Posted on 04/03/2016
Calls received on air
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller asked about tree branches along Kingsford Smith and Southern Cross Drive in Latham, highlighting that both council and privately owned trees were overgrown and growing through the power lines. The caller asked if this could be seen to shortly. The caller also advised they had put in two requests last year about the Hall dog park. The caller said on entry to the park, the grass is overgrown and about a metre long and you can’t see the path. The caller noted there was also an issue with the gate and asked for this to be fixed.
Response: The Chief Minister said that he would take the suggestions on board, noting that the trees on private land will be the responsibility of the property owners, but that trees on public land could be looked at. A team will look into the dog park issues.
OUTCOME: An officer from the Urban Treescapes unit contacted the caller and discussed their concerns about trees. He advised that the trees on Kingsford Smith Drive and Southern Cross Drive will require an outage from ActewAGL before pruning work is completed. A work request has now been generated for the work. The caller also identified several streets in Latham which require maintenance pruning. Work requests have also been raised for this work.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller asked about grasses on median strips and roundabouts in Casey. The caller said off Kingsland Parade, where they are currently building the new shopping centre, the council has put in clumping grasses on the median strips that divide Kingsland Parade and the roundabouts. The caller said the grass is so tall now that drivers are unable to see incoming traffic.
Response: The Chief Minister noted that it is traffic safety issues and will have someone look into it.
OUTCOME: A senior officer from the Place Management unit contacted the caller. The caller was advised that further investigations would be undertaken with appropriate action as required. The officer explained the Territory’s Water Sensitive Urban Design Principles and how landscape can be used as a traffic calming measure.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller praised the Government’s efforts to ensure our electricity supply is renewable, but noted the next major use of fossil fuels is transport. The caller asked how many of the new bus fleet are electric and if none why? The caller also noted that the world record for an electric bus is held in Melbourne where a bus went over a thousand kilometres on one charge, which highlighted that range is no longer a problem.
Response: The Chief Minister said that the ACT Government is looking at electric buses within the context of the ACTION fleet and its renewal and replacement over time. The Chief Minister noted the Government is not in a position to replace the entire fleet in one go and that that these things are progressive.
OUTCOME: On 9 March 2016 an officer of TAMS contacted the caller and advised that the Government was looking to undertake a trial of electric buses later this year. The plan is to trial the vehicles over 12 months to gauge how the vehicles perform in all weather conditions, in peak periods with full loads, and how our ticketing, real time, radio and destination sign equipment operates on the vehicles. The caller was keen to understand what the charging options were to be and the officer explained that we were aware of a number of options but would need to understand what type of charging was available from the different manufacturers and how these might fit in with our operations/depots etc. The officer also advised the caller that if the trial goes ahead the Government will make an announcement and provide all relevant information.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller said on the corner of Spasard and Wade Street there are dead branches from a very old tree. The caller was concerned the dead branches may fall and are very dangerous. The caller noted there were no footpaths and was worried about young children walking under the branches.
Response: The Chief Minister thanked the caller for bringing the issue to his attention and advised that he would have someone follow up on the issue.
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted by an officer from the Urban Treescapes unit. The officer was able to clarify the location of the tree the caller was concerned about. A TAMS work crew has been allocated to attend to the tree and undertake pruning.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller asked about the possibility of installing cutaways on Carmody Street in Casey, opposite the park, noting that cutaways are common in the new suburbs, but that there aren’t any in the mentioned area. The caller said it is quite a narrow street and has become a quasi thoroughfare and the lack of cutaways makes parking in the street difficult.
Response: The Chief Minister said that we would have a look at that and see what could be done.
OUTCOME: On Thursday 10 March 2016 an officer from TAMS spoke with the caller and explained that Carmody Street has off road parking for residents and so parking on the street should not be required other than for visitors.
