Posted on 06/09/2018
For follow up from 27 April 2018
Calls received on air
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding overhanging limbs from adjacent eucalyptus trees on public land. The limbs are overhanging into the backyard of two private houses.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and visited the site to assess the overhanging trees. A request has been logged to action minor pruning works which are expected to be complete within the coming week.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding the cycle path and walkway behind her house in Gowrie. The caller said several weeks ago contractors came to trim the trees near the powerlines on the path and they have left all the trimmings on the path.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to advise that the trimmings will be cleaned up and removed by Friday 11 May 2018 by TCCS staff.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding the traffic lights at the intersection of Forlong and Cavangh Street in Wanniassa. The Forlong Street direction is the cross street, and Cavangh is the main street and when somebody is waiting on the cross street then they get their lights, but even if there's no body waiting on the other side, that side gets a go, and if you're waiting on the main street on Cavangh, and if there's nobody in the turning lane, they still get a go, and then finally it gets to the main thoroughfare. So, you must wait for a full cycle even if there are no cars waiting in any of those spots.
Response: The Chief Minister thanked the caller for bringing this to our attention and said we’ll get a team to have a look and see if can be fixed.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to advise that vehicle detector loops at the intersection were damaged during recent resurfacing works. New detector loops were installed between 30 April and 7 May 2018.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding couches being left out on the verge in Martinez Street in Narrabundah. The caller said people have been putting the couches out on the street and some can be there for up to six months. The caller said due to the configuration of the street it makes it difficult to tell which houses are responsible.
Response: The Chief Minister said that we would have a look and see what we can do. He also said there are bulky waste collection opportunities and Depending on the circumstances of the household that will either be at a concessional price, or free, or see if the household is not eligible for those concessions then yes, they would be expected to dispose of the old lounge themselves.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to discuss illegal dumping concerns. TCCS City rangers have commenced monitoring the area and will undertake proactive education activities in the area reminding people of their responsibilities in managing their goods and rubbish as well as how to report dumping when it is observed.
Directorate: Access Canberra (parking issue)
Issue: The caller rang regarding parking and road works in Campbell. The caller said since the introduction of the paid parking in Russell, we've seen all these parking refugees end up parking all throughout the lower end of Campbell nearest to Russell. One spot where Holmes Crescent and Chauvel Crescent join across a green space can get up to 10-15 cars a day. The caller said he raised the issue on Fix-My-Street, but they didn't seem to pick up on the nuance that he is talking about - introducing parking and fixing that section of road so it's got some guttering and some formed road.
Response: The Chief Minister said guttering may be a solution or another might be some parking enforcement activities in that area. He said we’ll bring that to the attention of our parking operations and road works team.
OUTCOME: : An Access Canberra Parking Operations officer contacted the caller to advise that Parking Operations will inspect the area to see if there is any signage that can be enforced. The caller was appreciative for the follow up call.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding the Tuggeranong dog park. The caller said there is a big dog park and a little dog park and an altercation was witnessed a couple of weeks ago between a dog owner with a little dog and a dog owner with a Staffie Bull Mastiff cross which was in the little dog park. The caller is wondering if a ranger could swing by the dog park occasionally and see these dogs and just ask their owners to take them to the big dog park where they belong. The caller said people don’t realise the dog parks are very good for elderly people with dogs because it gives them a chance to get out, it gives them a chance for their little dogs to run around, and the problem is if you’re worried your dog’s going to get hurt it’s no good.
Response: The Chief Minister said that’s a very good point and we will take that up with the rangers.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to discuss the Tuggeranong dog park. In response to this enquiry and other complaints received, Domestic Animal Services Rangers have increased their patrols of the six dog parks across Canberra. Rangers have engaged with dog owners reminding them of their obligations to ensure that their pets are appropriately socialised, behaved, monitored and under effective control at all times.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding the aged care facility in Calwell on Weir Street. There is no signage there to say that it’s an aged care facility and to slow down. Cars roar along Weir Street all day. The caller said when the staff take the residents out they find it difficult to get across the road because of that.
