Posted on 08/05/2015
Calls received on air
Directorate: CMTEDD – Workforce Capability and Governance
Issue: ACT public service holiday on April 27 - affected people at the cancer centre - there were no staff there although people were booked for treatment. The ACT Government should make sure the public holiday issue is sorted out before ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday again. Why wasn’t there an ad on the front page of the Canberra Times about what services were available and what weren’t?
Response: The Chief Minister said that when ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday there is a substitute holiday on the Monday under the Public Holidays Act, but that when it falls on a Saturday there is no substitute public holiday on the Monday. However, under the Enterprise Agreement for ACT public servants, when it falls on a Saturday there is a day off on the Monday. The Chief Minister noted that this scenario would not occur again until 2020, so that it would not be a problem next year. The Chief Minister noted there would be two options for resolving the situation before 2020. The Public Holidays Act could be amended, but this would require agreement in the ACT Legislative Assembly, and providing the substitute public holiday on the Monday when ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday may be unpalatable to businesses. The other option is to change the Enterprise Agreement for ACT public servants, but this would require agreement of both the employer and the employee’s representative under the requirements of federal industrial law. The Chief Minister also noted that the Canberra Times did have an article about what services were available and there was also a campaign on commercial radio and information was provided to the ABC.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Code of practice for care and welfare of dogs in the ACT and animals in shelter. When will they be updated? Will there be resources available to administer these codes?
Response: The Chief Minister noted they will be released for public comment soon and there will be resources in TAMS for this. The Chief Minister noted that Minister Rattenbury was aware of this issue and was working with a range of community organisations, not least RSPCA.
OUTCOME: The Codes of Practice are developed by the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) and consultation is undertaken with appropriate stakeholders, including members of the public. When the two Codes of Practice are open for consultation the public will be made aware of how to participate.
Directorate: Health
Issue: The caller noted a campaign occurring in May, including an event at the Assembly, to raise awareness of Lyme disease in Australia. The caller asked for the Canberra Hospital doctors to recognise Lyme disease as the caller’s child had been very sick and told to go home. The caller asked for clarification of the ACT Government’s position on Lyme disease and whether it would adopt the Commonwealth position of suggesting doctors use their clinical judgement.
Response: The Chief Minister noted that the ACT Government Health Minister was working with the Commonwealth on this issue.
OUTCOME: Since July 2014, the Australian Government has been monitoring Lyme disease, in consultation with the States and Territories, through the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA). Before July 2014, the Australian Government’s Chief Medical Officer had established a Clinical Advisory Committee on Lyme Disease (CACLD) to provide advice on the evidence for Lyme disease in Australia, diagnostic testing, treatment and research requirements. Although the CACLD ceased in July 2014, the outcome of its four meetings is available on the Health website.
The ACT Government agrees with the position of the Australian Government Department of Health on Lyme Disease, which is that doctors must always use their best clinical judgement as to the cause of any illness their patients may be experiencing and act accordingly.
The Australian Government Department of Health maintains an interest in an Australian Lyme disease-like syndrome. Updates on the department’s work and relevant research findings on Australian Lyme disease-like syndrome are available on the Health website.
The conclusive finding of the bacterial species that could cause a Lyme Disease-like syndrome in Australia has yet to be made. Such a finding would put beyond doubt the existence of Lyme Disease, or a Lyme disease-like syndrome in Australia. In the meantime, laboratory tests are used to see if patients are showing an immune response to the bacteria that could cause this infection. While the diagnostic uncertainty across the medical community is not ideal, the continued search for evidence for a causative organism is the only way that this uncertainty can be resolved.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Traffic controls around Bunda Street and 1 lane of traffic where only 3 cars can fit in the right hand turn lane as it nears London circuit and causes lots of congestion in peak hours.
Response: The Chief Minister noted that traffic management issues are complex and carefully tested using traffic simulation models. The Chief Minister noted that Roads ACT could look at this area, and noted that most of the Bunda Street works were now complete and that the speed limit had changed in town centre to 40km/h and 20km/h in the shared zone.
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller and explained the complexities of traffic signal phasing and intersection performance.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Caller says she went to Bosom Buddies Stromlo Cycle park event - a number of them got lost on the way - could the signage around there be looked at please?
Response: The Chief Minister agreed this could be looked at.
OUTCOME: Roads ACT will review the direction signage on John Gorton Drive and Cotter Road including any temporary signage to ensure it is adequate.
