Posted on 25/07/2017
Calls received on air
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Investment Property in Dickson. The caller is thinking of selling it to a Property Developer but advise from agent is before selling the property he needs to get a pest inspection, a building inspection and an audit – even though the building will get demolished.
Response: Let me take some advice from planning officials on whether there's a practical solution to this particular problem.
Outcome: There are no provisions in the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003 (the Act) for an exemption from obtaining a building and pest inspection report when selling a property.
The Act requires the disclosure of certain information to potential property buyers. Essentially, the seller of a property or their real estate agent must have a draft contract available for inspection prior to marketing a property for sale. The contract must be accompanied by a series of documents which are intended to provide the buyer with all basic technical, legal and qualitative information. The purpose of the Act was to limit the incidence of the unethical practice of gazumping and provide increased levels of consumer protection for both buyers and sellers of residential property.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: I wonder if your team would give me an idea of what the criteria is for the installation of speed humps and traffic calmers?
Response: We'll have the team look at that.
Outcome: An officer from TCCS spoke to the constituent on 23 May 2017 and explained the process of assessing priorities for traffic calming in residential areas. The constituent was pleased to receive feedback on the matter.
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: CMTEDD – EDD
Issue: When will Foy who are the proponents of the fuel refinery at Hume, pay the outstanding three million dollars for their block of land? They've had a ten months settlement period already.
Outcome: An officer from the Land Development Agency contacted the caller and advised that the Foy Group entered into a contract for sale to purchase Block 11 Section 21 Hume on 11 August 2016, with settlement to occur once the LDA had completed site works on the block. The LDA expects this work to be completed in late June 2017 at which point Foy Group will be required to settle.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: MyWay cards - true that the three day delay with loading credit onto a MyWay card is attributed to a manual process that matches up transactions to MyWay cards?
Response: I don't think it would be a manual process, but I think it's an issue, question of whether you have stored value cards, or ones that are linked directly into the banks and into, I guess, similar to credit cards, is the question, so. New ticketing systems are certainly on the agenda for Canberra, as we move into multi modal public transport in the next few years.
Outcome: Autoload is the preferred method of topping up the MyWay card via credit card/debit card or bank account and this transaction occurs instantly when the MyWay card value drops to a predetermined value. Topping up at a MyWay agent is also instant. Online payments can take up to 3 days and Bpay transactions can take 3-5 days depending on how quick the customer ‘s bank passes the top up transaction. It is likely that the new ticketing system will enable close to real time payment transactions in the future.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Traffic redirection around the Defence New ASIO building – traffic entering and leaving Russell Drive from Saunders Way including the buses, have to give way to what is essentially a car park further along Russel Drive. The buses in particular get really held up at the intersection during the peak hours
Response: We will inquire with the powers that be in that area as to whether there's an alternative traffic arrangement that would prioritise public transport.
Outcome: An officer from TCCS spoke to the constituent on 29 May 2017 and advised that they would pass on their concerns to the NCA Project Manager.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: Why does ACTPLA only settle discharges of land rent property on Wednesday?
Response: I will seek some advice as to why once a week.
Outcome: The officer explained that a single allocated day for settlements in the middle of the week achieved efficiency in the process for the majority of parties, while reducing the cost to the public in ensuring a dedicated resource.
The caller understood this, but wanted to know why the Government wouldn’t settle with solicitors on different days using them as unpaid agents. The officer clarified that the bulk of applications did not come from solicitors, but from members of the public who needed significant assistance from the government to book the discharges with their financial institutions. Very few requests for alternative settlement days are received, and are considered on their merits.
The officer explained that he has been reviewing the system and has made recommendations to alleviate these issues. He said the caller’s suggestion to use solicitors as unpaid agents to assist with settlements would be considered.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: MacArthur Place in O’Connor has become a junkyard.
Response: I will go out and have a look myself.
Outcome: Access Canberra inspected the block on 29 May 2017. As a result of the inspection, Access Canberra will make contact with the lessee to get the block cleared as soon as possible. We will also work with the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate as it is noted that some rubbish is located on the public verge.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: What rights do existing home owners have to solar access?
Outcome: An officer from EPSDD contacted the caller and explained the building envelope requirements for any new development or redevelopment within an established suburb. The officer advised that the building envelope requirements protect the solar amenity on neighbouring blocks.
Directorate: CSD – Housing
Issue: The ACT Government across the road (Du Faur Street Mawson) just had their insulation upgraded and with new roof and wall insulation. At the same time residents got a notice that they are to be relocated. Isn’t this a waste of taxpayers’ money?
Outcome: Housing ACT’s planned maintenance program is determined well in advance of the financial year. Generally properties identified for future sale or redevelopment are vetted for major works during this process to avoid this situation occurring.
Whilst this home has now been identified for possible re-development since that vetting process, It may take some time to finalise planning and approval processes as well as finding the tenants new accommodation suitable to their needs. During this period it is important for the tenants to be comfortable in their home and home insulation assists tenants to reduce their heating and cooling costs during this period.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Why are there no cash facilities at Woden Shopfront? This is very difficult for students and the elderly who are told to go to Tuggeranong.
Outcome: Explained that Access Canberra worked hard to develop options to suit customers where they did not have to attend – in this circumstance advised funds could have been paid into the client account by calling Access Canberra Contact Centre. Customer more comfortable with understanding options. Advised I would also revisit with manager of Woden to remind staff to further explore transactions and or options with customers before they leave.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: Why don’t disabled drivers have to pay for parking?
Outcome: Mobility parking arrangements are provided by the ACT Government under the Australian Disability Parking Permit (ADPP) scheme. The ADPP scheme was a Commonwealth initiative agreed by all states and territories. The ACT progressively adopted the ADPP over 2010-2011.
Under the provisions adopted by the ACT Government, vehicles displaying a valid mobility parking permit are able to:
- use designated disability parking spaces;
- use government public parking spaces (i.e. 2-hour time limited parking) for longer than signposted; and
- park for free in government car parking, that is pay parking.
The financial and extended time allowances are generally only available in ACT Government car parks.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Can we please get some bins at the Dickson motto registry bus stop?
Outcome: An officer from TCCS left a message with the constituent advising that although bins are not currently installed at bus stops due to illegal dumping issues. As a result of the enquiry, TCCS has increased site inspections and cleaning in the area.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Why has the park between Miler and MacPerherson street in O’Connor been fenced off?
Outcome: An officer from TCCS spoke to the constituent and advised that the site was fenced off for the construction of a new natural play space. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of May 2017.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: Can the Chief Minister please indicate whether the costs for the inquiry have been recovered from FOY?
Outcome: An officer from the planning and land authority contacted the caller. The officer explained that FOY had not at this stage been asked to pay for the Inquiry Panel’s costs. The reason was that FOY had already been asked to pay for the earlier independent review of the environmental impact statement; the planning and land authority did much of the heavy lifting by providing a secretariat service; and it was the first time the process had been used. The caller understood.