Directorate: EPD – Planning/Economic Development
Issue: The caller asked about the ageing ACT Population. Noting she is one of these people, at the moment the caller lives in a 4 bedroom ensuite house, but at some point she will look to downsize to a townhouse or something like that. The caller asked if the Government perhaps could start to think about the fact that most of the new housing stock that is coming on the market for smaller places is generally two-storey and not necessarily near a bus stop or shops that you can walk to, noting that these are all things that people who are downsizing really want. The caller noted that developers prefer two stories as they can get more dwellings on a piece of land. The caller clarified she was referencing both single story apartments, for example within a multi-storey complex, and self-contained dwellings that are a single story. The caller said that the dwelling itself needs to be on one level, otherwise you are defeating the purpose of downsizing. The caller asked if the Government could give thought to policies around ways to ensure that there is enough stock because there will come a crunch time when old stock isn’t sufficient to meet the demand of the ageing population.
Response: The Chief Minister thanked the caller for the call, noting it was a very good point. The Chief Minister advised that people are generally in agreement on this but end up being specifically opposed when this kind of development is within their sight. The Chief Minister said that how this is managed at a local level is highly challenging in the city, noting access issues surrounding universal design principles and the like. The Chief Minister highlighted the example of Tuggeranong. It would be the sort of location that would meet the requirements that the caller outlined and that there are a number of other sites around the city where just this sort of development is proposed. The Chief Minister noted that there was broad, general community support for infill development, but that people were often opposed to specific developments occurring near them. The Chief Minister said that the ACT Government will continue to prosecute the argument that the city is evolving and changing, and that people’s housing needs are evolving and changing alongside that, and the built form needs to respond.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: The caller lives in Harrison across from the new development in Throsby that is currently under construction. The caller asked if there was anything further that could be done about dust mitigation. The caller further noted that he had had someone from the ACT Government come out to inspect who had advised that there should be multiple water trucks. On many occasions the caller had not seen any water trucks on site, and he had never seen more than two trucks across the whole site. The caller was advised that there were meant to be three, one for each of the developments.
Response: The Chief Minister said that he appreciated the caller’s point and that there is a program in place to address this issue. The Chief Minister said that the developers were accessing water from Yerrabi Pond, but the access point was changed to respond to some local concerns about where they were accessing water previously. The Chief Minister advised that the recent rain would have helped a little in settling some of the dust, but that that the Government will remind the developers of their responsibilities of dust mitigation and follow this up with the developers.
OUTCOME: Environment Protection Agency (EPA) officers inspected the Greenfield development sites on Wednesday 9 March 2016. There are five developers undertaking works within the Throsby area. EPA officers noted there were water trucks operating on all sites. All developers hold environment protection agreements with the EPA which requires the developers to hold an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) approved by the EPA for the works. In addition the agreement holders are to cease all dust generating activities where wind speeds exceed 10m/s over a 10 minute period. Officers inspect the Throsby area weekly ensuring compliance with the approved ESCP which includes dust suppression. The caller was contacted and advised to call Access Canberra when affected by dust and an EPA officer will investigate the matter. EPA officers are in regular weekly communication with the developers and have raised these issues with them to reinforce the need for compliance.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller asked about the roundabout intersecting Treloar Crescent, Creswell Street, and Fairbairn Avenue. The caller highlighted that the roundabout was a major access point for visitors coming into the city, and that the shrubby weeds there are a disgrace and not a welcoming sight to the city. The caller advised that it really would look better to put in a plant that fits into the surroundings and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Response: The Chief Minister said he would take that advice on board and see what could be done.
OUTCOME: There are currently no plans to take any action at this location other than regular maintenance, including spraying of weeds and re-mulching as required during winter. The Place Management unit is investigating options to improve the visual amenity of the roundabout. This may include planting, mulch or granite, or a combination of these. Implementation of these works will be subject to available funding. As an interim measure, weeds on the roundabout will be removed in the coming weeks.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller said that they were getting solar installed and that there are quite a few large trees that are admittedly on the caller’s property with one being of significant height and area. The caller said that he has looked online and the information is there, however the caller asking if the Chief Minister could generally speak to the listeners and confirm the management of these trees in terms of solar over-shadowing. The caller further advised that the ACT Government advised him to have an arbortrist to have a look at the tree. The caller asked if there is a government officer who has an interest in maintaining these trees who would be able to come out and advise on how to manage the tree.
