Chief Minister Talkback Summary - 18 September 2015


Posted on 18/09/2015

Calls received on air

Directorate: CMA

Issue: Government does not have mandate for light rail.

Response: The Chief Minister stated that he has on many occasions advised that the light rail was a significant project that would be commenced under an incoming Government


Directorate: EPD – Parking Coordination/CMTEDD – Policy and Cabinet

Issue: Extension of paid parking hours in Civic / Introduction of Uber

Response: The Chief Minister advised an extension of paid parking in Civic was not related to private pay parking concerns. With regard to Uber, the Chief Minister advised the Government was not in the business of legislating monopolies and is looking at further deregulation of the taxi industry.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Off Lead Dog Areas. Brian explained to walk in Scullin he had to go on the road or walk through off lead dog areas. He has concerns for the safety of children in these areas.

Response: The Chief Minister advised it was a difficult area to resolve.

OUTCOME: Rangers routinely conduct patrols around schools, playgrounds and shared areas. Should members of the public have concerns about a particular dog or witness an attack they should contact Domestic Animal Services on 6207 2424 or via Access Canberra on 13 22 81.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Loading Zone Time Extensions. Are there any plans to extend time limits of loading zones in Civic?

OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller on 22 September and advised a map showing the location of 24 hour loading zones in Civic will be provided to them and that any changes would be undertaken in consultation with directly affected business.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: Possibility of underpass for Commonwealth Avenue to access Floriade.

Response: The Chief Minister advised of works associated with City to the Lake project that included new arrangements.

OUTCOME: When complete, the City to the Lake project will create residences for up to 15,000 new residents in the southern parts of the CBD, including West Basin, Parkes and the area of the southern extent of London Circuit. This increased population will necessitate enhancements to the existing road network and therefore involve changes to vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian movements. The interruption to traffic flow on Commonwealth Avenue caused by the operation of traffic lights for visitors crossing to Floriade is expected to abate at the conclusion of Floriade. The pedestrian crossing, however, will be utilised to allow continued access to West Basin and Westside Acton Park during the construction works associated with the proposed West Basin waterfront project expected to commence early 2016.

The community will be advised of works applications associated with the City to the Lake project and is invited to comment on the current works approval application for the West Basin Waterfront currently being considered by the National Capital Authority. Visit www.nationalcapital.gov.au to have your say.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: Are there plans to move Floriade?

Response: The Chief Minister advised that contract with NCA comes to an end in 2017 and there are possibilities that venue will move as a result. The Chief Minister advised NCA were not happy with lead in and out times that, along with the event itself, mean the park is not able to be used for nearly 6 months. It is better to create permanent ACT Government owned infrastructure. Various areas have been assessed and Glebe Park is a possibility


Directorate: ETD

Issue: Liquor at Ainslie School Event

Response: The Chief Minister advised it was up to the school P&C to apply for a liquor licence and that applications are assessed against criteria. The Chief Minister advised if the caller has further concerns he should discuss with the school community.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Unidentified work in Weston Park.

Response: The Chief Minister advised bocce and petanque courts were being constructed as part of upgrades to Weston Park, that it was a TAMS project and that he would find a weblink for the caller about it.

OUTCOME: In conjunction with the Capital Petanque Club, the Territory and Municipal Services Directorate has been constructing a purpose built petanque area in Weston Park. Construction commenced in August with a planned completion date in early October. The site will be officially opened in late October. Information is available via the following link:

http://www.tams.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/find-a-park/urban-parks/weston-park/weston-park-boulodrome


Directorate: CMTEDD – Asbestos Response Taskforce

Issue: Caller received a letter advising he was in a cluster of affected properties. Later found out he lives across the road from an affected property (not in a cluster). The caller wanted to know why he wasn’t directly informed and asked to be informed of when the demolition would occur so he could make plans to be elsewhere as he was concerned about dust.

Response: The Chief Minister confirmed he would be informed of the demolition in advance, and stressed that there would be no dust as these demolitions were managed very carefully, in accordance with the strictest guidelines. The Chief Minister advised listeners they could watch videos of the five pilot demolitions online, and confirmed that safety was the number one priority.

OUTCOME: The Asbestos Response Taskforce will engage directly with neighbours who live near affected houses around demolition timings. Additional information will be provided in cluster areas, noting the impact on neighbours. Neighbours and the broader community can also access a range of information about the demolition process online at www.asbestostaskforce.act.gov.au through letterbox drops, drop in information sessions, Access Canberra and social media.

The chance of a person being exposed to asbestos while a ‘Mr Fluffy’ house is being demolished nearby is very low. Measures are taken to remove the majority of the asbestos before the house is ready to be demolished. Any remaining asbestos fibres will be sprayed to secure them to the structure prior to structural demolition.