Response: The Chief Minister acknowledged where the aged care facility was and agreed it would be a useful bit of additional signage. The Chief Minister said we will get the team to have a look at it.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to discuss signage at the aged care facility in Calwell. TCCS have agreed to install pedestrian warning signs to make motorists more aware of people crossing the road. The resident was pleased with this proposed action. Pedestrian warning signs are to be installed at the property boundaries of the aged care facility in Caldwell.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding a request that was put in last year for someone to look at a gum tree that sits right on the bicycle paths. The caller said the problem is that it’s on the resident’s side, and it’s not public ground. The caller said when people came out to have a look they said “yes, it is dangerous”. The caller said they have passed this information over to the neighbour who said “Oh, we’re just waiting for approval”. The caller does not believe this is the case.
Response: The Chief Minister said without knowing the background for this he will need to get some more information, but we’ve got the callers contact details, so someone will follow up.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to discuss the gum tree and advised them that as the tree is on private land, TCCS cannot remove the tree. However, the caller was advised that an application for removal can be submitted by the resident.
Directorate: EPSD
Issue: The caller rang regarding an issue with flying foxes that come in and feed off the trees in the nature strip in front of the house full of fruits and seeds, creating quite a mess on the paths and the cars. The caller said it needs to be hosed down every day because they use the path, the driveway, and the cars, and rake up the twigs, leaves and droppings. Can anything be done to discourage the flying foxes from coming in?
Response: The Chief Minister said that it is an interesting question and his gut reaction is that it might be difficult. The Chief Minister said he will ask the question and see what we can find out.
OUTCOME: An EPSD officer contacted the caller regarding the flying fox issue and advised that flying foxes will return to a suitable feeding tree each night, sometimes until there is nothing left to feed on, and that they may or may not be back next year. The officer suggested some options for discouraging the flying foxes would be to use solar lights on the tree, covering the tree with bird netting when it is fruiting, etc. The caller would try these suggestions and understood they are a wild animal that cannot be controlled.
Furthermore, A TCCS officer also contacted the caller and confirmed that a suggestion will be made to Roads ACT to increase the frequency of street sweeping in the area during the fruiting season (for the Japanese Pagoda Trees) to remove the tree litter and bat droppings. The TCCS officer also advised that as the Flying Foxes are a threatened native species there is nothing that can be done to move the population on. The TCCS officer confirmed that their presence in Canberra and the majority will move on for the winter and that the trees are nearing completion of the fruiting season.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding trying to get a street light in front of their house fixed for over a month now. The caller confirmed that it is only one single street light.
Response: The Chief Minister said we’ll make sure that this is resolved and apologised for the delay in fixing this.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the officer and advised them the streetlight has been added to a priority list and will be repaired by the end of the week.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: The caller rang regarding the pools down around Coombs and Wright. The caller said they seem very underutilized and suggested a proposition that somebody look into the provision of some seats and tables, and some shade. In particularly, a small at water level, or just above water level, pontoon for people to go down and use the pond rather than just looking at it.
Response: The Chief Minister said thanked the caller and advised we will look into this and see what is possible.
OUTCOME: An officer from the Suburban Land Agency contacted the caller to advise that the primary function of the ponds is to control water pollution, manage flooding and enhance environmental amenity. The caller was advised that the ponds are not facilities designed for water based recreational activities.
The caller was informed that the Suburban Land Agency recently completed works at the Coombs 3A (northern pond area) site, which included pedestrian paths. Design work is also currently underway for additional pedestrian paths along the Molonglo River Corridor to the Noffs Crescent area (southern pond area). The caller was appreciative for the follow up call.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller rang regarding street trees that have grown and cast a lot of shade into people’s houses. The caller is ringing on behalf of themselves and their neighbour, because from about 9am through to the rest of the afternoon, both houses and front yards are affected by the shades of the trees. The caller said a couple of people have come out to have a look and have said “We could come out and do something, but it’ll be ages”. The caller said it has been three or four years now and the trees have only successfully grown taller. The caller said they are not asking for the trees to be removed, they just want something done so they can get a little bit of daylight when the sun moves further north.
Response: The Chief Minister said hopefully there is a practical solution. Maybe some appropriate trimming and removal of certain braches might give an outcome that still keeps the trees but allows some sun through. The Chief Minister thanked the caller and said we’ll get some further advice and someone will be in contact.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and visited the site to inspect and assess the trees. The officer also met with adjoining residents to discuss a plan moving forward. The pruning of the trees will occur within the coming week.
