Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

The Murray Cod Native Species Conservation Plan consultation was held from 14 June to 30 July 2017. The consultation invited the community to comment on a new Murray Cod Draft Management Plan that allows for the protection of the native fish species while ensuring sustainable recreational fishing.

The draft plan was available on the EPSDD web site during the consultation period. The community were invited to send formal submissions via email. Key stakeholders were directly contacted and invited to contribute feedback.

During the consultation process, presentations were given to the Canberra Fisherman’s Club and Vikings Fishing Club on the contents of the plan and notes from these discussions were considered in the public consultation process.

Overall we received two written submissions in addition to the feedback from the two fishing clubs.

The final plan came into effect on 2 November 2017.

Migratory Bird Species Action Plan

Consultation on a Draft Migratory Bird Species Action Plan was held between 13 July to 25 August 2017. The draft plan aims to protect and manage habitats (including wetland, wildlife corridors and breeding habitat) used by migratory birds in the ACT.

The community were invited to comment on the draft plan on YourSay through quick polls and an online survey. The community could also provide written submissions with feedback on the draft plan via email.

Overall we reached 245 people and received 131 contributions on the YourSay website. The final Migratory Bird Species Action Plan was released on 23 February 2018, incorporating some of the ideas submitted during consultation.

Molonglo River Reserve

A new 1,280 hectare nature reserve is being planned for the Molonglo Valley region. From 8 February to 23 March 2018 the ACT Government invited the community to comment on a new Molonglo River Reserve Draft Reserve Management Plan, which sets out how the proposed reserve will be managed and restored over time to conserve natural values, provide protection against bushfire and provide recreational opportunities for visitors.

Peak bodies, conservation organisations and members of the general public, particularly in the Molonglo and Coombs regions, were invited to be involved in the consultation via a variety of digital and face-to -face engagement activities. These included using YourSay online survey and social mapping tools, stalls at events, pop ups and information sessions, ranger guided walks of the proposed reserve site and written submissions. Overall the consultation reached 10,000 people on social media, received 49 completed surveys, 21 written submissions and had three events (two ranger guided walks and an information session) that were attended by 30 people.

ACT Parks and Conservation Services is currently reviewing feedback. A final Molonglo River Reserve Management Plan will be put to Government for consideration in late 2018.

Fisheries Act Review

In December 2017 a discussion paper was released on YourSay asking the community to contribute to a review of the Fisheries Act 2000 (the Act).

Consultation on the discussion paper was held from 4 December 2018 to 5 February 2018. The community contributed to the review via YourSay, surveys, written submissions and face-to-face at information sessions and meetings.  Overall on the YourSay website 355 people were reached and 250 contributions were made, seven submissions were received, 53 surveys were completed and face-to-face conservations were had with 25 people at a combined meeting of the Canberra Fisherman’s Club and Canberra Anglers Club and with 10 members of the community at community information sessions.

All feedback is being considered and a consultation report being prepared. We will then develop a proposal for government on how to proceed. This may include legislative changes and changes to policy and implementation of the Act.

Aquatic and Riparian Strategy

Between 24 January to 11 March 2018, the community were asked to comment on the draft 2018 Aquatic and Riparian Conservation Strategy, which looks at how we can best continue to manage and repair our waterways. The draft strategy built upon the previous 2007 strategy and included a number of action plans for specific threatened fish and riparian plants.

The community were invited to comment on the draft strategy via YourSay online survey or submitting a written submission. Overall 118 people were reached on YourSay. Feedback is currently being considered as part of the final strategy.

National Carp Control Plan (NCCP)

On 19 February, an ACT focussed stakeholder workshop and a community briefing session were held to engage the community in the development of the Australian Government’s National Carp Control Plan (NCCP). A key strategy underpinning the NCCP is the possible release of the carp virus in Australian waterways to help control the pest carp species.

The two sessions informed the community about the NCCP and provided community insights on ACT waterways – what is important about them and how they are used by the community. The workshop was attended by a wide variety of key stakeholders from the ACT including representatives from landcare and catchment groups, the Aboriginal community, recreational fishing groups, community councils and animal welfare bodies, as well as ACT, NSW and Australian Government agencies. The community briefing session was one of over 70 being held across Australia and was attended by over 100 people from the ACT community.

Detailed risk assessments, research, planning and consultation are continuing underway across Australia as part of this project.

ACT Biosecurity Act

On 12 June 2018, the ACT Government launched consultation inviting the community to comment on the proposed framework for a new ACT Biosecurity Act. The government is modernising the way it manages biosecurity so the Territory can better detect and respond to threats from invasive pests and diseases.

The consultation is open until 10 August 2018 and the community can comment on the proposed framework via YourSay by completing an online survey or by submitting comments via mail or email. The community were also invited to comment on the proposed framework at an information session on 20 June 2018.

ACT Environmental Flows

On 25 June 2018, the ACT Government launched consultation inviting the community to comment on the ACT’s Draft Environmental Flows Guidelines. Environmental Flow Guidelines determine the water needed by a stream or river to stay healthy and fulfil important ecological attributes. Every five years the Government reviews the guidelines, which set out how much water we release—and when.

The consultation is open until 17 August 2018 and the community can comment on the draft guidelines via YourSay, submitting a written submission or attending an information session. All feedback will be considered in the final guidelines.

Conservator Guidelines for the Translocation of native flora and fauna

The Conservator of Flora and Fauna undertook key –stakeholder consultation on draft Guidelines for the Translocation of Native Flora and Fauna. 56 key stakeholders were contacted through correspondence: six submissions were received.   The Scientific Committee comprising seven members were consulted directly as required by the Nature Conservation Act 2014.

The draft Guidelines were amended as a result of the stakeholder consultation and were finalised on 15 December 2017.

Scientific Committee consultation on nominations of threatened species and key threatening processes.

The Scientific Committee Secretariat undertook public consultation on two nominations received during 2017-2018:

• The Eastern Bettong as a conservation dependent species from 27 October 2017 - 8 December 2017 – no submissions were received, and
• Key Threatening Process Nomination - Unnatural Fragmentation of Habitats from 24 April 2018 - 8 June 2018 – four submissions received.

Key stakeholders were contacted directly for each of these consultations and the nominations were included on the Directorate’s website and on the legislation register as required under the Nature Conservation Act 2014.

ACT Woodlands Forum 2018

The first ACT Woodlands Forum was held on 27 and 28 June 2018 at the Anne Harding Conference Centre, University of Canberra. Over 100 people attended to learn more about the ACT’s grassy woodlands.

The forum was instigated by the ACT Grassy Woodlands Stakeholder Group as a way to bring together scientists, researchers, land managers and community to share knowledge and learnings about our grassy woodlands and plants and animals in our region.

The forum included panel sessions on the vision for our grassy woodlands and over 25 speakers from a range of areas, including academics from ANU, UC and CSIRO, ACT Government land managers and community groups, discussing woodlands species and management.

The forum program and presentations are available on the EPSDD web site.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme Review

An Independent Review of the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) was carried out in early 2018 and the results were published in July 2018. A wide range of stakeholders have contributed to the EEIS Review through workshops, focus groups, individual interviews, surveys and direct participant feedback.

Key stakeholders consulted during the review process included electricity retailers, service providers, scheme participants, community and environmental organisations.