Directorate: ETD

Issue: Principal sacked following inappropriate structure in school – will you reinstate her? What are the ETD guidelines for dealing with students affected by autism?

Response: The Chief Minister noted that schools had comprehensive policies for students with disabilities, and that enterprise agreements affected disciplinary matters and he would not be commenting on this matter.


Directorate: CMTEDD – Policy and Cabinet

Issue: Do you have plans to honour University of Canberra outgoing Vice Chancellor Stephen Parker?

Response: The Chief Minister agreed that Mr Parker had made an outstanding contribution and he was open to looking at what an appropriate time and way might be to recognise his contribution.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Will the toilets at the Kambah Woolshed reopen?

Response: The Chief Minister advised that the toilets would not be reopened. They had deteriorated significantly in condition and were in close proximity to other facilities.


Calls Not Answered on Air but Followed Up

Directorate: CMA

Issue: Have you considered buses on concrete slabs rather than light rail?

OUTCOME: Buses were considered as an option for the Gungahlin to City transit corridor, in particular Bus Rapid Transit. Following extensive consideration, light rail was deemed the most appropriate transport option for this route.

It has been found light rail is the best choice for responding to projected population growth and also has the capacity to significantly transform the corridor through land development uplift.

Light rail will be one part of a city-wide integrated public transport system, as part of the Transport for Canberra plan. Integrated public transport will not only include light rail and buses, but also promote increased usage of cycleways and pathways to encourage Active Transport. Integrated transport will also include private vehicles and motorbikes, with the provision of Park and Ride facilities at major interchanges.

Urban design for Capital Metro provides a long term vision along the light rail corridor in line with the planning principles and policies of the National Capital Authority (NCA). Concrete slabs would not fit in with the detailed conditions set by the NCA, nor would it improve the amenity of Canberra’s core and gateway to the city.

There are a number of resources on the Capital Metro website that provide information on the options that were considered for the route, including thisbrochure from April 2012.


Directorate: CMTEDD – Policy and Cabinet

Issue: About Uber: regulations mean taxi drivers have to pay so much more than Uber.

OUTCOME: On 30 September the ACT Government announced a series of reforms to encourage new travel choices for Canberrans and create a more level playing field from which the taxi industry can better compete.

The primary way to level that playing field is to lower key fees and charges for the taxi industry.

A key component of these costs are the annual fee for Government-issued taxi licenses. During the first year of reforms the fee for Government-issued taxi licenses will decline from $20,000 to $10,000 per annum, and in late 2016 will decline further still, to $5,000 per annum. Hire car operators will also see a significant reduction in license fees, from $4,600 to $100 in the first year of reforms.


SMS/TEXT

Directorate: CMTEDD – Asbestos Response Taskforce

Issue: What is the Government plan for those people who refuse to leave their Fluffy homes after 2020? There are people who are not planning on moving and haven't signed any contracts.

Response: The Chief Minister advised residents could stay for up to 5 years, with appropriate management plans in place.

OUTCOME: Participation in the Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme is voluntary.

The ACT Government has made an offer to purchase any affected house not surrendered under the Scheme as a ‘purchaser of last resort’. The offer to purchase will take the presence of loose fill asbestos contamination into consideration.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Could you ask the Chief Minister if he could look at why some of the Sutton road is 80 ks and some 100 ks. There is no apparent differing road conditions and it is frustrating and dangerous

OUTCOME: On 22/9/2015 an officer of TAMS contacted the caller and explained that Road conditions and standard of infrastructure are a different on the two sections mentioned by the caller. On safety grounds the speed limit on the South end of Sutton Road is reduced to 80km/h. Also any incidents of antisocial behaviour on the road can be reported to ACT Policing.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Are there any plans to widen the road at the exit lane from the Tuggeranong Parkway onto the Cotter Road going towards Deakin? It carries an enormous amount of traffic every day and makes no sense to go from two lanes on the Cotter down to one at the exi [text cut off]

OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller and advised the Cotter Road – Stage 2 upgrade from Tuggeranong Parkway to McCulloch Street has been completed up to final design.


Directorate: ETD

Issue: Big black fences are going up around our primary schools. Is there actually any evidence it stops vandalism? I reckon a couple of young trouble makers could get over the fence pretty easily if they wanted to. Where can we access the data about vandalism?

Response: The Chief Minister advised yes there was evidence that the fences prevented vandalism at schools.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: Will the new casino be subject to the exact same pokies rules as the Clubs around Canberra? Will you really allow $50 Load ups if the review recommends it?

Response: The Chief Minister advised the casino licence does not allow poker machines.

OUTCOME: The ACT’s Casino Control Act 2006 does not allow poker machines in the casino. Any change in position will be informed by a full review of the issues and impacts.

A gaming machine note acceptor in the ACT cannot take denominations of $50 or $100. The government will consider all recommendations from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts’ Inquiry into elements impacting on the future of the ACT Clubs sector once the report is tabled.