Directorate: Treasury and TAMS
Issue: Registration renewal goes up every year. Can you explain what the different levies are?
How does the cashless bus system being introduced work if there is a requirement to accept ‘coin of the realm’?
Response: The Chief Minister noted the lifetime care and support levy was to cover a no-fault insurance cover for people catastrophically injured in motor vehicle accidents and requiring lifetime care and disability support, and that this levy helped share that risk and responsibility across all motor vehicle users. The Chief Minister explained that the other levies related to being collected by an ambulance in the case of an accident and to road safety campaigns. The Chief Minister reiterated that if Canberrans could all slow down on the roads, there would be fewer accidents and premiums would be lower for everyone.
The Chief Minister noted the cashless bus services were a trial, not an absolute requirement at this stage and that it was strongly preferred to use the MyWay card but that drivers would not refuse cash, but that the aim was to push MyWay card use to close to 100% to speed up boarding.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller requested street sweepers were required more frequently. The caller lived opposite a park and had leaves from 40 trees piled high on her street and that a number of residents were elderly and used walkers and that the leaves and acorns presented a danger to them. The caller was in Blair St, Watson.
Response: The Chief Minister noted the street sweepers operated on a schedule and were due in Watson this month, but that the government could look at the frequency of the schedule and see what they could do.
OUTCOME: Roads ACT commenced work on Blair Street in mid-May to undertake the initial removal of fallen leaves. Roads ACT has a program which includes sweeping in Watson in May, June, July, August and December each year. Roads ACT will continue to sweep Blair Street and other streets in Watson as detailed in the published program.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: The caller had the impression from a Canberra Times article today that Telopea Park school would have to find land for a childcare centre if it wanted to retain the use of the tennis courts and plans to move the Service Club to the MOCCA site. What plans are in store for the site on the corner of Manuka oval?
Response: The Chief Minister noted that he was happy to evaluate alternative options, but that there did not appear to be another site that could be used for a childcare centre in that area without taking over public open space, while the tennis court site was already zoned or community facilities that would cover childcare. The Manuka Master Plan identified the site mentioned by the caller for a boutique hotel. The Chief Minister noted that there would be no change to childcare til the new centre was built. IT was 4 years since the Services Club burnt down and the government needed to balance all the competing interests, which meant there was no solution that would please absolutely everyone. The option had been left open to the Telopea School Board and P&C to put forward an alternative proposition, but that there would be an upgrade to the school’s sporting facilities in any case.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Speed limits outside schools - ACT is the only place that has that has the speed limits all day - other places only apply them in the morning and then the afternoon.
Response: The Chief Minister noted there was no appetite to increase speed limits near schools, as children were vulnerable road users whether on foot, bicycle or being dropped off.
OUTCOME: The ACT was the first, amongst all States and Territories in Australia, to introduce the 40 km/h speed zones in the vicinity of primary schools. These speed zones were introduced at the request of the community in 1985. Since then, safety records around schools in the ACT have been positive.
Unlike in other jurisdictions, ACT schools are generally located within residential areas; clear of major roads but for a few exceptions. School zones do not generally affect major high traffic routes. Therefore, the time penalty or inconvenience to the general community for all-day safety near schools is minimal.
The simplicity and universality of the current time periods are one of the best features of the ACT system. Given the positive all-day safety records of the current system, the ACT Government has no plans to change the current policy.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: 1 metre rule for motorists passing cyclists - another component about how long you have to wait at traffic lights - do you need to keep the metre when a cyclist pulls up next to you at traffic lights? I don’t want to disrupt traffic.
Response: The Chief Minister said that it was a case of common sense given the loss of too many Canberrans on the roads. The Chief Minister noted there was a need for defensive driving and defensive riding, and to show courtesy for all road users.
OUTCOME: The ACT Government is in the process of developing a two year trial to implement minimum passing distances. The trial will only apply to moving vehicles and will require motorists to stay wider of cyclists by giving a minimum of:
- 1 metre when passing a cyclist in a 60km/h or less speed zone, and
- 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60km/h.
The trial will also allow cyclists to ride across pedestrian crossings and is anticipated to begin later this year.
Not Answered but followed up
Directorate: EPD
Issue: 99 year leases and passing properties on in wills.