An EEIS Stakeholder Forum was held on 27 February 2018 at the Renewables Innovation hub. The purpose of the forum was to consult stakeholders on what EEIS has achieved, ways in which it can be improved, including possible new activities and options beyond 2020 in the context of how the ACT can achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme Priority Household Target consultation

The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) specifically aims to increase opportunities for low income households to reduce energy use and costs by way of a 20 per cent Priority Household Target (PHT).

Consultation to review the Priority Household Target is carried out annually. A wide range of stakeholders, including ActewAGL, ACTCOSS, ACAT, community and environmental organisations are invited to provide feedback and a similar group of stakeholders were consulted on expanding the classes of priority households during 2017.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme new activities development

EEIS stakeholder consultations confirmed business heating and cooling and residential insulation activities as the two highest priority new activities for EEIS to develop. The EEIS Review also recommended the introduction of new activities, such as business heating and cooling and residential insulation activities.

EEIS stakeholders were consulted on proposed new EEIS business space heating and cooling activities and demand response product capability requirements. Key stakeholders consulted include:  ActewAGL, Australian Government air-conditioning technical experts, Australian Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Ventilation Institute, Energy Efficiency Council, Energy Savings Industry Association and representatives of energy efficiency obligation schemes in other jurisdictions.

ACT’s Climate Strategy to a Zero Emissions Territory

From 11 December 2017 to 9 April 2018 we asked the community to comment on the ACT’s Climate Strategy to a Net Zero Emissions Territory Discussion Paper to help tackle climate change in the ACT region.

Engagement occurred through a variety of formats including formal submissions, online forums, emails, roundtables, meetings and conversations at events and stalls. Community Councils across Canberra, peak bodies and organisations, members of the general public, researchers and academics engaged with ideas in the discussion paper.

Overall we reached over 3,000 people on YourSay, spoke to around 1,700 individuals at events, received 100 written submissions, delivered 16 presentations to community groups,  reached 60,000 on social media, and received 116 entries as part of a climate change photo competition.

Policy officers are currently distilling the ideas and comments received during the consultation period. A listening report offering an overview of the engagement and key insights from the community was released in May 2018. Feedback from this consultation will inform a considered strategy and action plan that will be considered by government in late 2018.

Canberra and Region Heritage Festival

The 2018 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival focused on the theme of ‘My Culture, My Story’, providing opportunity for a broad range of events and activities.

A pre-registration workshop was held on 31 October 2017 which was attended by a range of local heritage organisations and Government stakeholders, including the National Trust (ACT) and National Capital Authority. This enabled the coordination and scheduling of events and activities, providing a well-balanced program across twenty days, with minimal conflicting activities.

The 16 day Festival attracted over 10,000 visitors. The Festival continues to reach new audiences with 55 per cent of surveyed participants stating they had not previously attended a Heritage Festival event.

A research company was engaged to evaluate the Festival and provide a future directions report. Intercept interviews at events, the emailing out of hundreds of questionnaires and conducting two focus groups will result in informed changes to the Festival to keep it relevant.

Following the Festival, a debrief was undertaken with 26 of the event organisers in May 2018, to provide feedback on their experience and to discuss planning opportunities and constraints for the 2019 Festival.

ACT Heritage Council decisions to provisionally register:

• Barton Highway Road Cut, Nicholls
• Tharwa School, Tharwa
• 11 Northcote Crescent, Deakin
• Signadou and Blackfriars Precinct, Watson
• Red Hill Historic Plantings, Red Hill

Before being placed on the ACT Heritage Register, a place or object goes through a three step process of nomination, provisional registration and registration.

Provisional registration allows for a four week period of public consultation before a decision on full registration is made.

Within five working days of making a decision about provisional registration, the ACT Heritage Council (the Heritage Council) publishes a notice on the ACT Legislation Register. It advertises the notice on the ACT Government public notice website (www.act.gov.au/publicnotices) and the ACT Government YourSay website (www.YourSay.act.gov.au) as soon as practicable. The Heritage Council endeavours to give a copy of the notice to each interested person (such as the owner, nominator, Representative Aboriginal Organisations etc.) within 15 working days of the decision.

The notice invites public comment about the provisional registration within four weeks. The Heritage Council considers any comments received when deciding whether to register the place or object.

As soon as practicable after the public consultation period, the Heritage Council reports to the Minister about whether it considers the place or object should be registered. It also advises the Minister about any issues raised in public comments and any proposed changes to the provisional registration arising from these issues. The Minister may ask the Heritage Council to further consider the issues raised in its report.

ACT Heritage continued to consult with Representative Aboriginal Organisations (RAO) on a range of Aboriginal heritage assessment and management projects, and to promote best practice heritage outcomes on a range of projects, including:

• Ginninderry urban development, West Belconnen - in relation to a cultural values assessment, a range of proposed works, and the conservation of significant Aboriginal cultural places.
• Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre - in relation to a range of proposed works, and the investigation of Aboriginal cultural heritage values.
• Majura Solar Farm – in relation to the return of salvaged Aboriginal objects to Country, in accordance with RAO wishes.
• Taylor urban development – in relation to the long term conservation of a significance Aboriginal cultural tree.

The Heritage Act 2004 provides protection for all Aboriginal places and objects within the ACT, and also requires that RAOs are consulted on a range of Aboriginal heritage assessment and management matters. Four RAOs have been declared, being:

• Buru Ngunnawal Aboriginal Corporation
• Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council
• King Brown Tribal Group, and
• Ngarigu Currawong Clan

ACT Heritage regularly consults with RAOs on proposals that may affect Aboriginal cultural heritage, ranging from new urban developments to the management of Aboriginal collections.  The aim of this consultation is to ensure that Aboriginal perspectives on cultural significance and culturally appropriate outcomes are understood, and are reflected in proposed heritage outcomes.

An Aboriginal Liaison Officer forms part of the ACT Heritage team, reflecting the importance placed on consultation and engagement with the RAOs and the broader Aboriginal community.

ACT Heritage also reviews all Heritage Act 2004 applications and development application referrals, to ensure that proponents and heritage practitioners have consulted with RAOs on proposals that may affect Aboriginal cultural heritage.  ACT Heritage is also currently developing a ‘RAO Consultation Policy’ to provide clear guidance on Aboriginal consultation and engagement requirements in the ACT.

Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice (ASHA)

ASHA is a free email, phone and in-home assessment service for ACT residents wanting independent advice on how to reduce utility bills, save CO2 emissions and improve household comfort.

354 residents received advice through email, phone and in-home visits.

Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice (ASHA) Workshop Series

The free workshops were located around Canberra. They aimed to help consumers reduce energy bills, save CO2 emissions and improve household comfort. Workshops included household draught-proofing, rooftop solar installations, sustainability considerations before building a house and efficient heating and cooling of people’s houses.

862 residents attended 38 workshops located in Gungahlin, Belconnen, Inner North, Weston Creek and Tuggeranong.

Actsmart Carbon Challenge

The Carbon Challenge is a free online challenge aimed at reducing residents’ CO2 emissions and bills. Activities encourage residents to change their behaviour in relation to transport, household energy and water consumption, sustainable food choices and waste and recycling.

There were 3,217 registered users on the Actsmart Carbon Challenge in 2017–18.

Actsmart Low Income Home Energy Efficiency Program Workshops and Information Sessions

Program contractor St Vincent de Paul held workshops and information sessions to both promote the availability of the Actsmart Home Energy Efficiency program and to educate and engage the community on practical ways to save energy and money. Topics included how to effectively heat and cool a home, draught-proofing and saving energy and money within the home.