Directorate: EPSD
Issue: The caller rang regarding new developments in Greenway. The caller has been there for almost two years now and since the development opened has had constant parking problems with builders and so forth. The caller said all the building is completed and we’ve got all the people moved in. Limburg Way has a number of parking bays, obviously not enough for the number of people that are in these multi-story apartment blocks. The caller asked if there is any thought ever given to the amount of parking on the streets when you do a development that has probably 200-300 cars when an apartment block’s been presented? The caller said there is an issue with people parking up on the grass and asked if there is any way of just adding an extra car parking space onto streets like Limburg Way?
Response: The Chief Minister said it is a good question and will get some further advice on the specific area. During the construction sites there would’ve been a fair amount of people who were working on the particular projects, but we’ll have a look at that. It’s always a balance you have to strike. The cost of digging further down for more car parking spaces affects the affordability of the housing, and then yes, of course obviously, the available space there. The Chief Minister said ultimately you’re going to strike that balance, but I’ll get more specific advice on that new area in the Tuggeranong town centre.
OUTCOME: The Suburban Land Agency’s Senior Project Manager for the Greenway development contacted the caller to discuss his concerns. The caller explained his various concerns with the parking arrangements and particularly the increase of illegal parking since the commencement of building works in the area. The Project Manager committed to reviewing the traffic control devices (parking/no-parking signs) onsite to ensure they were in accordance with the Suburban Land Agency’s approved development. If signage is missing the Agency will rectify the issue. The Agency will also raise the issue of illegal parking with Parking Operations in Access Canberra. The caller was appreciative for the follow up call.
Directorate: EPSD
Issue: The caller rang regarding an update on what is happening at the precinct development in the Red Hill area. The caller said there is grass that is growing on the side, but there doesn’t seem to be much else happening.
Response: The Chief Minister said he was just looking at the Suburban Land Agency webpage for that precinct, and there’s some photos of demolition of some existing buildings underway. The Chief Minister advised that he doesn’t have anything more than that in front of him at the moment, but someone will get in touch with the caller and provide further information.
OUTCOME: An officer from the Suburban Land Agency contacted the caller to provide an update on the project’s progress and timing. The caller was advised that as part of the project’s management the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate had engaged a contractor to undertake ground surface stabilisation, including grass propagation. The Suburban Land Agency’s maintenance team will investigate the length of the grass at the site as part of their usual maintenance program.
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: I have a tree stump on my nature strip where the tree was cut before xmas. The stump is still about 12 m high. Address is 25 Barnet Cl, Phillip. 2606.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and confirmed that the South field crew (within the Urban Treescapes Unit) will investigate and action the removal as soon as possible.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: In regards to Old Well Station Rd (near the new Canberra Park Accommodation Village) on the which due to the constant potholes, broken shoulders, as well as being very narrow and being very narrow has to be the worst street in Canberra, and has been this (text cut off).
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and them that this section of road is currently listed in the program for rehabilitation. The design work is currently ongoing and the construction will be started shortly. The works are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018 or early 2019.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The road works around Gungahlin have gone on for an eternity, why does widening under 1 kilometre of rad takes 2 plus years?
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to discuss the road works around Gungahlin. There have been many factors that have caused delays to the duplication works on the Gundaroo Drive Duplication project, many of which have been outside the direct control of the contractor. The major contributing factor in the delays has been associated with the inspection and remediation of the high pressure gas pipeline that runs underneath the new road carriageway. The implementation of these works, undertaken by the asset owner has resulted in some six months delay at the commencement of the project. In addition, the upgrade of the Mirrabei Drive and Gundaroo Drive intersection to a new set of traffic signals, and the widening of Mirrabei Drive was included as additional work to this project. This additional work has added a further three months to the construction program. This stage of the Gundaroo Drive Duplication project, including the additional scope on Mirrabei Drive is expected to be completed and open to road users in the third quarter of 2018.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Like many residents I enjoy walking around Lake Tuggeranong. While cross the bridge on Soward Way I feel very uneasy about eh risk of being close to fast moving traffic. Would it be possible to put a barrier between the road and the footpath?
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and explained that the bridge was designed and constructed to an appropriate standard at time it was built. Based on the last seven years of crash data there have been no reported crashes on the bridge. Traffic lanes are provided with a shoulder and appropriate reflective markers to guide the motorists across the bridge as well as the upright kerb. Based on this, TCCS have no current plans to install a barrier, although will consider this in a future works program.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: We had a major tree removed from our property on the nature strip in 2016. We have had communication through Access Canberra about when the tree will be replaced. We have been told that we are on the list for replacement. It is coming up for 2 years an no (text cut off).