OUTCOME: An official explained to the caller that there is currently a process for applying to extend the term on existing Crown leases. It was explained to the caller that it was the responsibility of the Registered Proprietor of the land to contact the Planning Authority and renew their lease before the 99 years expired. The administrative process of leaving a property to a beneficiary was also explained to the caller.
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: JACS
Issue: Does this mean a speed camera on every street light?
Response: The Chief Minister noted the technology existed but that this was not the case yet. The Chief Minister noted that at the moment all speeding motorists were at risk of getting caught by a mobile speed camera or by police and that there were no excuses for speeding.
Directorate: CMA
Issue: The Government claims to have a mandate to proceed with the light rail system, but in reality, the last election was a line-ball result and, if Shane Rattenbury had gone the other way, the Liberal Party would be in Government. This needs to be taken to the electorate and what is the latest cost estimate?
Response: The Chief Minister noted that both the Labor and Greens parties went to the last election with a clear platform for light rail, that their votes after preferences were close to 55 % and that there was no change to the cost estimates. The Chief Minister noted the project was down to 2 consortia bidding for the project, that the government would then move to contract close and would start construction next year.
Directorate: N/A
Issue: Why do bad things happen to good people?
Response: The Chief Minister reflected this was a philosophical question.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: If the government was serious about wanting motorists not to exceed the speed limits it would have point to point cameras on Tuggeranong Parkway and the GDE. Motorists would then save on brake wear on approaching the existing fixed location cameras.
OUTCOME: In addition to the existing fixed cameras, police and mobile camera enforcement is conducted on the Tuggeranong Parkway and GDE. Since the start of this year, mobile cameras have been deployed to Gungahlin Drive 66 times and 37 times at Tuggeranong Parkway. On 14 May 2015, the Government released is Road Safety Camera Strategy. A key direction in the Strategy is for an appropriately skilled independent consultant to develop improved placement criteria and review the locations of the existing cameras, including the point to point cameras. This work is now underway and the Government will use it to determine whether any existing cameras should be removed or relocated.
Directorate: N/A
Issue: Some good questions but as for the whingers liking the sound of their own voice. Blimey. CM, you're doing great job, as did Katie.
OUTCOME: The Chief Minister acknowledged the caller’s compliment.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Stop lowering the speed limit then, the speed limit was reduced on William Hovel drive from 90 to 80 between Bindubi St and Coulter Dr. WHY? There's nothing there! 90 on the GDE? Why? It's a better road than the parkway. You wonder why people speed.
Response: The Chief Minister noted that these speed limits were in line with national standards and that Canberrans were not better drivers than the national standard. The Chief Minister also noted that an extra 10km/h could be the difference between life and death but made minimal difference to journey times.
OUTCOME: The issue of achieving safer speeds on the ACT road network is a priority issue addressed by the ACT Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan. The speed limit on William Hovell Drive was reduced on the grounds of road safety, with the emphasis of reducing the amount of road trauma. A total of 281 crashes were reported on William Hovell Drive between Coppins Crossing Road and the Glenloch Interchange during a five year period. The majority of these crashes resulted in property damage, 20 were casualty crashes. By reducing the speed limit to 80km/h, Roads ACT is mitigating the risk of crashes and their severity at these locations.
William Hovell Drive was also the only road in the ACT with traffic lights that had a speed limit of higher than 80 km/h. The Austroads Guides do not recommend the use of traffic lights on roads with speed limits above 80 km/h and these recommendations are widely adopted practice across Australia. Hence, the new 80 km/h speed limit is consistent with speed limits on other arterial roads with traffic light intersections in the ACT.
During the most recent speed limit review of all arterial roads in ACT, which included Tuggeranong Parkway, the existing speed limits were deemed appropriate. A specific review of the speed limit on Gungahlin Drive recommended an increase from 80km/h to 90 km/h.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: Hi guys can you please clarify the meter matter trial laws for passing cyclists. Does this include making sure there's a meter when cyclists are in a cycle lane, such as Northbourne avenue?
Response: The Chief Minister took this question on notice.
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised by the Manager of Road Safety within the JACS Directorate that the ACT Government is in the process of developing a two year trial to implement minimum passing distances. The trial will require motorists to stay wider of cyclists by giving a minimum of:
- 1 metre when passing a cyclist in a 60km/h or less speed zone, and
- 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60km/h.
The details of the trial, including whether it will apply to roads with bike lanes, have not been decided, however a comprehensive education and awareness campaign will accompany the introduction of the trial which is anticipated to begin later this year.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Do you have any update or explanation regarding the Land Swap Deal & loss of sporting fields at Telopea Park School?