These events reached more than 920 individuals through partnership with a number of community organisations and service providers across the Canberra region.

Community Partnership Organisations

The ACT Government funds three organisations (Canberra Environment Centre, SEE-Change and Conservation Council) to engage the community on a range of environmental and sustainability issues, initiatives, policies and programs. Engagement activities included workshops, events, newsletters, social media, meetings and forums.

Actsmart stalls at the National Multicultural Festival, Canberra Show, Canberra Home and Leisure Show, Solar House Day and the Senior’s Expo

The Actsmart programs team engaged more than 2,700 members of the public at various events including the National Multicultural Festival and Canberra Show. Actsmart programs and ACT Government climate change and sustainability initiatives were promoted at these events.

Actsmart Business Recycling Program staff education

Free recycling education sessions are delivered to organisations signed up to the Actsmart Business Recycling program. The program requires 75 per cent of staff at each organisation to attend a training session. Over 70,000 staff across Canberra have access to this training.

Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo

This annual Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo is held to showcase the latest technologies in waste, water and energy. This event has been held every year since 2010, with 34 exhibitors and more than 360 attendees at the 2017 event.

Actsmart Schools

All schools in the ACT are registered with the program (77,142 students), which has five focus areas—energy, waste, water, school grounds/ biodiversity and curriculum. The program offers a range of resources and services in each of these areas, such as workshops. Staff and students share their knowledge, skills and understandings of sustainability learned at school with other members of the community.

ACT NRM Community Engagement on NRM Investment Planning

ACT Natural Resource Management (ACT NRM) is the regional natural resource management organisation that delivers services and projects for improving biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and Aboriginal outcomes. ACT NRM receives funding from the Australian Government

From January to June 2017, ACT NRM, in consultation with community and advice from the NRM Council, finalised a Regional NRM Investment Plan to inform future investment priorities. The Regional NRM Investment Plan has successfully acted as an investment prospectus to design and seek funding for programs and projects, strengthen existing partnerships, attract new partners and investors and broker investments between partners.

In December 2017, community consultation concluded with 15 expression of interests being received from prospective partners for future regional NRM investments across the ACT. This process informed ACT NRM’s February 2018 tender submission for funding under the Regional Land Partnerships, National Landcare Program Phase II.

ACT NRM Community Engagement on supporting ACT and region farmers and community

The ACT Regional Landcare Facilitator (RLF) and NRM Facilitator support the development of a skilled and capable rural landholder and Landcare community in the ACT. Community engagement highlights in 2017/18 included:

• 2017 ACT Landcare Awards – the ACT NRM team, with support from Landcare Australia ran the 2017 Landcare Awards which acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of the ACT Landcare Community
• Top Lamb Crop —12 ACT and region sheep producers participated in the final three sessions of this six-part ewe and lamb management training program aimed at improving animal health and land management
• Paddock Plant Identification and Management delivered in December 2017 to 28 landholders from NSW and ACT in partnership with Landcare ACT (LACT)
• Pasture legume and soil testing program with 17 ACT rural landholders in a partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Murdoch University and PCS Biosecurity and Rural Services, ACT NRM and PCS. Low soil pH and sulphur deficiencies were identified as probable causes of poor pasture legume performance
• A targeted work program delivered in 2017-2018 to engage the ACT Equine community in best practice land management through training and development of demonstration site on an ACT horse agistment property to provide valuable grazing and pasture management extension and education opportunities into the future
• An autumn 2018 coordinated feral pig control program in Southern ACT in partnership with 17 southern ACT rural landholders, complementing the annual PCS pig control program on adjacent reserves and Namadgi National Park
• AQF3 Chemical Use Accreditation training for 30 rural landholders in July 2017 and April 2018, to support them to gain the skills and qualifications to handle and use farm chemicals, particularly for weed and pest animal control,  funded under the Australian Government’s Managing Established Pest Animals and Plants funding programs with support provided by the Southern ACT Catchment Group
• Native Bee and Pollinator Workshops delivered in partnership with NSW landcare networks in July 2017, and
• Passion Mashing – a one-day volunteer recruitment and retention workshop, in May 2018 run in partnership with SEE-change and attracted 29 participants.

Continuation of the collaborative ACT Rabbit Project, supported under the ACT Rural Grants project and the Australian Government’s Managing Established Pests and Weeds program, included engagement of 16 landholders in the Majura, Callum Brae, Jerrabomberra and Symonston districts to spread the latest strain of the Calicivirus – the RHDV1 K5 strain on their properties to achieve improved control of rabbits in April 2018.

In addition to programs targeting rural landholders and existing Landcare networks, ACT NRM have delivered a number of initiatives aimed at broader community engagement and education including:

• Coordinated Catchment and Landcare Association presence at the Canberra Show and the Connect and Participate Expo
• facilitation and delivery of educational activities at SCI-Scout 17-18, and
• development of an ACT Landcare Gateway website. The website has been designed to connect community to volunteering opportunities, support existing volunteers and promote the excellent work of the ACT region’s Catchment and Landcare networks.

South-east Aboriginal Fire Forum

ACT Natural Resource Management (NRM) hosted 130 participants to the ‘Cultural Burning: Evolving with Country and Community’, South-east Australia First Nations Fire Forum at the university of Canberra. The next three day forum showcased speakers, panel discussions and a field trip to sharing knowledge between First Nations people, fire practitioners and professionals speaking about their experiences and work with fire.

Themes brought up by participants included the following:

• Listening to Country
• Sharing Knowledge
• Community and Partnerships
• Training
• Making it Genuine
• Measuring Success.

This event was organised in partnership between the ACT NRM, ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS), Murumbung Yurung Murra network and others within the Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD). Key note speakers included author, Bruce Pascoe, and fire practitioners, Victor Steffensen, Oliver Costello and Dean Freeman. While participants travelled from as far as Cape York, Queensland in the north to Lake Condah, Victoria in the south. EPSDD plans to use the forum to review current programs and identify new ones working with Traditional Custodians on Country.

H2OK Keeping our Waterways Healthy

EPSDD continued to roll out this regional stormwater education and behaviour change program, targeting urban and rural residential property owners and the building and construction industry. H2OK includes:

• seasonal social and other media campaigns
• demonstration sites
• training and awareness raising videos
• commissioned and school based art responding to stormwater issues
• participation in major community events like the Canberra Show, the Multicultural Festival and Murrumbateman Field Day
• Ambassadors.

The demonstration sites component included providing 15 small grants to urban and rural residential property owners to undertake demonstrations of low-tech solutions to better managing stormwater on their properties. Two open days were organised during the year to showcase the work to the broader community. This followed a workshop with the project owners to share their experiences.

The art component of the project featured commissioned work and the results of a schools competition being transferred to vinyl decals that were installed in Civic and other centres in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Yass and Cooma.

ACT Water Resource Plan

The Catchment Management and Water Policy Branch along with the Manager, Healthy Country Program of Parks and Conservation Service held a number of meetings in the first half of 2018 with the Indigenous communities of the ACT on water resource plan matters particularly to identify Aboriginal objectives, values and uses for water resource planning. This included aspects of water resource planning, scope to improve management of water related sites in the ACT and opportunities to improve access to water resources.

ACT Climate Change Council

The ACT Climate Change Council advises the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. The Council’s main function is to provide advice on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

The Council works to raise awareness of climate change risks and community benefits from effective climate action, influence community views and attitudes, and encourage community members to take action towards a decarbonised economy and a more resilient Territory.

