBTIQ Ministerial Advisory Council supported by the Office for LGBTIQ Affairs held an Inclusive Canberra Think Tank forum with 60 lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex and queer members of the community to examine priority issues and ideas for the Council’s 2018 workplan.

During the 2017 CBR Fair Day over 200 LGBTIQ people completed the Inclusive CBR Community Survey which will be used to develop priorities for the ACT LGBTIQ Strategic Plan.

In March 2018, targeted roundtable consultations were carried out with specific organisations representing trans, gender diverse and intersex people to ensure these issues were appropriately included in the Strategic Plan.

These engagements

Polict  provided useful insights from a breadth of interests across the Canberra community on creating a more LGBTIQ welcoming and inclusive city.

As part of the Smart Parking Manuka Trial the Policy and Cabinet Division (PCD) Government Reform Branch engaged a consultant to interview and hold workshops with key business and end user stakeholders in the Manuka precinct, as part of the evaluation of the Smart Parking Manuka Trial (November 2017). Additionally, PCD commissioned on street interviews with drivers (approximately 170 interviews) in September 2017.

The purpose of both engagements was to ascertain the efficacy of the Smart Parking app ParkCBR and the LED Street Signs to decrease travel times for drivers seeking to park in the busy Manuka precinct.

The stakeholder interviews reported strong community and business support for continuing the Smart Parking Manuka service and the survey reported strong support for the ParkCBR and its ability to help drivers find available parking bays quickly

Taxi Industry Reform Evaluation

In 2015 and 2016, the ACT Government undertook a series of significant reforms to the ACT taxi industry – allowing for the introduction of rideshare, and reducing costs and regulation for other industry participants. During 2017, an evaluation of the impact of those reforms was commenced.  The evaluation sought to determine the outcomes for consumers, including for people living with disabilities.  It is also determining effects related to safety, accessibility, industry sustainability and competitiveness.  An extended period of public consultation was undertaken as part of the evaluation.

From 5 July 2017 to 5 September 2017, public submissions were sought following the release of a discussion paper, of which 26 were received.  Sixteen meetings were held with various industry groups, peak bodies and individuals during that period.

Surveys were also conducted with various stakeholders to explore the impacts of the reforms, with over 2,500 survey responses received. Survey processes included quick poll on ACT Government social media channels – including the ACT Government’s YourSay page and Twitter. Stakeholder groups targeted with detailed surveys included: taxi, hire car and rideshare users; Taxi Subsidy Scheme participants; rideshare drivers; taxi vehicle owners and drivers; hire car owners and drivers; perpetual taxi licence holders; hotels; and Australian Public Service.

The outcomes of the evaluation remain subject to government consideration

Regulatory Reform Future Priorities

Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

A deliberative democracy process, incorporating a citizens’ jury, was undertaken between August 2017 and March 2018 to consider how the CTP scheme could be improved to best meet the needs of all road users.

Between 22 August 2017 and 29 September 2017, public input was invited from the community using a combination of digital and telephone activities. These included the use of the YourSay website to host an online quiz and survey, and to invite long and short-form comments. Facebook advertising, radio advertising, community newsletters and internal communications were used to raise awareness of the opportunity to provide feedback. A statistically significant phone survey was also undertaken.

Overall, nearly 2,000 pieces of feedback were received, including 725 online survey responses, 500 phone survey responses, 328 people telling us their CTP priorities, 263 online quiz responses and 119 pieces of free text feedback. This feedback and information was presented to the citizens’ jury, for their consideration and use in their deliberations. The feedback received was published on YourSay.

To recruit the jury, 7,500 invitations to participate were sent to Canberrans and a total of 117 responses were received. Of this, the deliberative democracy facilitators, chose a group of around 50 people that broadly matched the ACT population demographics.