Response: The Chief Minister said he understood there was a registered tree policy and trees that were significant and overshadowing over a certain height have a process associated with removal, for solar access or otherwise. The Chief Minister noted that in this instance, as with many others, it would be about striking an appropriate balance between protecting significant trees and ensuring solar access, advising that there is a policy framework in place for both. The Chief Minister advised that he was unsure as to whether or not the exact service the caller asked about was available but advised that he would find out. The Chief Minister also advised the caller to go on the website as it will give you an indication of the range of services available.
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted by an officer from the Urban Treescapes unit and they discussed the caller’s concerns and options with regards to the Tree Protection Act 2005 and the possibility of having the tree inspected following an application. It was determined that the tree is on private property. The officer has sent the caller an application form via email. Once a completed application form is received, TAMS will attend and conduct an inspection, usually within three weeks of receipt.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller asked about the street lights down Headley Crescent in Chisholm, the main street through the centre of Chisholm. The caller advised that down one end the lights had been out for at least a week, if not 10 days.
Response: The Chief Minister said that is concerning, thanked the caller for bringing the matter to his attention and advised that someone would have a look into it.
OUTCOME: On Thursday 10 March 2016 an officer from TAMS contacted the caller’s household. They discussed the issue of streetlight outage on Headley Crescent in Chisholm. The officer stated they will inspect the location to ensure that the lights are operating correctly.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: The caller noted about 2 years ago there used to be a very good car park on Melrose Drive between the old Albemarle and Alexander building. The caller said that for the last two years teams of people have been digging up and moving earth, with men stand around doing very little. The caller said nothing seems to happen, and there is no sign to say what it is. The caller asked the Chief Minister if he could advise the caller what it is going to be and how much it has cost so far?
Response: The Chief Minister said that he would try and get the requested information for the caller and advise.
OUTCOME: An officer from Economic Development contacted the caller regarding concerns with the apparent slow rate of construction progress in Furzer Street and adjoining car park. The caller was advised the works included:
- a new pocket park for town centre residents and office workers;
- new traffic lights at the Melrose Dr/Worgan St intersection which are now operational; and
- new traffic lights being installed at the Melrose Dr/Corinna St intersection which are due for completion in May/June 2016.
The works are due for completion by May/June 2016. The new traffic lights along Melrose Drive are to increase the capacity and safety of the Worgan and Corinna Street intersections with Melrose Drive due to additional traffic generated from the new 850 space structured car park on Section 3 Phillip and the future residential development on Section 9 Phillip. Delays in works have been caused by asbestos contamination being found in the fill used when the car park was originally constructed. The contamination was remediated in accordance with the environmental management plan. If further contamination is found this also will be remediated in accordance with this environmental management plan.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller asked about the western end of Lake Ginninderra near the Belavista restaurant and the Lighthouse. The caller noted that there is a very nice walkway along Lake Ginninderra, however there is very uneven paving and weeds causing it to be unsightly for what should be a pleasant walk. The caller said they were unsure who should be looking after it, noting that in its current state it is quite dangerous.
Response: The Chief Minister said that he would see who has the maintenance responsibilities for that area and if it is the Government we will get onto it and if it’s the private lessee we will have a discussion with them.
OUTCOME: An officer from Place Management contacted the caller. The caller was informed that weed spraying was programmed for the area in the next few weeks. The caller was further advised that the trip hazards would be referred to roads maintenance. On Thursday 10 March 2016 an officer from TAMS contacted the caller and informed them that the area was inspected on 9 March 2016 and a contractor will be sent on 10 March 2016 to repair any trip hazards by re-bedding the pavers.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller advised that she was a resident of the Kingston Foreshore and the big brand new sign that says Kingston foreshore has lost some of its letters. The caller said that there is a great deal of timber from an overhanging tree that has been lying there for some time and a new lot fell the other day.
Response: The Chief Minister said that he knew the sign the caller was talking about (on the corner of Wentworth Avenue and Eastlake Parade, as you head east towards Canberra Avenue and Queanbeyan). The Chief Minister advised that he would get someone onto it.
OUTCOME: A senior officer from the Urban Treescapes unit contacted the caller. The caller advised the fallen tree debris had been removed. The caller was also advised that the agency with responsibility for the sign will be contacted in order to take remedial action.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller phoned about a neighbouring tree outside 15 Holland Street Macgregor. The caller advised that over 2 years ago a branch fell into the neighbour’s front yard. At that time it was established that the tree was dangerous and needed to be removed. The caller said that the tree is still there now, and in a recent storm the wires that run through the tree were sparking. The caller advised that the neighbour has been through both the ACT Government and Actew and the tree still hasn’t been removed.