In June 2018 Council hosted a workshop tailored for the building sector on climate-wise buildings.

ACT Planning Strategy Refresh

ACT Planning Strategy Refresh was launched on the 18 June 2018 to ‘refresh’ the 2012 ACT Planning Strategy to set the future direction for Canberra and ACT. Much of the 2012 strategy remains relevant – however a refresh was sought to take into account recent changes to the city, notably light rail, ongoing urban renewal and a growing population.

In addition, the refresh also incorporates the progress made on key government priorities such as, achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT by 2045, housing choice and affordability integrated public transport and active travel.

Feedback will be sought from a diverse range of stakeholders across the ACT. The engagement continues into the new financial year, with Canberrans having the opportunity to participate in three live stream speaker series events about cities, planning, transport, housing and climate change and what we might want to consider for Canberra in the future. The speaker series is to stimulate meaningful conversations within the community on key issues that underpin the Planning Strategy, including transport, climate change and housing.

Overall, the ACT Planning Strategy Refresh YourSay page reached 2297 people, received 21 posts and reached a social media audience of over 16,000 people.

Feedback from these consultation will be used to finalise the ACT Planning Strategy Refresh Framework in late 2018.

Housing Choices policy development

The development of a policy on ‘Housing  Choices’ used a multipronged approach to encouraging community views and provided a forum to make recommendations for changes to current planning policy. This project is interlinked with the demonstration housing aspect of the program, which aims to deliver innovative housing options in Canberra. The three key elements included:

• discussion paper presented the range of issues and proposed solutions to housing choices in the ACT. This paper was widely distributed and made available on the EPSDD web. Submissions were sought from both industry and community
• Housing Choices Collaboration Hubwas established to bring together community members and provide them with information about the issues affecting housing choices in the ACT to answer the question ‘Canberra is changing – and there are many different ways our housing needs can be met. What do we need to do?, and
• Demonstration Housing. This project aims to test innovative ideas for housing which may focus on sustainability, co-housing other ideas against current planning rules. The communication for this project is due to commence in the third quarter 2018.

Discussion Paper – Housing Choices

Discussion Paper consultation from 17 November 2017 to 9  March 2018 sought community’s views on housing choice and the expansion of residential options.

Feedback was sought from a diverse range of stakeholders across all geographic areas of Canberra. A combination of digital and face-to-face engagement activities were carried out as part of the consultation. These included YourSay online surveys, online forum conversations, community drop in sessions at 10 Kiosk stalls (located at key public venues across the ACT), planning website and social media platforms.

Overall we reached 3,530 via the YourSay website, received 618 survey responses and 79 forum conversations. We received over 150 written submissions, spoke to 440 individuals through 13 kiosk sessions held across the ACT and reached a social media audience of over 1,300.

Feedback received from the Housing Choices consultation informed the second stage of community engagement - the Housing Choices Collaboration Hub which was held from May to July 2018.

Housing Choices Collaboration Hub

The Housing Choices Collaboration Hub was held from 5 May to 28 July 2018. Over the three months and five in-depth sessions, 35 participants were immersed in all aspects of planning and development in the ACT. They were provided with access to a range of experts from across industry and government. They discussed and deliberated on ideas, issues and opportunities. The general public were welcome to attend any of the five days as observers.

The Collaboration Hub will also play an important role in establishing the evaluation criteria for the Demonstration Housing stage 2 Expression of Interest and advice on policy recommendations that could be tested through Demonstration Housing.

Overall, the Collaboration Hub has maintained 33 of the 35 enrolled participants. It has been supported by several social media posts reaching nearly 2,000 individuals.

The Collaboration Hub will present a recommendations report to the Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman.

Pre-DA community consultation Guidelines

Pre-DA engagement aims to identify potential issues with Development applications before they arise, build community partnerships and support for the project, encourage innovation and helps the final assessment process knowing that potential issues have been identified and addressed.

Consultation on the Pre- DA Community Consultation Guidelines was held from 5 July to 21 August 2017 seeking feedback on effective community engagement at the initial stage of a development proposal.

Feedback was sought from both community and industry stakeholders using multiple digital, print and face-to-face tools to gather feedback. These included the YourSay website incorporating quick polls, conversation forums and visionary feedback methods and stakeholder and community briefing workshops.

Overall, we reached 519 unique visitors via the YourSay website. On the website, we received 96 quick poll responses, 14 visionary posts and had 15 treaded forum conversations. We also received 10 written submissions, workshopped 27 community and industry stakeholders, and delivered two open presentations. We also undertook a social media campaign reaching 1,885 users, 49 of those undertook a Facebook Poll.

The feedback received during the consultation helped finalise the Pre-DA Community Consultation Guidelines effective 8 November 2017. The Guidelines contain minimum documentation and community engagement requirements that must be met, prior to lodging a DA.

All Pre-DA Community Consultations (post 8 November 2017) are notified on the proponent’s and the ACT Government’s Planning Websites. The ACT Government will undertake a 12-24 month implementation review.

Safer Pools – Home swimming pool safety reforms

EPSDD started consultation on potential swimming pool barrier safety reforms in June 2018, holding three sessions with industry stakeholders in June 2018 covering topics and technical issues on upgrading existing pools and ongoing maintenance, training, inspections and certification. Participants included building surveyors and inspectors, pool maintenance businesses, pool barrier suppliers, water safety associations and industry associations. Over 30 people participated across the three sessions.

City and Gateway Draft Urban Design Framework

The ACT Government together with the National Capital Authority (NCA) developed the City and Gateway Draft Urban Design Framework to optimise the benefits from urban renewal by prioritising people and how they interact and move about the city. City and Gateway Draft Urban Design Framework consultation was held from 1 March to 27 April 2018.

Feedback was sought from a diverse range of stakeholders using multiple engagement tools such as YourSay website, meet the planner workshops, stakeholder workshops and social media.

Overall, we reached 3,231 via the YourSay website, we received 58 written/electronic submissions and 135 submission sheets from seven meet the planner sessions (Dickson, Downer, City, Lyneham, O’Conner, Ainslie and City West). We held three stakeholder workshops attended by 207 participants and reached a social media audience of over 3,000.

Feedback from this consultation will be used to finalise the City and Gateway Draft Urban Design Framework and seek endorsement from the ACT Government and NCA later in 2018.

Dickson Section 72

An integrated planning process, including engaging with the community, has been undertaken in Stage 1 for Dickson Section 72.

Stage 1 commenced on 23 January to 16 March 2018 and aimed to understand the key opportunities and challenges for the site, including focusing on: various land-uses; community services; place making; landscape; infrastructure and transport requirements; and transport connections to the surrounding area. Community engagement will be staged throughout 2018-19.

Stage 1 engagement received feedback through various engagement activities, such as a workshop, information kiosk, meet the Planners sessions, walkshops (including young people from local schools) emails and on the YourSay website.

Overall, we reached 1262 people via YourSay, 203 individuals during Meet the Planner Sessions, Info Kiosks and eight one-on-one meetings with leaseholders, 16 community workshop participants, 400 brochures and posters distributed at local shopping centres and streets bordering the site, social media audience of almost 960 individuals, 20 emails with written feedback or submissions. In addition, we also had 79 students attend three walkshops.

Feedback received during the consultation will feed into future community and industry workshops planned throughout 2018-2019.

