Chief Minister Talkback Summary - 10 April 2015


Posted on 10/04/2015

Calls received on air

Directorate: TAMS

Issue: The increasing transformation and development of Braddon hasn’t been accompanied by traffic management and public realm upgrades.  Plans for upgrading pedestrian crossings at roundabouts.

Response: The Chief Minister noted that there were requirements for private developers to maintain the public realm.  He also noted that the Government is considering how best to manage pedestrian traffic in the area.

OUTCOME: A Development Application approval for the redevelopment of buildings in precincts such as Braddon usually includes a requirement to upgrade the footpath adjacent to the development. The approvals do not usually include offsite works such traffic management improvements away from the site unless the improvements are integral to the management of traffic entering and leaving the development. TAMS is responsible for providing additional public domain traffic management infrastructure if it is required to ensure adequate traffic management in a precinct. Usually the existing road infrastructure is adequate to cater for the increased demand. The need for pedestrian (zebra) crossings is determined by a warrant and will usually only be provided if the warrant is met. It is not usual to provide pedestrian crossings at roundabouts due to the close proximity of turning vehicles. They may impose a higher safety risk than if they were not provided.


Directorate: TAMS/Health

Issue:

OUTCOME:


Directorate: Education

Issue: When, if ever, will the ACT Government align its school holidays with NSW

Response: The Chief Minister noted that there is some overlap, but there is no intent at this stage to align them.


Directorate: EPD

Issue: Caller had concerns that the Belconnen Master Plan and future developments may impact on community use of the Lake, such as Water Scouts and canoeing.

Response: The Master Plan process is currently underway and will take into account consultations with the community, including on current and future uses for the lake.  It is the understanding of the Government that commercial interest in development in Belconnen has slowed in recent times, and large transformation isn’t expected in the near future.

OUTCOME: A review of the 2001 Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan is currently under way through the Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD). Once complete, the new master plan will recommend clear directions for building controls, such as building heights, and it will aim to address a range of other issues, including maximising the opportunities that exist in the Town Centre. Some of these may include:

Following community engagement aimed at identifying key issues for the Belconnen Town Centre earlier this year, the Belconnen Town Centre Draft Master Plan is currently being prepared. It is anticipated that the draft master plan will be released for community comment in the third quarter of 2015. The community will at that time have the opportunity to provide feedback on the recommendations provided in the draft master plan.

Callers Not Answered On Air but followed up

Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Roadside Rubbish on Tharwa Drive.

OUTCOME: The rubbish dumped on Tharwa Drive was cleared on 16 April 2014 during a routine inspection. TAMS undertakes regular monitoring of this area and address illegal dumping as soon as possible after it is identified. Constituents are encouraged to report illegal dumping to Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or via the Fix My Street online service accessible through www.act.gov.au/fixmystreet. This will enable prompt action to be taken by the appropriate business unit within TAMS


Directorate: Health

Issue: The waiting room and times beyond the first waiting room at the Canberra Hospital

Response: The Chief Minister noted that there was anticipated to be disruptions while renovations and upgrades were underway.

OUTCOME: A Health official advised the caller that the feedback had been provided to senior staff in the Emergency Department, who acknowledge that the waiting area can be uncomfortable for extended waits and apologised for the delay that the caller experienced. Further advice was provided to the caller about the Emergency Department undergoing remodelling with options for more comfortable, sub-waiting areas being explored.


Directorate: CMTEDD - ART

Issue: The caller was interested to know if there had been any thought given to capturing the historical information and the impact the legacy of Mr Fluffy loose fill asbestos in Canberra has on affected homeowners by publishing a book about the people involved.

OUTCOME: The caller was referred to the Chair of the Community and Expert Reference Group (CERG) to commence engagement. The Community and Expert Reference Group (CERG) was formed to provide an important link to those affected by loose fill asbestos, enabling the Taskforce to explore issues with direct input from those most impacted.

SMS/TEXT

Directorate: Treasury

Issue: What about a commercial rates /decongestion tax based on the commuting distance workers and customers have to travel?

OUTCOME: Treasury advised that this is not a policy the ACT Government is considering.


Directorate: CMTEDD

Issue: Pollies pay, non government members what do they do for their money.

OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.


Directorate: Capital Metro

Issue: Did the ACT Government consider other transport options in place of light rail, such as the Adelaide O-Bahn?

Response: The Chief Minister noted that all options have been examined, even including other variations on light-rail, in making the decision to fund Capital Metro.

OUTCOME: An official contacted the caller and directed them tohttp://www.capitalmetro.act.gov.au/news-and-publications/reports-and-studiesfor information about other options that were investigated.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: As a parent to two young drivers I am concerned for their and other's safety at the intersection of Castieau and Kingsford-Smith Drive, Higgins. As West Belconnen develops further, this situation will only worsen. Is it time to put in some traffic lights in?

OUTCOME: The caller was contacted to confirm the intersection was last investigated in 2011. Roads ACT will consider this intersection for investigation again next year for possible upgrades in 2016-17. Any upgrades will need to compete in priority with other intersections.


Directorate: Capital Metro

Issue: I went looking for the background information the ACT government had put together when researching other options to the tram. I have been unable to find any and only able to find economic research on the trams. Can the Government make information available about other options to the light rail?