Response: The Chief Minister thanked the caller for bringing that to our attention and that he would have someone look into it.
OUTCOME: An officer from Urban Treescapes contacted the caller and discussed the concerns. An officer has also visited the site to inspect the trees in the area. The original inspection from two years ago related to an outage request to ActewAGL which was problematic and the work was not completed. The removal of the trees has been programmed again, together with an outage from ActewAGL.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller noted that there are a number of road works around Canberra at present including concrete islands along Copland drive. The caller said they don’t know how the authorities determine their priorities, but that residents have been waiting for a roundabout at the top end of Owen Dixon Drive and Kuringa Drive intersection for some time. The caller highlighted that it is becoming very unsafe since they set up the major lights at the intersection of Kuringa Drive and the Barton Highway as lots of Gungahlin people take a shortcut through the suburb and resident are unable to get out of the suburbs.
Response: The Chief Minister said the government would follow up with the caller.
OUTCOME: On 11 March 2016 an officer from TAMS contacted the caller and explained that as part of the recent local area traffic management consultation process, the intersection of Kuringa Drive and Owen Dixon Drive has been raised as a concern. Roads ACT are currently undertaking a feasibility study which will investigate options to improve the intersection. Recommendations from this study will be considered in future capital works programs, subject to available funding and other competing priorities.
Not Answered on Air but Followed Up
Directorate: EPD – Planning
Issue: The caller wants to subdivide a block in Campbell. The caller hasn't investigated whether it’s possible yet... Just was thinking about it.
OUTCOME: The ability to subdivide a residential block depends on whether subdivision is permitted by the Territory Plan. For example, blocks in the RZ1 zone, which is the lowest density suburban zone, cannot be subdivided. This is because a key feature of established RZ1 zones is low density residential housing on large blocks. While blocks in the RZ1 zone cannot be subdivided, they can often have a dual occupancy or a secondary residence where they meet the requirements of the Territory Plan (for example, a dual occupancy is generally permitted on blocks over 800 square metres and a secondary residence is generally permitted on blocks over 500 square metres). You can find the Territory Plan on the ACT Legislation Register at: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ni/2008-27/Current.
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: Asbestos Response Taskforce
Issue: Chief you must pursue the Mr Fluffy inquiry irrespective of cost sharing otherwise it look like bureaucratic cover up. The issue must be addressed and will not go away
Response: The Chief Minister said it is very difficult for us to compel the Commonwealth. The Chief Minister advised that he can’t ignore the cost as there hasn’t been a Royal Commission style inquiry in this country in recent years that’s come in at less than $50 million and those costs tend to blow out to $100 million, which is an extraordinary cost for the ACT to bear, so it is impossible for the Chief Minister to ignore the question of cost.
Directorate: EPD – Planning / Access Canberra
Issue: Dear Chief Minister last week a representative from Access Canberra provided an update on ABC Breakfast on what was happening with the parking debacle in Geils Court in Deakin, there has been no change though, please update on what is happening and when it will be rectified.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that the new signage was in place today and people could now park all day in the designated areas.
Directorate: CSD
Issue: Chief Minister interested to know if the Government is doing anything to help the many homeless and begging people we see around civic these days.
Response: The Chief Minister highlighted that we have a number of programs in partnership with a number of community sector organisations in Civic for the homeless. In particular, there is a drop-in centre in the Uniting Church building in Pilgrim House on Northbourne Avenue. The Chief Minister advised that they provide breakfast, showers and a range of facilities to support people.
Directorate: ESA
Issue: Slight Chance of Rain but nothing much in it ... Is it possible for the ACT Government to create a weather app which might send an SMS warning when there are flash storms, heavy rain or hail.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that the ESA does have capability around notification for a range of natural disasters and that there is a national approach to this. The Chief Minister noted that there is also a range of other ways to get information in emergencies, including through local broadcasting.
Directorate: EPD – Planning
Issue: Re downsizing. I was told government charges changed a few years ago to make building single level dual occupancy unviable. I don't want to move to large multi-storey complex.