Consultation on the demolition of Asset Recycling Initiative sites; Macarthur House and Red Hill

Prior to the demolition commencing on Asset Recycling Initiative sites Macarthur House and Red Hill, Urban Projects undertook consultation with the surrounding community. Consultation is ongoing during the life of the project.

Public Housing Renewal Taskforce (Taskforce)

The Taskforce continued community engagement on six Community-Facility zoned sites to develop ‘supportive housing’.  These sites are located in Chapman, Holder, Mawson, Monash (twice) and Wright. More than 15 separate face to face community engagement sessions were held with various community councils and resident groups, residents and key stakeholders within the community. Further engagement also occurred through letterbox drop, direct email enquiries and real time updates on the Taskforce website.

The Taskforce worked closely with residents and representatives from the community for each Community Facility-zoned site to understand the community’s concerns and to refine the designs and layout of the public housing proposal.

The Taskforce also delivered presentations to Community Councils on public housing developments being delivered throughout Canberra.

ACT Housing Strategy

In July 2017, the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development launched a seven week consultation process seeking feedback on the Towards a New Housing Strategy: An ACT Community Conversation discussion paper. The discussion paper sought feedback from industry and community about four main goals: reducing homelessness, strengthening social housing assistance, increasing affordable rental housing and increasing affordable home ownership.

The consultation on the discussion paper closed on 15 September 2017. This consultation process included opportunities for the community, industry and stakeholders to share their ideas, expertise and personal experiences through drop in sessions, a survey, interviews and workshops.

During this process, the ACT Government received hundreds of individual comments. Over this period more than 125 organisations participated in 26 workshops, 166 online surveys were completed, 129 people attended six community drop-in sessions and we received 80 submissions (35 email submissions, seven online comments and 38 submissions through other mediums) on the discussion paper.

In addition, there were 3,350 social media views and 2,399 YourSay visits, with an average duration of 4.30’, including 1,944 unique views.

This then culminated in the inaugural ACT Housing and Homelessness Summit (Summit) on 17 October 2017, which presented an opportunity for industry and community to come together to discuss the many issues, possible actions or solutions and questions raised during the consultation process. Almost 200 stakeholders participated in the Summit.

The Summary Report, What We Heard: Developing a New Housing Strategy for the ACT, reflecting and synthesising all the views and ideas raised during the consultation process and the Summit was published on the YourSay website and tabled in the Assembly on 20 March 2018. The engagement is informing the development of the new ACT Housing Strategy for release in 2018.

Mixed Use Developments: Strata Reform Project

Four stakeholder reference groups convened in 2016 were brought together again in July 2017 to seek feedback on a range of reforms around the governance and structure of units plans. The groups comprised:

• A cross-directorate reference group, with representatives of the ACT Government Solicitor’s Office, EPSDD, Justice and Community Safety Directorate, Land Titles and the ACT Valuation Office
• A legal profession reference group, including representatives of the Property Committee of the ACT Law Society, Moulis Legal, Clayton Utz, Bradley Allen Love and Meyer Vandenberg
• A developer’s reference group, including representatives of Englobo, Molonglo Group, Morris Property Group, LANDdata Surveys, Purdon Planning, DOMA Group and Geocon, and
• An owner’s corporation and representative’s reference group, including representatives of Strata Community Australia, Owners Corporation Network ACT, the Aurora Complex Executive Committee and Civium Strata.

Consultation on potential reforms to better support mixed use development in the ACT will be ongoing.

Curtin Group Centre Master Plan

The Curtin group centre is identified in the2012 ACT Planning Strategyas an important area that would benefit from a review of the planning for the area. The suburb of Curtin was gazetted in 1962. The group centre services the surrounding suburbs and is adjacent to an important transport corridor from the city centre to the Woden town centre.

Two communication techniques were used to progress development of a master plan for the Curtin group centre. This included a Community Panel followed by an open submission process for the general community to comment on revisions to the Curtin Group Centre Draft Master Plan.

These two techniques resulted in reaching 1,665 people via the YourSay website, 102 email submissions and 36 postcard responses (four postcard boxes at the Curtin shops and the Woden Library). In addition to the main techniques, EPSDD hosted two dedicated presentations to the Curtin Residents Association with 46 attendees over two sessions and ran three school based workshops with more than 130 students. We also reached a social media audience of 1000. In addition, we sent 5,000 postcards to Curtin and surrounding residents

Community panel

A community panel process was applied to the Curtin Group Centre Master Plan process as a way to share information between stakeholders. In 2017, finalisation of the master plan had reached an impasse with the community protesting about the proposed development and developers flagging their interest in development options.  The panel process was designed to bring the developers and community together to look for shared outcomes for the centre. The panel had representation from the community, lessees, owners, young people, developers and government and ran from 25 July to 8 November 2017.

Engagement on the outcomes of the community panel process and the revised Curtin Group Centre Draft Master Plan was held from 11 April to 6 June 2018 seeking feedback on the revised draft master plan. Feedback was sought from a diverse range of stakeholders using a combination of digital engagements, community meetings, region wide postcard distributions, onsite engagement postcard distribution and collection points (local businesses support), community meetings and formal submissions.

Feedback received during the community engagement is being considered for the preparation of the final Curtin Group Centre Master Plan including a draft variation to the Territory Plan that will implement the planning recommendations of the master plan. The final master plan and draft variation to the Territory Plan will be released concurrently to reinforce the relationship between the development of policy and implementation of regulation.

The combination of techniques for the type of problem was appropriate as without the panel process, it may have been difficult to share information in a respectful and productive manner.

Kippax Group Centre Master Plan

The Kippax group centre is identified in the 2012 ACT Planning Strategy as an important area that would benefit from review. The suburb of Kippax was gazetted in 1970. The group centre is an important retail and service provider for the surrounding suburbs and new suburbs associated with West Belconnen and the future Ginninderry development.

Two communication techniques were used to progress development of a master plan for the Kippax group centre. This included a Community Panel followed by an open submission process for the general community to comment on revisions to the Kippax Group Centre Draft Master Plan.

The techniques were considered successful as 1,593 people responded on the YourSay website, 767 people voted using the quick poll tool, 39 people participated in forum conversations and received 74 written/email submissions. We had 115 individuals attend meet the planner sessions and reached a social media audience of over 1,000.

A community panel process for the Kippax Group Centre Master Plan was used to discuss the development and redevelopment opportunities for the centre. The process was designed to bring the developers and community together to look for shared outcomes for the centre. The panel had representation from the community, lessees, owners, young people, developers and government. The panel process was held from  27 July 2017 to 26 October 2017

Three community panel meetings were held to facilitate discussion on the future of the centre, particularly in relation to retail expansion to the east of the existing Kippax Fair shopping centre A summary of each community panel meeting and a community panel outcomes report was released on YourSay.act.gov.au.

Engagement on the outcomes of the community panel process and the revised Kippax Group Centre Draft Master Plan was held from 23 December 2017 to 16 March 2018, a total of 12 weeks to allow for the Christmas period. Posters outlining the community panel recommendations and revised draft master plan were placed in the Kippax Library and in Kippax Fair. We also hosted a number of community engagement opportunities including two ‘Meet the Planners’ sessions and deliver 6000 postcards to Kippax and neighbouring suburbs. We also utilised YourSay online engagement tools and social media platforms.