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and advised them of the Planting Program which is currently being finalised for Winter 2018. The TCCS officer confirmed with the caller that their request for the replacement/ planting will be included in this program and actioned within the coming weeks.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: How long can a builder obstruct a footpath? Mort St, Braddon path near Officeworks footpath has been blocked off for months, and there’s no sign of restoring access in the foreseeable future. Because Eloura St has been completely closed off though pedest (text cut off).
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to discuss the footpath closure on Mort Street adjacent to Officeworks. The fences are expected to be removed by the end of May and the footpath will be open to the public.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: With the new management of the street lights network will the older suburbs with very poor lighting, finally get their street lights upgraded to the new standards or is this just about energy efficiency by replacing just the globes to LEDs.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and discussed the new management of street lights in the ACT. The primary objectives of the upgrade is energy efficiency and safety. Replacements will include the light fitting itself for like-for-like. The lighting will be improved due to enhanced technology to increase visibility and electrical safety. As a part of this new management, main roads would be upgraded in the first instance, with suburban streets following that.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Many of us live in culdersacs in Canberra & in particular a quiet spot where many young kids play, yet still we have the odd bozo who obviously lost speeds down the end before turning around & leaving. Can we have signs at the entrance?
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller to discuss her concerns. TCCS has arranged for a ‘No Through Road’ sign to be installed at the end of the resident’s cul de sac.
Directorate: ACT Policing/Access Canberra
Issue: When is the police or RTA inspectors going to defect these excessive noisy motorcycles.
Response: ACT Policing (with advice from Access Canberra re RTA input)
Action: ACT Policing to make contact with constituent.
OUTCOME: 1 May 2018 – CPLO attempted to contact constituent. Call went to voicemail identifying a person named “Mick”. Message left for “Mick” to contact CPLO re his question to the CM regarding noisy motorcycles. Nil telephone call received from “Mick”. Advice provided to “Mick” would have been:
- ACT Policing: ACTP strongly encourage community members to report any anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via https://act.crimestoppers.com.au/. If a suspected criminal matter has occurred, please contact ACT Policing on 131 444 to report the matter, or in the case of an emergency, Triple-Zero. Details of vehicles and individuals involved are extremely helpful to police and while information can be provided anonymously, a public willingness to provide information greatly enhances ACT Policing’s ability to take action.
- Access Canberra: Vehicles in the ACT must comply with the relevant vehicle safety requirements to deem the vehicle roadworthy, and allow the vehicle to be registered. These requirements include stationary noise limits for passenger cars and motorcycles which have become more stringent over recent years. Where information is provided suggesting vehicles may exceed the relevant noise limits, and identifying details, such as a number plate are provided, the vehicle may be subject to a recall for a full inspection. Failure to present for inspection may result in further sanctions or penalties against the owner of the vehicle.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Could you please look at adding a crossing of some kind over Hindmarsh between Rivett and Duffy to allow safe active travel from Rivett to Duffy Primary School? At the moment you have to go down to Streeton Drive, which is totally (text cut off).
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller. The resident lives at Santalum Street and was unaware that there are underpasses under Hindmarsh Drive near Epacris Place and further west, Eugenia Street that she can use to get to Duffy Primary School from Rivett.
Directorate: EPSD
Issue: When is Gungahlin getting its cinema?
OUTCOME: An officer from the Suburban Land Agency contacted the caller to advise that the former Land Development Agency settled the sale contract with the developer on 30 October 2015, with the site being sold under a Deed of Agreement between the developer and the ACT Planning and Land Authority. The caller was advised that the Development Application was conditionally approved by the ACT Planning and Land Authority on 22 March 2017. The caller was appreciative for the follow up call.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Is there any legislation to stop non electric cars parking at the chargers as it’s impossible to charge when an ICE car is parked there.
OUTCOME: An Access Canberra Parking Operations officer contacted the caller to advise that there is currently no legislation for Parking Operations to enforce to stop non-electric cars parking at chargers. Parking Operations can only enforce overstaying time limits or not paying for parking in these carparks. The caller was appreciative for the follow up call.