Response: The Chief Minister confirmed there would be no loss of sporting fields, just the tennis courts.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Re the Manuka Occasional Childcare Centre: how can the Chief Minister justify a school and a childcare centre suffering major disruption and possible loss of amenity for the purpose of building a new club with other commercial interests?
Response: The Chief Minister said they are not. The Chief Minister noted the demand for increased childcare at national quality standards and that he would not stand for misinformation.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Will the Montgomery name stay with the sporting field or some remembrance for Kevin Montgomery with the new development?
Response: The Chief Minister stated there would be no change to the Montgomery Sporting field and that it was separate from the rest of the development by a fence and a walkway.
OUTCOME: The name “Montgomery Oval” will remain with the oval. No changes to this name are proposed and the Oval site will be maintained under custodianship of the Education and Training Directorate. The development of the tennis courts for the purpose of a child care centre will not impact on the name of the Oval.
Directorate: EPD
Issue: As a Dickson resident can you please tell us how you will protect the Dickson shops and library from a major incursion that requires the sale of further public road space and produces massive traffic and parking and safety issues?
Response: The Chief Minister noted that development had to go ahead at the Dickson shops, as the need for another supermarket had been discussed for 8 years now. The Chief Minister noted years had been spent developing the Master Plan and that any development would need to be in accordance with that. The Chief Minister noted the ACT Planning Authority would assess any applications independently to reduce any chance of political interference in the approvals process.
OUTCOME: The planning and land authority refused the development application for this site on 20 May 2015. The decision to refuse the development application demonstrates the independence and robustness of the planning and land authority’s assessment, and recognises the importance of this site as a gateway to Dickson Group Centre.
Directorate: Treasury
Issue: What is the expectation re public service cuts from the budget? Other budget impacts for the ACT?
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted to provide more details on the Commonwealth budget’s potential impact on the ACT. There are no major cuts to APS employment numbers in the budget, however there is a possibility in the future of more cuts due to a number of functional reviews that will occur in 2015-16.
Directorate: CMTEDD – Policy and Cabinet
Issue: Re smart parking. It is illegal to use a phone whilst driving.
OUTCOME: A CMTEDD officer contacted the caller and confirmed that using a phone while driving is illegal. The government affirms that safety and compliance with road rules is a critical objective of the smart parking trial, and will be a key consideration in designing the service.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Were any cars parked booked in the middle strip of Parkes Way on the morning of the ANZAC Dawn Service? (am looking for a yes/no answer).
OUTCOME: Access Canberra Parking Operations contacted the caller and explained that there were no ACT Parking Inspectors working on Saturday 25 April 2015 (ANZAC Day).
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Can the Chief Minister comment on how buses and cars will work together on Constitution Ave if the new dedicated bus lanes are taken over by a future light rail? Will this mean only thru buses on Constitution Ave with no bus stops for the CIT or the new a [text cut off]
OUTCOME: An officer of TAMS contacted the caller and advised of the design which can accommodate the transition from bus services to light rail along Constitution Avenue.
Directorate: ACT Policing
Issue: Where would I find the guidelines on ACT Police accepting discounts and freebies while in uniform?
OUTCOME: The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has a National Guideline on ‘receiving gifts and benefits’.
The National Guideline outlines the circumstances in which AFP officials may accept gifts or benefits, the process for determining its appropriateness, and recording procedures. The National Guideline on ‘receiving gifts and benefits’ is able to be accessed from the Information Publication Scheme page on theAustralian Federal Police website.
Directorate: Asbestos Response Taskforce
Issue: Why was news about Mr fluffy houses in the media (on 6 May, Canberra Times) before owners were informed? Most upsetting.
OUTCOME: The article the caller was referring to was about the Asbestos Management Plans aimed to minimise exposure for people continuing to live, work in or visit properties affected by Mr Fluffy loose fill asbestos in the medium term.
Homeowners were provided the details of the Asbestos Management Plans prior to the article appearing in the Canberra Times, via a number of means, including on the Taskforce website, on the Taskforce’s facebook page, via email to those who had requested email communications and others by hard copy through Australia Post. Unfortunately for some homeowners, the posted letters arrived after the news article appeared.
The Taskforce makes every effort to communicate to those most closely affected in a timely manner and will continue to seek ways to improve its communications.