The jury met for three weekends: 14-15 and 28-29 October 2017 to learn and understand CTP and to set their priorities for an improved CTP scheme; and 24-25 March 2018 to select their chosen model for a new CTP scheme. The jury heard a variety of perspectives from a number of expert witnesses. This included people who had been injured in a motor vehicle accident.

The jury was supported by a Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG). This group represented key stakeholders in this area, including healthcare providers, the legal profession, insurers, and consumers. The ACT Government, an actuary and a scheme design expert were also on this group. The scheme design expert, with detailed input from the SRG, developed a number of potential models which met the jury’s priorities. SRG meetings occurred over the period from November 2017 to March 2018.

The ACT Government has publicly committed to pursuing the scheme chosen by the jury and to introducing legislation to the ACT Legislative Assembly by the end of 2018.

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.

The ACT Government used a dedicated webpage for the 2018-19 Budget Consultation process on the YourSay website. The webpage invited interested parties to complete:

• a simple survey (primarily aimed at individuals), which sought input via a priority ranking exercise and also asked respondents to provide some basic demographic data; and/or
• a detailed survey (primarily aimed at organisations and community groups, although individuals were welcome to complete the detailed survey if they wished).

In summary, 144 responses were received in relation to the short survey, and 37 responses to the detailed survey and 76 submissions were also provided. Submitting parties were able to request their input either be treated as confidential or publicly listed on the Budget Consultation website (www.budgetconsultation.act.gov.au).

ACT Government agencies consider the input provided as they develop new proposals for potential inclusion in forthcoming budget updates. Views and suggestions provided by the community inform the Government’s decision-making, drawing on the knowledge and experience of users and providers of government services.

The annual Budget represents the ACT Government’s response to the matters raised via the consultation process.

The Territory is undertaking six monthly Supplier Forums for Contractor Central inviting existing suppliers to the panel, but attendance is also available to prospective suppliers and key stakeholders, including representatives from key industry bodies. Supplier Forums have been held in December 2017 and May 2018 and the next Forum is being planned for February 2019.

At the Supplier Forums both the Managed Service Provider and the Vendor Management System provider are given the opportunity to present information regarding activity on the arrangements. Questions at these sessions can be referred to Territory officers as well as to the Managed Service Provider and Vendor Management System provider representatives.

In early 2018, Goods and Services Procurement sought input from industry to help inform the establishment of the Professional and Consulting Services Panel. The Request for Information process received over 70 responses from a range of providers including a number of local small to medium enterprises. (SMEs). Feedback regarding the size of the panel, scope of the panel and categorisation of the services was incorporated into the design of the panel, with industry showing strong support for its establishment.

The Territory is undertaking six monthly Supplier Forums for Contractor Central inviting existing suppliers to the panel, but attendance is also available to prospective suppliers and key stakeholders, including representatives from key industry bodies. Supplier Forums have been held in December 2017 and May 2018 and the next Forum is being planned for February 2019.

At the Supplier Forums both the Managed Service Provider and the Vendor Management System provider are given the opportunity to present information regarding activity on the arrangements. Questions at these sessions can be referred to Territory officers as well as to the Managed Service Provider and Vendor Management System provider representatives.

In early 2018, Goods and Services Procurement sought input from industry to help inform the establishment of the Professional and Consulting Services Panel. The Request for Information process received over 70 responses from a range of providers including a number of local small to medium enterprises. (SMEs). Feedback regarding the size of the panel, scope of the panel and categorisation of the services was incorporated into the design of the panel, with industry showing strong support for its establishment.

A research survey of the LTCSS participants injured in motor vehicle accidents was undertaken in April/May 2018 as part of the commitment to undertake a survey of participant views on the LTCSS on an annual basis. This is the third survey undertaken since the commencement of the ACT LTCS Scheme on 1 July 2014.