Feedback received during the community engagement is now being considered for the preparation of the final Kippax Group Centre Master Plan including a draft variation to the Territory Plan that will implement the planning recommendations of the master plan. The final master plan and draft variation to the Territory Plan will be released concurrently to reinforce the relationship between the development of policy and implementation of regulation

Tharwa Village Plan

Community engagement on the Tharwa Draft Village Plan proposed a range of strategies and actions that aim to address the key challenges and opportunities that were identified in earlier in the planning process. Engagement was held from 10 August 2017 to 22 September 2017.The planning changes focused on protecting the existing village character, particularly in relation to the village core, Cuppacumbalong and the river corridor.

Feedback was sought from the local village community and surrounding communities using multiple digital, print and face-to-face engagement tools to gather feedback. These included YourSay website, stakeholder and community briefing and a stand at the local fair.

Overall we reached 706 people from the broader community via the YourSay website, received 110 survey responses, received 33 public submissions and 13 ACT Government submissions, spoke to 55 individuals at the Tharwa Bush fair, visited local businesses, distributed notices to every household in the village and reached a social media audience of almost 2594people.

Feedback received from community engagement has informed the development of the final Tharwa Village Plan. Once the final plan is released, the Government may propose changes to the Territory Plan that will also go through a community engagement process.

Draft Variations July 2017 to June 2018

The following Draft Variations to the Territory Plan (DVs) were released for public consultation in 2017-18:

• DV342 – Belconnen Town Centre
• DV350 – Changes to definition of ‘single dwelling block’
• DV356 – Changes to West Belconnen Concept Plan, Stage 1 Ginninderry Estate, and
• DV358 – Changes to Wright Precinct Map and Code.

Draft Variation No 342 - Belconnen Town Centre: Zone changes and amendments to the Belconnen Precinct Map And Code - May 2018 (on-going)

Draft Variation to the Territory Plan No. 342 (DV342) ‘Belconnen Town Centre’ incorporates the key recommendations of the Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan.

Feedback was sought from a diverse range of stakeholders by working across all geographic regions of Canberra and using multiple techniques including publicising it on the EPSDD website, letters to lessees (private, community organisations, businesses etc.), government agency circulation and presentations to key community groups and organisations.

DV342 was released for public comment from 4 May 2018 to 22 June 2018. An extension was granted until 6 July 2018 for some who requested additional time to respond. To date a total of 18 written submissions have been received including two submissions from businesses, 10 submissions from individuals, two submissions from community organisations, and four submissions from professional groups.

Responses were also received from internal and external agencies including ACT Heritage Council, Environment Protection Agency (EPA), NCA, the Conservator, Transport and City Services Directorate (TCCS), EDD, ICON Water and the CMTEDD.

Draft Variation No 350 - Changes to definition of ‘single dwelling block’ - May 2018  (on-going)

Draft Variation to the Territory Plan No. 350 (DV350) Changes to definition of ‘single dwelling block’ – was prepared to revise the definition of ‘single dwelling block’ as well as renaming the definition to ‘standard block’.

Feedback has been sought from a diverse range of stakeholders by working across all geographic regions of Canberra and using multiple techniques including publicising it on the EPSDD website, internal and cross directorate agencies and external government agency government agency circulation and presentations to key community groups and organisations.

DV350 was released for public comment from 25 May 2018 to 13 July 2018. Responses were received from internal and external agencies including ACT Heritage Council, EPA, NCA, the Conservator and the CMTEDD.

Draft Variation No 356 - Amendments to the West Belconnen Concept Plan for Ginninderry Stage 1 Development - May 2018 (on-going)

Draft variation (DV356) proposes to vary the West Belconnen Concept Plan by making the provision of gas utility services to blocks in Stage 1 of Ginninderry Estate, West Belconnen, an optional rather than a mandatory requirement.

Feedback was sought from a diverse range of stakeholders by working across all geographic regions of Canberra and using multiple techniques including publicising it on the EPSDD website, internal and cross directorate agencies and external government agency circulation.

DV342 was released for public comment from 2 May 2018 to22 June 2018 and 1 written submission was received. Comments were also received from internal and external agencies including ACT Heritage Council, EPA, NCA, the Conservator, EvoEnergy and the Suburban Land Agency.

Variation No 352 – Changes to various development tables, codes and definitions

Variation 352 (V352) made changes to various development tables, codes and definitions.

Feedback was sought from a diverse range of stakeholders by working across all geographic regions of Canberra and using multiple techniques including publicising it on the EPSDD website, internal and cross directorate agencies and external government agency circulation. Information sessions were also held with relevant industry groups.

DV352 was released for public comment between 9 June 2017 and 24 July 2017, with extensions of time granted until 7 August 2017 upon request. A total of 13 written submissions were received, which included three submissions from industry bodies/organisations, three submissions from industry professionals, four submissions from community organisations, one from a developer, one individual submission and one submission from a sporting club. Responses were also received from internal and external agencies including EPA, NCA, the Conservator and TCCS.

Prior to commencement of the variation, training sessions were held for ACT Government staff, building certifiers and industry members.

Variation No 358 - Changes to Wright Precinct Map and Code - Wright section 29 block 3 - Restrictions on residential use – May 2018

Variation 358 (V358) amended the Wright Precinct Map and Code to prohibit residential on Wright section 29 block 3.

Feedback was sought from a diverse range of stakeholders by working across all geographic regions of Canberra and using multiple techniques including publicising it on the EPSDD website, letter box drops, internal and cross directorate agencies and external government agency circulation.

DV358 was released for public comment between 15 December 2017 and 23 February 2018. A total of two written submissions were received from individual members of the public. Responses were also received from internal and external agencies including ACT Heritage Council, EPA, NCA, the Conservator and the Suburban Land Agency.

Technical Amendment 2018-11 – Removal of BAL Bushfire Ratings for Ginninderra Estate in the Holt Precinct Map and Code – June 2018 (on-going)

Technical Amendment 2018-11 (TA2018-11) proposes to remove the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements from the ongoing provisions (OP1-OP3) in the Holt Precinct Map and Code for Ginninderra Estate (Holt Golf Course).

Feedback is sought by publicising it on the EPSDD website, emails to Belconnen Community Council and NCA.

TA2018-11 was released for limited public consultation from 22 June 2018 to 23 July 2018. To date no written submissions have been received. Response has been received from NCA advising that there are no issues.

Technical Amendment 2018-08 – West Belconnen Concept Plan – Greenwaste Clearance Zone Changes – April 2018 (on-going)

Technical Amendment 2018-08 (TA2018-08) proposes to make the changes to the West Belconnen Concept.

Feedback was sought by publicising it on the EPSDD website, emails to Belconnen Community Council and NCA.

TA2018-8 was released for limited public consultation from 13 April 2018 to 14 May 2018. No written submissions have been received. Response has been received from NCA advising that NCA has no comments.

Technical Amendment 2018-07 – Various code, clarification and miscellaneous amendments and a public land overlay boundary adjustment for Jarramlee Nature Reserve, Belconnen – May 2018

Technical Amendment 2018-07 (TA2018-07) made various changes to the Territory Plan.

Feedback was sought by publicising it on the EPSDD website and email to NCA.

TA2018-07 was released for limited public consultation from 23 March 2018 to 27 April 2018. No written submissions were received. Response has been received from NCA advising that NCA has no comments.