These new regulations do not affect homeowners who have surrendered their property to the ACT Government through the Buyback and Demolition Program before 1 July 2016. Details of the Asbestos Management Plans can be found on the Taskforce website.
Directorate: CMA
Issue: With 80% of Canberrans opposed to a lifetime cost estimated at $2 billion for the benefit of a few hundred peak time commuters, light rail contracts will sound the death knell for the current government. RIP.
OUTCOME: Research has found that more than half of Canberrans are supportive of the light rail project. The report is available on the Capital Metro website.
Extensive modelling has been undertaken, and the daily patronage estimates for the project show that in 2021 daily boardings will be 15,100, and 20,200 by 2031.The capital cost of the project is estimated at $610 million with $73 million contingency. While it is a significant financial undertaking, this is outweighed by the economic and social benefits light rail can bring to the Territory. The project is expected to bring almost $1 billion in benefits to Canberra, create over 3,500 jobs, reduce Canberra’s car dependency, increase active transport, reduce our impact on the environment, and encourage smarter land-use. These benefits will be felt by all Canberrans.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: On road safety, what is the Government strategy on improving driver behaviours such as tailgating, mobile phone use, running reds, not giving way etc?
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised by the Manager of Road Safety within the JACS Directorate that these issues are identified in the ACT Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020 which includes a range of education, encouragement, enforcement and engineering measures. Public awareness campaigns have been run during the past 12 months covering tailgating and mobile phone use and ACT Policing has conducted targeted enforcement campaigns on mobile phone use, traffic controls, including red light running and not giving way. A road safety education strategy is also in development.
Directorate: CMA
Issue: Why should people on the south side pay for light rail we will never use?
OUTCOME: The ACT Government wants everyone, no matter where they live, to benefit from this project and be proud of the city they live in. There is no question that Canberra is growing and our population is projected to be over 600,000 by 2050. This, along with our unique town centre design, means that forward-looking public transport infrastructure is important to the future growth of this city. The ACT Government is responding by building an integrated transport network where light rail, buses, active travel, parking and land use all contribute to delivering a vision for a connected, liveable and prosperous place to live and work.
Urban renewal projects along the Capital Metro Stage 1 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. While it is a significant financial undertaking, this is outweighed by the economic and social benefits light rail can bring to the Territory.
Gungahlin to the City was chosen as the first stage due to the large population of the region, predicted growth, and congestion already faced by commuters. It makes sense that the Gungahlin to the City route will comprise the first stage. By planning for the future we will lock in the cost of this project in today’s dollars, but we will not have to begin making payments until 2019, and spread over 20 years.
The draft Light Rail Master Plan will consider how to build demand for a future light rail network, informed by government’s objectives for urban renewal in centres and transport corridors.The Light Rail Master Plan is investigating future potential extensions to Capital Metro connecting key centres and corridors, including the Canberra Airport, the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston, Woden, Erindale, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Kippax, Lanyon, Weston Creek and Molonglo.
Directorate: Health
Issue: When will continuity of midwifery care be available to more than 20% of Canberra women? Research shows this model is cheaper, results in less caesareans and other interventions, less postnatal depression and higher breastfeeding rates, for women of any pregnancy [text cut off]
OUTCOME: The CatCH (Continuity at Centenary Hospital) program provides full continuity of midwifery care, including care for women who may have an obstetric/medical complication. Pregnancy care with an allocated midwife may include a home visit but most of the pregnancy care will be provided at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, or at one of our community clinics. If referral to an obstetrician is required, appointments will be scheduled at the Hospital’s Antenatal Clinic or Fetal Medicine Unit if indicated. The CatCH midwife will often plan to attend these appointments to maintain consistency and continuity of care.
In addition, CatCH midwives provide childbirth education for all women having their first baby.
Further information is available on the ACT Health website.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: I agree with point to point cameras on Tuggeranong Parkway!
OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: Congratulations to Andrew for strong words about speeding. Those who pay speeding fines are volunteers and should not complain.
OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.
Directorate: TAMS/Treasury
Issue: You are very patient! John is grumbling over a $2 rego contribution, and not using coin on the bus? Good grief! "I complained because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet"!
OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.
Directorate: CMA
Issue: Minister Barr, You are not accurate, I am sure, in saying that the "tram" was for the last election. What was forecast, was that $30M would be spent on planning & investigation & it would be implemented after the next election. Can you please not mi [text cut off]
OUTCOME: The ACT Labor policy from before the 2012 election is available on the ACT Labor website.