The purpose of the survey was to seek feedback from selected LTCSS participants and their nominated representatives (six participants in all) to understand their perceptions and experience with the LTCSS and if the Scheme continues to support them at the particular stage in their recovery and rehabilitation. Analysis based on the feedback was used to identify opportunities for improvements in the operation of the LTCSS and to ensure that the Scheme’s focus remains on 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. LTCSS 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. All LTCSS participants invited to participate agreed to be interviewed as part of the survey; however, two participants could not be interviewed in the timeframe for the survey. Participants were contacted and a time was arranged for the consultant to speak to them individually.

The results of the research, together with opportunities for enhancements to the Scheme were reported to the LTCS Commissioner and shared with the NSW Lifetime Care and Support Authority, the ACT’s partner in administering LTCSS benefits to ACT participants.

The purpose of this engagement was to inform the community and relevant stakeholders of planned major events at Manuka Oval in 2018 and to inform and discuss the temporary traffic management plan for each event during the year. This engagement was undertaken on behalf of Venues Canberra. Tools used to engage the community included letters to the Inner South Canberra Community Council (ISCCC), Kingston and Barton Residents’ Group (KBRG) and over 4,000 residents and businesses in close proximity to the oval; a meKingston and Barton Residents’ Group (KBRG) and over 4,000 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; 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.

Infrastructure Projects supporting the delivery of the ACT Government’s land release program, can have impacts on the surrounding community and other stakeholders. Consultation is undertaken to ensure the public are fully aware of upcoming infrastructure projects.

Civil Infrastructure Branch, in Infrastructure Finance and Capital Works (formally Procurement and Capital Works) have supported this engagement and consultation via Community Council meetings, resident group meetings, public information sessions, meetings with project stakeholders and letterbox drops.

The 2017-18 infrastructure projects include:

• Ernest Cavanagh Street extension, Gungahlin
• Dudley Street upgrade and Canberra Brickworks access road, Yarralumla
• Isabella Weir
• Isabella Wetlands
• Molonglo 3 including the extension of John Gorton Drive and the water main from Weetangera Reservoir

Arts Activities Funding commenced 1 June 2018 and responds to the arts sectors feedback to provide more flexible, responsive funding, with fewer restrictions on eligible activities and more opportunities to apply.

Two round table meetings were held on 1 and 2 May 2018 about Arts Activities Funding replacing the existing Project and Out of Round funding categories. At the roundtable, 19 artists attended and were provided with a draft model of the Arts Activities Funding proposal for comment. artsACT had previously also run consultation across 2016/17 about a funding model.

With the introduction of the Arts Activities Funding, a public

information session was held on 13 June 2018 to explain the process with 42 people attending. One-on-one information sessions were also held in June 2018 with 43 artists and organisations attending to discuss individual funding proposals.

In relation to Key Arts Organisation funding, artsACT consulted on 6 June 2018 with 24 organisations. Further consultation will be undertaken in 2018-19 to discuss a new model for ‘Arts Organisation Funding’.

artsACT established the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Network as a working group to co-design future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts programs. Establishment of the Network is an outcome of the Action Plan and is in line with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement principle of supporting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to freely determine their political status and to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development in line with the right to self-determination.

artsACT also developed program principles in conjunction with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Network to guide engagement and development of specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts programs in 2018-19.

Events ACT hosted the second in a planned series of event sector development workshop on 20 and 21 June 2018, which were focused on best practice marketing fundamentals and principles.

The workshops were presented by local company, Contentgroup, and covered a range of topics including current marketing trends, target market identification, social media and public relations best practice, and crisis communication strategies.

A total of 190 registrations were received for the workshops across the two days, with representatives attending from across the Canberra region’s festivals and events sector. These included event organisers in the fields of the arts, sport, music, and community-based events. Formal feedback received on the workshop presenter, the workshop content and the overall format has been overwhelmingly positive.

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 funding round 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.

A workshop was conducted in June 2018 for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to support their compliance with the ACT Funding Agreement, ACT Standards for the Delivery of Training and Compliance Guides for ACT Government subsidised training initiatives. The workshop was attended by 23 participants from 18 RTOs (11 RTOS based in the ACT and seven from interstate).