Directorate: CMTEDD – Policy and Cabinet

Issue: As part of the transport deregulation, will the government be refunding the licence fees taxi operators have paid?

Response: The Chief Minister advised fees would not be refunded.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: There's no point in having laws that aren't enforced. Dog leash and excrement laws never policed. A few Rangers in popular areas could start issuing fines

OUTCOME: A Domestic Animal Services ranger contacted the caller and advised rangers conduct routine patrols around shared areas. The caller identified Mount Ainslie and Lake Ginninderra as areas of particular concern.  The ranger advised that targeted patrols would be carried out in those areas.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: The fact is that all areas except those fenced designated should be leashed - a dog is not under control of the owner if unleashed. Even the best trained and behaved dogs are capable of annoyance at least and attacking at worst. Children especially are vu [text cut off]

OUTCOME: A Domestic Animal Services ranger contacted the caller. The ranger explained the Domestic Animal Services ongoing education campaigns aimed at responsible dog ownership and dog behaviour.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Last Friday morning, myself and many others unfortunately saw a school boy on a bike trying to cross the busy intersection at Athlon Dr and Mawson Dr. He did not dismount off his bike and misread the lights. He was knocked off his bike. Adults ride straight through and children copy them. Can we look at having a barrier so cyclists have to dismount to cross safely?

Response: The Chief Minister said that could be looked at.

OUTCOME: Roads ACT has been working with the school in this area to improve safety at this intersection.  A part time 60km/h zone has been provided in the PM school finish time on Athllon Drive.  The behaviour of student pedestrians and cyclists is also being managed by the school.  No plans for barriers at this time however Roads ACT will continue to work with the school and ACT Policing.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: There are numerous intersections that have two right turn lanes, turning into three lane roads that those turning use the three lanes. This restricts those trying to turn left into same stream. These intersections need same treatment given to Hindmarsh dr. at the corner of Lyons coming off the Parkway.

Response: The Chief Minister thanked the caller for the feedback and advice.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: What about Floriade at Weston Park?

Response: The Chief Minister said the site had been assessed as one of six possible sites, but that the site with the best prospect was Glebe Park.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: Why has Macnaughtom st and Starke st Holt become the main thoroughfare for trucks during week days, passing through every 10 minutes, rather than continuing through to end of Drake Brockman dr onto Sopporth st and then onto Southern Cross dr to and from b[text cut off]

OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller on 22 September 2015 and advised that these roads are general access roads and that trucks are permitted to use McNaughton and Starke Streets. Heavy vehicle movements go up and down depending on the level of construction activity. All trucks associated with the Mr Fluffy project are directed to stay away from these streets and use Southern Cross Drive.


Directorate: TAMS

Issue: The Pialligo paintball field and air disaster memorial has a dirt road leading to it that becomes rutted after heavy rain, but the owner of the field claims not to be permitted to grade the road or pay for it to be upgraded to bitumen. Why would this be?

Response: The Chief Minister said this could be looked at.

OUTCOME: A TAMS officer contacted the caller and advised that TAMS is currently in the process of grading the access road into the paintball facility. The licensee for the paintball facility has advised that they are very happy with the works. The officer also advised that TAMS staff are not aware of any formal application from the paintball operator to upgrade the access road.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: What is happening on Melrose Drive please? Bollards were erected a number of months ago reducing the road lanes from 3 to 2 lanes as you proceed South on Melrose Drive but nothing appears to be happening.

OUTCOME: An officer from the Land Development Agency (LDA) contacted the caller and explained that the bollards at the Melrose Drive/Worgan Street intersection were there as part of the road works associated with the LDA’s development on the surface carpark in Woden Town Centre.

In response to local community concerns, the government focused on one road closure at a time.  Road works on Furzer Street were undertaken first.   It was noted that the bollards were there to guide motorists through the new but incomplete works until work recommences on Melrose Drive/Worgan Street in the near future.


Directorate: JACS

Issue: Are cyclists still obliged to sound a bell. On a recent wall was passed by a dozen cyclists. Only one even had a bell.

OUTCOME: An officer from JACS Legislation, Policy and Programs (LPP) spoke to the caller and informed her that it is a legal requirement for a bicycle to have a working bell (or horn), and that failing to do so can attract an infringement penalty of $118. There is no legal requirement for cyclists to ring the bell, however in our new road user brochure the Cyclist Code of Conduct includes a message to cyclists to “give way to and slow down around pedestrians. Warn other people of your approach by sounding your bell or using your voice”.


Directorate: JACS

Issue: When will cyclists be allowed to cycle across pedestrian crossing as per recommendation from Vulnerable road users committee?

OUTCOME: The safer cycling reforms trial, including allowing cyclists to ride across crossings, commenced on 1 November 2015.