Response: The Chief Minister noted that extensive analysis has been undertaken and that the ACT Government has released information relating to the decision.

OUTCOME: The Capital Metro Agency contacted the caller and will email the constituent with information regarding the City to Gungahlin Transit Corridor Study that outlines research undertaken to various transport modes as well as any other relevant information on the project.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: Demand is there when the price is right. If there is no demand for properties then the prices being sought is too high now. Can developers drop prices and still make a decent profit?

OUTCOME: A recent cool down in the economy has seen demand for property fall from previous highs; however, Canberra’s fundamentally strong economy continues to underpin a good level of demand for property in the ACT.  The Government, through the Land Development Agency, releases a range of commercial, residential and industrial lands to the market each year according to its Indicative Land Release Program.  That program takes account of the need for a variety of land to match market preferences while also ensuring that land remains affordable for those who wish to live and work here in Canberra. The level of profit developers make on their developments is ultimately determined by a range of market factors, including the price they pay; the timing and quality of the project; as well as the overarching demand when they are marketing the property. Like all business, there are risks associated with new projects and these are considered by developers when undertaking new projects.


Directorate: Asbestos Response Taskforce

Issue: How much are insurance companies contributing to Mr fluffy? The caller wished t know why the Government can’t put more pressure on insurance companies to see a reduction in the levy on insurance.

OUTCOME: There are currently no insurance companies contributing to assist those affected by the Mr Fluffy legacy.  The Asbestos Response Taskforce continues to engage with them as the work of the Taskforce continues. The Taskforce has approached banks and financial institutions, utilities, local businesses and community services encouraging them to show compassion and understanding towards customers. To date 15 banks and financial institutions, utilities such as Telstra, ActewAGL and Icon Water and Canberra businesses like the Good Guys in Tuggeranong, Rodney’s Garden Supplies in Pialligo and select retailers in the Canberra Outlet Centre in Fyshwick have agreed to participate.

Further information about other supports provided can be found at www.asbestostaskforce.act.gov.au/support/transition-partnership-program


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Thank you for mowing the grass on the walking track to Bruce stadium as I requested a few weeks ago. You have made an enthusiastic dog and her long suffering mistress very happy. We are no longer targets for cyclists.

OUTCOME: The Chief Minister acknowledged the caller’s thanks.


Directorate: Treasury?

Issue: Isn't funding a zero sum game.  WA had to give up GST because of royalties. So if the ACT came up with smart revenue scam, they would reduce the GST

OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.


Directorate: Capital Metro Agency

Issue: The first stage of light rail will benefit many more than just Gungahlin residents. I live in Watson and the traffic in our community is awful during peak hour. We want our suburbs back without people speeding through our residential streets to beat the traffic

OUTCOME: One of the main objectives of the Capital Metro project is to provide a convenient alternative to the car to encourage people to get more active and use an integrated public transport system. The ACT Government’s investment in Capital Metro will benefit all users of our roads, parking and public transport. Further, urban renewal projects along the route will stimulate the Territory’s economy through public and private investment, delivering new and innovative housing for our residents, and new commercial spaces and opportunities for new businesses. Over the next three years alone it is expected that 3,500 jobs will be created from the construction phase of this project. When the wider economic impacts associated with land use changes and uplift along the light rail corridor are taken into consideration, there is expected to be $1 billion in economic benefits associated with Stage 1 of Capital Metro.


Directorate: ETD

Issue: No alignment [for school holidays] Never tried to book a ski holiday?

OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.


Directorate: ETD

Issue: I love the fact [school holidays] don’t line up. Helps me with cheap accommodation

OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.


Directorate: Treasury

Issue: I'm really worried about the ACT's infrastructure management: a billion dollars for Mr Fluffy; a billion dollars for light rail. They'll be no money for another 10 years to do big infrastructure projects needed by everyone.

Response: The Chief Minister indicated that the Government is focused on building a strong economy, and that infrastructure projects are a big part of that.  He noted that there has been unprecedented spending to stimulate the economy, but that there is a long-term commitment to put the budget into surplus.


Directorate: Treasury

Issue: I've been working as a cabinetmaker for 32yrs and get $1.50 less then I was getting 11yrs ago how far do I have to tighten my belt.

OUTCOME: The Government understands that cost of living pressures put a strain on many residents of the ACT.  Over the past 11 years the cost of living in the ACT, as measured by the consumer price index, has increased by around a third.

Over the same time period, however, average weekly earnings have increased in the ACT by around two thirds.  This average rate of increase, though, does not directly show that some workers may have experienced much lower rates of increase.

The national Joinery and Other Building Trades Award 2010, which may be relevant to your case, has increased by 17 per cent over the past five years.  If you have concerns that you are not being paid the correct award rate, you should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 131394.


Directorate: CMTEDD

Issue: cop everything sweet from the Feds, unfair cuts, give up on Mr Fluffy, let the Feds laugh at you, when you should have supported a class action against the Commonwealth, give in to the 1 Green on the most uneconomic stupid idea ever.

Response: The Chief Minister contested the assertion noting that the Government made the right decisions, both to not pursue legal action against the Commonwealth, and to diversify the economy to deal with downturns in public sector spending.


Directorate: CMTEDD

Issue: Could it be voters can’t trust a majority government

OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.