The ACT Skills Needs List is informed by a modelling and analytics tools providing an adaptive and dynamic approach to identify ACT skills needs and funding priorities for VET qualifications in the ACT.

The ACT Skills Needs List also incorporates community consultation feedback for its qualitative component. The 2018 Draft ACT Skills.

Needs Lists went out for community consultation in August 2017 to seek feedback from industry, employers, training providers and members of the wider community. In addition to the consultation meetings conducted by Skills Canberra, an online survey was distributed. This was a key component of the review to ensure the ACT Skills Needs List remains aligned with changing ACT skills needs.

The final 2018 ACT Skills Needs List was published in October 2017.

The forums provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with Skills Canberra on current and future vocational education and training (VET) activities and related matters in the ACT and nationally. Forums held in 2017-18 covered a range of topics including:

• local and national reform in the skills training sector
• ACT Vocational Education and Training Administrative Record System (AVETARS)
• Skilled Capital funded training initiative
• ACT Quality Framework including RTO audits and professional development opportunities
• Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS)
• presentations from Australian Government Department of Education about Real Skills for Real Careers
• presentation from Access Canberra regarding workplace protection
• presentation from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) on its data visualisation tool, and
• panel discussion from ACT employers about Australian Apprenticeships and VET.

Forum attendees included representatives from:

• RTOs including public and non-government school RTOs
• Group Training Organisations (GTOs)
• Apprenticeship Network Providers (ANPs)
• 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.

The objectives of the ACT VET Think Tank are to identify and discuss key current and emerging strategic, policy and operational matters confronting Skills Canberra. It provides a perspective of the ACT VET community 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, Skills Canberra.

Membership includes a range of stakeholders, including:

• RTOs
• GTOs
• ANPs
• ACPET, and
• APTS.

There were two ACT VET Think Tank meetings during the 2017-18 period.

The ACT Government allocated $1 million over four years to boost the number of women working in traditionally male-dominated trades and to support mature-age workers to up-skill and re-skill.

Consultation with industry associations, unions, training providers and employers was conducted in 2016-17. Feedback from stakeholders informed the establishment of Women in Trades Grant and Mature Workers Grant in 2018 that will provide funding to eligible organisations in the ACT. Before the announcement of these grants programs, public information sessions were held for potential applicants.

Community consultation on the future site use of Canberra Technology Park was held from 5 February to 16 March 2018. This consultation was prompted by the need to renew the ageing infrastructure at Canberra Technology Park, as well as a proposal

received from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE). The AIE has been a tenant of the site for over 20 years, and approached the ACT Government with a concept to enhance their current operations on the site through renovating existing buildings, upgrading public green space and adding student accommodation.

Government decided that before it would further consider any proposals, it would undertake consultation and determine if the community supports revitalisation and redevelopment of the site as a higher education and community precinct, including student accommodation. Government also committed that if this use was to proceed, the community would continue to have access to attractive and appealing green space on the site.

Subject to community support, feedback received during consultation would also help to inform the parameters of a subsequent sale process, which the AIE and any other interested party would have an opportunity to participate in.

There were a variety of ways members of the community were invited to participate in the consultation and have a say, including:

• conversation stalls at local shops
• face-to-face stakeholder and community group briefings
• an online poll, survey and interactive mapping, and
• a community picnic on the site on 4 March, including a range of engagement activities.

During the consultation period:

• 2,531 people visited and interacted via YourSay
• 826 people responded to the online quick poll
• There were 429 responses to the online survey
• 124 comments were made on the interactive map
• Approximately100 people attended three pop up events at the Hackett and Watson shops and Flix ‘n Dickson Movie night
• 55 organisations were invited to participate in face-to-face business and stakeholder briefings
• Over 100 people attended the community picnic, and
• 18 detailed submissions were received.