Technical Amendment 2018-02 – Amendments to the Holt Precinct Map and Code and the Moncrieff Precinct Map and Code – January 2018

Technical Amendment 2018-02 (TA2018-02) made changes to the Holt and Moncrieff precinct maps and codes.

Feedback was sought by publicising it on the EPSDD website, internal agencies circulation and email to NCA.

TA2018-02 was released for limited public consultation from 25 January 2018 to 23 February 2018. No written submissions were received. Response was received from NCA advising that NCA has no comments. Suburban Land Agency also commented.

Technical Amendment 2017-25 – Cygnet Crescent Precinct, Red Hill - Introduction of Estates Development Plan provisions and clarifications – January 2018

Technical Amendment 2017-25 (TA2017-25) made changes to the Red Hill Precinct Map and Code.

Feedback was sought by publicising it on the EPSDD website, internal agencies circulation and email to NCA.

TA2017-25 was released for limited public consultation from 20 November 2017 to 18 December 2017. Eight written submissions were received. TA2017-25 was amended as a result of public consultation. Response was received from NCA advising that NCA has no comments. A report on consultation was prepared in January 2018.

Technical Amendment 2017-16 – Various code and clarification amendments – December 2017

Technical Amendment 2017-16 (TA2017-16) made various changes to the Territory Plan.

Feedback was sought by publicising it on the EPSDD website, internal agencies circulation and email to NCA.

TA2017-16 was released for public consultation from 4 August 2017 to 8 September 2017. One written submission was received by the closing date from the Inner South Canberra Community Council (ISCCC). Response was received from NCA advising that NCA has no comments. A report on consultation was prepared in November 2017.

Technical Amendment 2017-14 – Amendments to the Moncrieff Precinct Code – July 2017

Technical Amendment 2017-14 (TA2017-14) made changes to the Moncrieff Precinct Code.

Feedback was sought by publicising it on the EPSDD website and email to NCA.

TA2017-14 was released for public consultation from 9 June 2017 to 10 July 2017. No written submission was received by the closing date. Response was received from NCA advising that NCA has no comments.

Pre-Territory Plan Variation community consultation June 2018

Urban Renewal – Urban Projects has been tasked to undertake a Territory Plan Variation to include Residential Use to the CZ6- Accommodation and Leisure zone at Section 74 and Section 76 Watson to support the Indicative Land Release Program 2021-22 for Residential dwellings at these sites.

Community pre-consultation commenced 23 June 2018 through a drop in session for the community to attend.

Naming Henry Rolland Park

Over five weeks the City Renewal Authority asked people to have their say in naming the new park on the West Basin waterfront. Via an online public poll, people could choose from four shortlisted park names that were selected by the ACT Place Names Committee. The vote closed on 27 October 2017 with almost 1,500 votes cast. Henry Rolland Park topped the public poll, receiving 684 votes (46 per cent).

The poll results were provided to the ACT Place Names Committee, which made a recommendation to the ACT Government about the naming of the new park. The name selected for the park reflected the public vote.

City Precinct Renewal Program

The City Renewal Authority is developing the Precinct Renewal Program which will bring the ACT Government, stakeholder and community collective vision for the city precinct to life.

The City Renewal Authority reviewed 23 previous consultation activities from the past 15 years in which Canberrans have shared many views and ideas for how to enhance our city precinct. The review highlighted a number of key issues and identified six common themes for the renewal of our city. The six themes are:

• A city of people
• A creative city
• An active city
• A sustainable city
• A connected city
• A progressive city.

In addition, the City Renewal Authority asked people to share their ideas to:

• make sure what the City Renewal Authority identified in the review is still current and relevant
• inform and help develop the program.

Engagement was conducted in a number of ways:

• community engaged online via YourSay
• for approximately four weeks, the community was asked to provide initiatives framed by the six themes listed above. 135 comments were received
• stakeholder engagement via survey money
• Stakeholder groups were sent a survey to   distribute to their members and associates. The survey was open for two weeks  prior to the workshop, and 18 responses were received

Stakeholder workshop – 13 June

• Key decision makers, contributors and   subject experts were invited to participate in a constructive and   collaborative workshop to identify:
• ideas   (projects, approaches and processes) that deliver, realise and reflect the   community’s vision and themes for the city renewal precinct
• constraints   and opportunities that may influence or impact on the implementation of the   city renewal precinct
• how   to achieve the initiatives and actions including how all stakeholders can   contribute to their implementation.

The feedback received during the consultation has been included as critical input to the development of the Precinct Renewal Program and will help to identify which initiatives the City Renewal Authority will focus on as part of its forward work plan.

Christmas in Glebe Park

The City Renewal Authority asked members of the community to provide feedback on the Christmas in Glebe Park event and the type of Christmas event they would like to see in the city.

People were able to share their thoughts and give feedback online through feedback forms and directly with ACT Government staff.

A summary of the online feedback showed that:

• most people enjoyed the event, with 87 per cent rating it as good, very good or excellent
• the festival approach to Christmas celebrations was supported by the majority of respondents (65 per cent) while only 12 per cent supported having a Christmas tree in the city with a one-off a concert, and
• the information will be used to help guide and develop Christmas activities and events in the city centre in 2018.

Braddon Place Making

The City Renewal Authority is developing a Place Making Implementation Plan to guide improvements to public spaces that will help strengthen Braddon’s identity.

The City Renewal Authority engaged with traders, residents and the wider community to identify what is valued about Braddon now, and to gather diverse and important perspectives on the future of the neighbourhood. The engagement included workshops and events, as short-term activations.

Engagement included face-to-face meetings with stakeholders and local businesses, a trader workshop, trader interviews and a community event.

The engagement will inform a final plan that will be evidence based, action-oriented and coordinated.

It will result in short-term actions, like installations, activations and minor public realm improvements to enhance the physical and social aspects of Braddon’s already established identity.

The plan will also put in place longer-term actions, designs and strategies for public realm improvements and place-making activities that will further enhance Braddon as a destination precinct.

Dickson Place Plan

As part of the intent to understand and improve Dickson town centre, City Renewal Authority is developing the Dickson Place Making Implementation Plan. In response to community feedback received, the place making plan will propose a series of temporary interventions which will then lead to more permanent upgrades once the confidence in the area builds and popularity increases.

The Dickson Place Making Implementation Plan will provide detailed action plans for place activation and urban enhancement of public spaces and streets within the Dickson town centre.

The plan sets out a number of engagement activities including visits to local businesses and stakeholders, Community Street Party and an ideas and actions speed dating workshop.

Approximately 350 people attended and 12 businesses participated in engagement activities.  More than 140 comments were received as part of the open engagement workshop relating to the themes of permanent people spaces, play, party and colour and innovation. The positive outcomes have resulted in a strong optimism of community led activation in Dickson and the potential of developing a Dickson Town Team.

In the ‘speed dating’ workshop, stakeholders and members of the public were able to share and discuss their ideas to improve Dickson. The main actions consisted of creating permanent games in public spaces, folk festival and busking, food events, Chinese New Year and improved lighting.

The process also identified resources and skills available within the community that could be drawn on to achieve the goals to improve Dickson town centre. These included project management, writing and strategy, events and organisation, photography and video.

The engagement process identified that some spaces are in need of attention including blank walls, public spaces and a general upgrade to the commercial streets in Dickson. Creating spaces for families and kids was a consistent theme and improved representation of diverse cultural groups was suggested as a great idea.