The policy states that the projected capital cost of $614 million would be borne by the public private partnership consortium and that construction would start in 2016.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Suggest short use prepaid My Way cards be sold at airport, all tourist sites etc. Or allow tourists to use cash.
OUTCOME: MyWay cards are available near many tourist and accommodation sites throughout the city. ACTION accepts cash fares for travel. Passengers can purchase a single or daily cash ticket on board the bus from the driver.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: It’s not the speeding, it’s the stopping. Too much deskilling drivers by having too many traffic lights where folk fall asleep rather than anticipate their turn. How about smart traffic lights so that cars will drive at speed so that all lights are green.
OUTCOME: Information on traffic lights in the ACT, including coordination of the lights, is available on the TAMS website.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Good morning In relation to preschool space there is an abandoned preschool in Quiros street. Unable to expand and utilise this?
OUTCOME: The ACT Government undertook a site assessment of numerous blocks close to the current MOCCA facility. The block mentioned, Block 26 Section 14 Red Hill on Quiros Street, was identified as a possible site. It was not considered to be the most suitable site because:
- it did not meet the size requirements for a replacement child care facility
- the sloping nature of the block is unsuitable for a child care facility
- the existing building contains asbestos which would require a demolition and decontamination of the site before being made available for the use of a child care centre.
Directorate: N/A
Issue: Terse/brusque/curt... Wrong side of the bed?
OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: Speaking of speeding I have just been overtaken by a female in a ute doing at least 100kph on the GDE towards Gungahlin, where are the cameras?
OUTCOME: Police and mobile camera enforcement is conducted on the GDE. Since the start of this year, mobile cameras have been deployed 66 times to Gungahlin Drive with 76,832 vehicles being checked by the cameras. On 14 May 2015, the Government released is Road Safety Camera Strategy. A key direction in the Strategy is for an appropriately skilled independent consultant to develop improved placement criteria and review the locations of the existing cameras. This work is now underway and the Government will use it to determine whether any existing cameras should be removed or relocated to roads such as the GDE.
Directorate: Health
Issue: What has happened to the cafe in TCHRS please? It changed hands & now there is no fresh salad, no fresh fruit, not a lot of real meals, very little vegetarian options & lots & lots of pre prepared cakes & "stuff''.
OUTCOME: ACT Health contacted the caller and discussed concerns related to the change in management at the Canberra Hospital cafe, and the need to ensure that customers are able to access healthy meals with a variety of options.
ACT Health explained that there is a Healthy Food and Drink Policy which cafe management will be required to comply with. The cafe space is soon to be refurbished after which there will be an extensive menu provided, including rotisseries, an Asian cooking station and traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Feedback received would be passed onto relevant staff members to pass to cafe management.
Directorate: EPD
Issue: I'm outraged! Minister Barr just said that the Developers DO develop this city. Surely we could have a lot more say than we do in what happens.
OUTCOME: The Planning and Development Act 2007 requires statutory public notification of most development applications, and also requires the planning and land authority to consider any representations received as a result of public notification in making their decision. In addition, since January 2014, pre-DA community consultation is also required for certain larger scale development proposals. Pre-DA community consultation must be conducted when a development proposal triggers one or more of the following:
- a building for residential use with 3 or more storeys and 15 or more dwellings;
- a building with a gross floor area of more than 5000m²;
- a building or structure more than 25m above finished ground level; or
- a variation of a lease to remove its concessional status.
Directorate: EPD
Issue: I live in NSW and would love to see an independent development approval body like the ACT.
OUTCOME: The caller’s comment was noted.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Chief Minister is wrong about all-day school zones. They are overkill! If busy Sydney school zones can be part-time then so can ours.
OUTCOME: The ACT was the first, amongst all States and Territories in Australia, to introduce the 40 km/h speed zones in the vicinity of primary schools. These speed zones were introduced at the request of the community in 1985. Since then, safety records around schools in the ACT have been positive.
Unlike in other jurisdictions, ACT schools are generally located within residential areas, clear of major roads but for a few exceptions. School zones do not generally affect major high traffic routes. Therefore, the time penalty or inconvenience to the general community for all-day safety near schools is relatively small.
The simplicity and universality of the current time periods are one of the best features of the ACT system. Given the positive all-day safety records of the current system, the ACT Government has no plans to change the current policy.