Response: The Chief Minister said this is an interesting debate and the government has recently made changes to allow this type of development on some blocks that are remediated as a result of the Mr Fluffy demolitions. The Chief Minister noted this change was controversial, and was opposed in the Assembly by the opposition. The Chief Minister highlighted that this was another specific example of the government trying to achieve what people have been asking us to do but this being opposed politically by our opposition and often opposed specifically by certain communities. The Chief Minister said he would take the point on board and that he takes some encouragement from what has been said today that the government should continue down this path and was right to adopt the approach it did in relation to Territory Plan Variation 343.
Directorate: EPD – Planning
Issue: Hi re downsizing. A good compromise is 2 storey townhouse with main bedroom/study area on ground level and 2 bedrooms upstairs for visitors. Also many, if not most, older people can cope with steps and stairs for years. .. Very healthy to do so. My mother manages quite well at 92.
Response: The Chief Minister noted that you need a diversity of options to respond to the diversity of needs. The Chief Minister agreed that many people would be able to have that exact configuration and be very happy.
Directorate: TAMS/ EPD - Environment
Issue: In the age of renewable energy (solar) would the government be supportive of removal of large trees (eucalyptus) that have a negative impact on the amount of energy a household may generate. Also where the trees falling branches may damage the expensive panels or would the government’s stance be that such dwelling is unfortunately unable to install solar?
Response: The Chief Minister said he imagined it would require a case by case assessment based on the trees and properties in question as to whether it would be possible to install solar panels. In some instances it is not possible. The Chief Minister further noted that the Government is pursuing renewable energy options broader than just household rooftop solar as further highlighted by the announcement today of another new wind farm supported by the ACT Government which will power 50,000 Canberra homes. The Chief Minister said we are well on our way to achieving our 90% by 2020 renewable target and 100% by 2025 target. The Government will continue to support renewable energy on a larger scale and that will assist us to achieve that goal that will make us one of the first cities in Australia to be 100% powered by renewable energy.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Can CBR Free WiFi please remember that a device has agreed to the terms and conditions between sessions? Any app other than a web browser (eg twitter) seems to lock up completely due to CBR WiFi wanting a web box ticked every time the phone reconnects. A (text cut off)
Response: The Chief Minister noted it was an interesting point, agreeing when your session expires it does want you to log back in. The Chief Minister advised that he would have a look, noting that he couldn’t make any promises, and needs some technical advice as it was likely there would be reason for the way it is at the moment.
OUTCOME: Logging into the CBRfree WiFi network via the splash page is relatively straightforward compared with many public WiFi networks. However it is an objective to improve performance and the ACT Government does appreciate feedback from users of CBRfree wi-fi. The CBRfree provider iiNet and its development team are examining a number of ways to improve connectivity across various devices and to improve usability of the system. CBRfree is still a project being built and it has not yet reached its final form as the government continues the city-wide rollout.
Directorate: Treasury
Issue: Hi, retirement villages (not to be confused with aged care facilities) are a great place for seniors to downsize to. Mostly ground floor, accessible and close to transport and amenities. There are over 30 of these villages in the ACT.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that is a very good point, advising that the Government is making some very generous stamp duty concessions, noting that one of the big barriers to people downsizing is the stamp duty associated with the big transaction cost. The Chief Minister further advised that the Government has an over-60s home bonus, where your stamp duty can be reduced to as low as $20 if you are downsizing your eligible property. The Government has a program in place for pensioners and, more broadly, is cutting stamp duty for everyone as there is no doubt that it is a significant financial barrier for people making the decision to downsize. It is an interesting question around whether the individual dwelling has two levels or whether in fact you can have single-level dwellings within multi-level developments and then the question of whether lift access is the deal-breaker.