In June 2018, an interim ‘what we heard’ report was uploaded onto YourSay to provide a snapshot of what people said during consultation, prior government considering the AIE proposal and providing a response to feedback received during consultation. One of the key insights was overall support (over 85 per cent) across the range of consultation activities, for use of the site as a higher education and community precinct, including student accommodation.

Cabbies Morning Tea

Delivered a Cabbies Morning Tea to provide and share current tourism product information and to promote quality customer service through the local taxi industry.

Promotion material including the 2018 Canberra Region Visitors Guide and Seasonal Events Guides are provided in information packs to drivers.

The session also included updating drivers on the new Canberra and Region Visitors Centre location at Regatta Point. Approximately 150 drivers attended.

Rideshare Morning Tea

Delivered a Rideshare morning tea to provide and share current tourism product information and to promote quality customer service through the local rideshare industry.

Promotion material including the 2018 Canberra Region Visitors Guide and Seasonal Events Guides are provided in information packs to drivers.

The session also included updating drivers on the new Canberra and Region Visitors Centre location at Regatta Point. Approximately 100 drivers attended.

UC, ANU and CIT Open Days

Canberra Careers Expo

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 Study Canberra to promote the destination and provide quality customer service and to support all new students.

Study Canberra supplied bags for which VisitCanberra included content such as the current Canberra Visitor Guide, seasonal event guide, tear off maps, Canberra cycle loops, a one page print out of “How to find out about events in Canberra” and information on the Canberra Video Itinerary Planner. Approximately 10,000 bags were handed out.

National Australia Day Council Australia Day VIP Function

VisitCanberra hosted the National Australia Day VIP Function at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.

This event provided the opportunity to showcase the new Centre to local and interstate VIP’s who enjoyed viewing the Australia Day fireworks spectacular. Approximately 100 people attended.

Colour In Canberra

VisitCanberra hosted both the exhibition and the VIP Auction/Cocktail Party.

This event provided an opportunity for local artists to have their work displayed to the public at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre. The VIP Event was attended by approximately 150 people.

CBR Cycle Tourism Strategy

The CBR Cycle Tourism Strategy was an election commitment. The Strategy was developed in consultation with key stakeholder from across ACT Government, tourism industry and peak cycling groups.

Extensive stakeholder consultation was undertaken to inform and help shape the Strategy. This involved site visits across the ACT and region as well as workshops, small group meetings and teleconferences.

The following representatives were consulted on the development of the Strategy:

Internal:

Representatives from within Enterprise Canberra (Active Canberra, Events ACT and VisitCanberra).

Cross Directorate:

• representatives from across the ACT Government include the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) ACT Parks and Conservation, the Health Directorate, Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate (TCCS) Active Transport Office and CMTEDD Venues Canberra and Access Canberra.

External stakeholders:

• commercial operators (tour operators, event organisers, bike hire, accommodation, Canberra Airport, tracks and trail builders – both commercial and volunteer, retail bike shops and bike friendly cafes)
• cycling groups (including Mountain Biking Australia, Capital Cycling, Pedal Power, Cycling ACT and Canberra Off Road Cyclists)
• professional and local riders
• researchers from the University of Canberra
• Molonglo and Monaro Rail Trail operators
• The National Capital Authority (NCA)
• Queanbeyan Palerang, Snowy Mountains and Sapphire Coast regional councils, and
• other operators/consultants with a vested interest in cycling.

Community property services start with members of the community submitting an application for government vacant space in designated community facilities. Property managers are pivotal for the provision of information to potential government tenants and the subsequent viewing of available space. Once a lease has been entered into, the landlord-tenant relationship is very important to the success of every tenancy. The property manager is the ‘go-to’ person for the tenant and will assist them in every aspect of their tenancy, supporting community organisations and others to achieve their respective outcomes through the provision of quality property services.

Approximately 20 members participated, providing expert strategic advice to the CFC throughout the year.