Gungahlin Town Centre

We worked closely with the TCCS by engaging with the Gungahlin Community Council on proposed development works and road improvements in the Gungahlin Town Centre.

Kingston Foreshore

We continued to work closely with a broad range of Kingston Foreshore stakeholders on development activities, community facilities and future plans. This included discussions with body corporates, tenants and residents, and responses to public enquiries.

We also continued to provide updates to the Kingston Barton Residents Group about the proposed Kingston Arts Precinct.

Ginninderry (West Belconnen)

The ACT Government and Riverview Group entered into a joint operation in 2016 to develop an innovative master-planned community spanning the ACT and NSW border in West Belconnen. This project has set the benchmark for active community engagement, leading to a variation in the Territory Plan that allows for urban development.

The Ginninderry project was recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia, receiving a national commendation for excellence in public engagement and community planning. Stage 1 of the development is under construction, and the project will continue to strive for excellence in community engagement by actively working with key stakeholder groups and the community in general.

Mingle

The Suburban Land Agency continued to implement a community development program, designed to build vibrant local communities within our new Greenfield Estates. The program, known as Mingle, aimed to achieve a number of social objectives to help new residents feel part of the community and encourage their involvement in community life and activities. The program also supported the creation of networks, groups and programs among residents, which will ultimately become self-sustaining.

In 2017-18, Mingle continued in the Molonglo Valley (Wright and Coombs) and Moncrieff. It also commenced in Throsby. Partnership opportunities were explored with the University of Canberra and Canberra Institute of Technology to co-deliver a version of the program in Lawson. A sustainability pre-build workshop was also delivered to land purchasers in Taylor.

Mingle was tailored for each suburb to suit demographics, resident feedback and proximity to surrounding services. We worked closely with other ACT Government Directorates to meet program objectives and deliver events.

During 2017-18, various ACT Government agency messages were communicated through Mingle communication channels, including email, Facebook, newsletters and community information nights. Messages included information on issues such as Better Suburbs, Taylor School Naming consultation, ACTION Bus network consultation and ACT Parks and Conservation engagements. Updates on the progress of development activities were also provided to the community in areas near Suburban Land Agency estates.

Mingle’ community engagement summary for 2017-18

Community involvement

• increased resident led events, groups and activities supported by Mingle through grants and mentorship relationship
• co-designed program of events and activities
• resident-built community book box in Wright
• establishment of Moncrieff residents group
• resident newsletter delivery group
• facilitation of partnerships between residents and stakeholders
• regular ACT Government Community Information nights using Facebook live streaming.

Industry relationships and partnerships

• ACT Playgroups
• Blue Earth
• Northside Community Services
• Woodlands and Wetlands Trust
• Local Ngunnawal elders
• Conservation Council
• Molonglo Catchment Group
• Canberra Environment Centre
• Crimestoppers
• Neighbourhood Watch
• YMCA
• ACT Table Tennis
• Cricket ACT
• Basketball ACT
• Gungahlin Child and Family Centre
• Communities@Work
• Canberra Institute of Technology
• ACT Government Housing, Health Community Services, Transport Canberra and City Services.

Innovation

• grant and mentorship opportunities for resident initiatives
• quarterly resident led market event in Coombs
• resident-built community book box in Wright
• online resident engagement through an online photo competition
• Community surveys
• resident surveys for Moncrieff and Throsby
• event evaluation surveys
• development of a community and skills asset register survey template  to be used across all Mingle suburbs.

Sports and fitness

• opening of the award-winning Moncrieff Community Recreation Irrigated Park, awarded in the category of Playspaces by the ACT chapter of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
• community sports day for Wright and Coombs
• support for a Molonglo Valley touch football team
• Treasure Trek event in Throsby promoting active living.

Parks and conservation

• tree planting event at the Molonglo River
• ongoing commitment to ranger walks and education programs
• facilitation of a partnership between a resident and local rangers to support monthly resident led community cycling and walking events
• ongoing engagement with the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust.

Education

• consultation with students from Charles Weston School on the Coombs 3A play space
• partnership with local Ngunnawal elders for the opening of Wagi Bridge in Moncrieff, including education on the historical and cultural significance of the local water ways
• establishment of an event toolkit for residents.

Sustainability

• partnership with the ACT Government’s ACTsmart program to deliver a series of free sustainable workshops to purchasers
• communal composting trial in a Wright apartment complex
• establishment of garden club at Stromlo Cottage
• ACT No Waste at Community Information Night.

Heritage

• partnership with the ACT Property Group to refurbish the Stromlo Cottage property for community activities.

Wright and Coombs
The Mingle program in Wright and Coombs continued to work with the Molonglo Valley Community Group, which met regularly to discuss progress in the suburbs and opportunities for new events and activities.

The program delivered 58 events and activities during 2017-18, achieving a total attendance of 2,260 people. These events and activities included a tree planting event at the Molonglo River, the resident-built community book box in Wright, resident led markets, ‘Play in the Park’ and the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea.

Two large-scale community information sessions were held to communicate development updates and information about ACT Government programs and initiatives. Both events used the Facebook live streaming function to attract a wider audience engagement.

The delivery of the Coombs 3A Play Space consultation provided an opportunity for community members to have their say on equipment and amenities for the space. A separate consultation was also conducted with students from Charles Weston School.

The Mingle program supported an increase of resident led initiatives including the establishment of a regular book club, seniors group and garden club which met at the Stromlo Cottage. It also provided funding and mentoring support for larger events such as the Community Christmas Carols and a regular community market event.

During the reporting period, five community newsletters were delivered to all homes in Wright and Coombs.

Moncrieff
The Moncrieff Mingle program continued to work with the local community during 2017-18. The program facilitated a range of events and activities to engage local residents, including two Moncrieff resident meetings. These meetings identified various new initiatives such as a resident led Diwali Festival of Lights and Christmas celebrations.

In response to the significant number of families with young children in Moncrieff, Communities@Work provided support for child minding facilities during the meetings. This led to an increase in resident participation, rising from seven to 37 people.

With support from the Mingle program, the Moncrieff group began hosting its own resident-led playgroup and led the Clean Up Australia Day initiative in 2018.

The Mingle program delivered 15 events and activities during 2017-18, achieving a total attendance of 1,136 people. These events and activities included the opening of the award-winning Community Recreation Irrigated Park, Explore and Snap photography adventure, ‘Play in the Park’, Yoga in the Park and Neighbourhood Safety Workshops.  Three newsletters were distributed during the reporting period and one community survey has been conducted to determine overall strengths and interests.

Throsby
The Mingle program delivered three events in Throsby, achieving a total attendance of 140 people. The events included an actsmart Pre-Build Workshop, Brekkie in the Park, and the Throsby Treasure Trek, which engaged current and future residents to explore the suburb and discover its assets. A Mingle Facebook page and a resident led community Facebook page were also developed.

A relationship was established with the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, who played a role in two of the events. Other partnerships included a collaboration with artsACT, which will lead to the installation and celebration of a large steel kangaroo sculpture due to be installed in the suburb in September 2018.

Seminar on climate change and communication

The Commissioner’s Office organised a seminar at Dame Pattie Menzies House on 29 May 2018. Two key speakers presented at this forum on recent extreme events in Australia and ideas on how to better communicate science. The event was advertised to relevant areas within EPSDD, through an EPSDD Communications invitation and also on the office Facebook page. The event was well attended by approximately 45 people and positive feedback was provided by participants on the relevance of the session.