Directorate: TAMS/EPD – Planning/Economic Development
Issue: Sir, how can you possibly contemplate a new suburb in Tuggeranong when you can't maintain existing ones here? Have you seen the state of Kambah village lately? Dirty, uncared for, dangerous paving, blocked drains.... Thank you
Response: The Chief Minister said on the question of new suburbs, Canberra is adding 5000-10 000 new residents each year, for your average Canberran suburb this would mean we need 2-3 new suburbs every year. The Chief Minister advised that regardless of all the other issues, we still need to provide for population growth or else housing prices would go up considerably as you would have more people demanding the same number of properties, thus a supply-side solution to that is necessary. The Chief Minister said that the question then is the balance between urban sprawl and urban infill. The new suburb in Tuggeranong would meet the criteria of urban infill as it is right next door to the Tuggeranong town centre and its associated infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister advised that there is a program underway to improve facilities in Kambah and Kambah village. There is also a community petition underway about wanting Woolworths to expand and improve their particular shopping amenities. The Chief Minister also advised that the Government has completed the master plan and noted that there is a need for both public and private investment to lift that area.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Can the chief minister comment on the mobile phone reception issues in Holt, namely the town houses in the middle of the golf course.
Response: The Chief Minister said telecommunication issues tend to be outside the purview of the Territory Government but we will make some enquiries with the companies and see what can be done.
OUTCOME: An officer from Economic Development contacted the caller and, on advice from the mobile network, advised the caller that the mobile network is aware of poor coverage in the Holt/Macgregor area and a new tower is set to be built with the timeframe to be confirmed.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Chief Minister: raised this matter late last year, your office took action & things improved - for a short time. Went to pick up family member last night, around 8 or 9 taxis camped at Jolimont drop off/pick up zone. What is public to do?
Response: The Chief Minister advised that there are taxi ranks in the immediate vicinity, just around the corner, the point was taken on board and noted.
OUTCOME: Parking Operations contacted the caller and discussed the caller’s concerns with the pickup and set down area in front of the Jolimont Centre. Access Canberra advised that parking inspectors monitor and enforce this pickup and set down area as part of routine patrols. In addition, the caller was advised that Access Canberra is currently in discussion with other relevant Government Directorates on finding a solution for extra parking. The caller suggested having a section of the large area at the rear on the Jolimont Centre converted to a drive through type pickup and set down area as per Sydney and Melbourne airports. The caller also mentioned that a safety issue exists with parking on Northbourne Avenue in front of the Jolimont Centre during peak traffic times. On the day in question, the caller noted that the bus they were waiting for was running 20 minutes late and this could also have exacerbated the parking situation at the Centre. Access Canberra has had discussions with the Murrays Coaches area manager about possible changes to the parking in front of the Jolimont Centre.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Why did u take away the hire bikes & pedal boats from lake Burley Griffin? These were used by families & older people 2 keep fit & relax. R we only 2 have new noisy crowded single-young-adult licenced facilities in this area? I have sadly said goodbye 2 (text cut off).
OUTCOME: The hire bikes and paddle boats have not been permanently removed from Lake Burley Griffin. The Mr Spokes bike hire business at West Basin was sold, however, bikes are still available for hire under a new operator at Westside from 9am to 4pm daily. Similarly, the government is currently looking for a new operator for the paddleboats, which we hope to have back on the lake in time for next Spring.
With regards to the redevelopment of West Basin, City to the Lake aims to transform the city centre by making it the living, entertainment and leisure heart of the National Capital. The waterfront at West Basin is central to the progressive transformation of the city centre. It will be a vibrant destination, where people meet, celebrate and have fun. It will provide a truly public waterfront for all Canberrans and visitors to the city to enjoy throughout the day and into the evening. This will include generous public spaces, such as the boardwalk, as well as quiet parklands.
Directorate: Treasury
Issue: Is the ACT government planning to sell part, or all, of its share in ActewAGL considering the renewable energy target for 2020, which then would lead to the distribution network to diminish?
OUTCOME: An officer from Treasury advised the caller the Government has no intention of selling its share of ActewAGL and is unable to do so unless the Assembly and the joint venture partners agree.
Directorate: Access Canberra/JACS
Issue: how do you justify a 66% increase in car rego in one year?
OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller to discuss the applicable registration fees and confirmed that the fee had not increased by 66%.
Directorate: EPD - Environment
Issue: I missed something; just saw a solar park at Hume. What is it?
OUTCOME: Two solar farms are currently under development on the Monaro Highway. These include the Mugga Lane and Williamsdale solar farms that are due to be completed by the end of 2016. There is also the Royalla Solar Farm which was completed in 2014. Each of these solar farms is supported under the Government large-scale renewable energy feed-in tariff scheme and contribute to the Territory’s renewable energy target. In addition, a number of buildings in Hume are installing rooftop solar, such as the Woolworth-Caltex service station which is visible from the Monaro Highway.
Directorate: TAMS/ACT Policing
Issue: Just drove past the roundabout at the top of AWM and it does look pretty average. More concerned if something can be done about people cutting across lanes through the roundabout at the foot of AWM
OUTCOME: The Community Policing Liaison Officer contacted the caller who stated that people often cut the roundabout to turn into the Australian War Memorial. The caller provided a suggestion of installing ‘dimples’ onto the roundabout to remind motorists to stay in their lanes. The Community Policing Liaison Officer informed the caller that traffic enforcement occurs in the area when operational priorities allow and the information will be provided to the Officer-in-Charge of ACT Policing Traffic Operations.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Good morning, are there any plans to upgrade the following two intersections (either lights or roundabouts) 1. Sutton Rd & Pialligo Ave, 2. Pialligo Ave & Oaks Estate Rd. I believe these are both within the ACT. These are very busy intersections especial (text cut off)
OUTCOME: An officer of TAMS explained to the caller that signalisation at Oaks Estate Road is due to commence before the end of March 2016.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Why is this gov killing off gov older housing before having replaced them? I was told I will have to wait up to 10 years for a 1 bed unit.
OUTCOME: An officer from Economic Development contacted the caller and advised that the ACT Government is undertaking a major long-term program of renewal of public housing. All public housing that is sold under this program is being replaced so there will be no loss of public housing. The caller was advised that while Housing ACT does have a waiting list, this is structured on a priority basis. The Public Housing Renewal Taskforce undertook to follow up with Housing ACT and to provide further advice to the caller, possibly including assistance with completing required forms. Further information about the public housing renewal program is available at www.act.gov.au/housingrenewal.
Directorate: TAMS/ Economic Development
Issue: The pin oaks between the Griffith Community Centre and the Griffith shops have quite a few unsightly dead branches. Could they please be trimmed? On another matter. Locating MOCCA to the former parks and gardens depot behind the Griffith shops and bet (text cut off)
OUTCOME: The Pin oak trees lining Stuart Street and the area surrounding the Griffith Community Centre were inspected on 9 March in response to the caller’s enquiry. The inspection determined some trees are suffering from the prolonged hot weather whilst other trees in Stuart Street require minor maintenance to remove dead branches. The pruning work has been programmed to be completed during the winter months.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Suburb signs in Tuggerannong? Where is Isabella plains? What about signs with name origins like rest of city.... I was talking about suburb names/signs?
OUTCOME: On Wednesday 9 March 2016 an officer of TAMS contacted the caller. The caller raised two issues, which were that two of the Isabella Plains suburb signs are missing, and the Isabella Plains suburb does not have a history style suburb sign. The officer agreed to investigate further the missing suburb signs and will let her know the outcome. The officer explained that the ‘history’ style suburb signs were part of a one off project, which is no longer funded.
Directorate: ESA
Issue: Unfortunately the Fires Near Me app still doesn’t seem to do notifications for nearby fires and you need to keep checking the app.
OUTCOME: The Fires Near me application is hosted on ACT Government’s behalf by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). The ACT Government has recently been working with NSW RFS to update the product and hopes that one of the enhancements during this update will be push notifications. There are other applications on the App Store that take ACT Government emergency services live incident information and perform push notifications. One example is the Emergency AUS by Gridstone Pty Ltd https://appsto.re/au/bjx1H.i
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Noah's ark childcare in Rivett leases a government owned building. The building has no air conditioning. Is the government able to rectify this?
OUTCOME: ACT Property Group has recently become aware of the air conditioning at Noah’s Ark becoming damaged, as the result of a new roof installation. ACT Property Group has sought quotations for the repairs and rectification works are due to commence early April.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: When will the public toilets at Lyneham be replaced. Worst in Canberra.
OUTCOME: A member of the Place Management Unit spoke to the caller and discussed the age of assets, particularly toilets, across the Territory. The officer confirmed there were no immediate work health and safety issues and discussed that Lyneham toilets are not on the upgrade program for this or next year, but will be considered as part of future years’ programs. Regular maintenance will be ongoing.