Posted on 11/02/2020
Calls received on air
Directorate: CSD
Issue: The caller raised concerns about foster carers being bullied.
OUTCOME: In response to this call, Barnardos and the President of the Foster Care Association met with the caller.
The following matters were discussed, and matters that require carer engagement will be facilitated through the Carer Wellbeing Sub-Committee.
- ACT Together is developing training for caseworkers on the Carer Handbook and its contents.
- Development of an information exchange resource to provide clarity for caseworkers and carers on the types of information that can be shared and when.
- Review of the ACT Together Service Feedback Policy and further training on managing feedback, complaints and reviewable decisions.
- Development of Working with Carers Framework and training resources, including videos featuring carers.
- Development of a Statement of Commitment between ACT Together and carers.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: There’s a gumtree hanging over the caller’s garage and carport – could it be trimmed?
OUTCOME: An officer from TCCS contacted the caller regarding the tree issue. The trees have been assessed as sound and healthy and do not require pruning. Just because trees are large, there is no requirement to prune unless the trees are uneven or diseased. TCCS avoid unnecessary pruning as it creates wounds in the tree that can let lead to disease and rot, thus causing issues that were not previously present. TCCS will continue to monitor the health of this tree and undertake action when required.
SMS/Text
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: There are traffic light on Erindale Drive at the Fadden Roundabout, but there is not one on Ashley Drive and Johnson Drive. Both Erindale and Ashley Drives were recently extended to improve traffic conditions, but the lack of traffic lights at Ashley and Johnson Drives has reduced the impact of any improvement. What can be done to address this?
OUTCOME: A TCCS officer attempted to contact the caller without success. The roundabout intersection at Ashley Drive / Johnson Drive has capacity for current and expected future traffic and so upgrading this intersection to signals is not currently being considered.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: When will the fencing be removed from the Narrabundah Wetlands?
OUTCOME: The Wetlands site is still under the control of contractors before being handed over to the ACT Government to maintain by early 2020. The site is still fenced due to the risk of trampling of the ‘dry landscaping’ environment of planted lawn, shrubs and trees.
Directorate: CMTEDD (Economic Development)
Issue: Given negotiations are currently underway with GWS regarding a new deal, what contribution would they be expected to make to community football? Do you think they have done enough?
OUTCOME: Spoke with Paul – Sport and Recreation had had previous extensive discussions with him on this matter. He did not feel that there was anything further that we could discuss at this time.
The intent of his contact was to seek any direct views/opinions that the CM might have had on this issue. He appreciated the contact nonetheless.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Could turning arrows please be painted on Flemington Road at EPIC’s exit?
OUTCOME: A TCCS officer contacted the caller and advised that turning arrows cannot be installed, as the exit only has a single lane.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Why has Geocon been allowed to construct site sheds on the median strip of Ainslie Ave & Coying St? The caller has spoken to the Directorate and been advised it was approved under a separate use of public lands process rather than the DA. Other developments have site offices on the site itself; why not Geocon?
Action required: Contact caller
OUTCOME: An officer from TCCS has contacted the caller and advised that Geocon paid a fee as part of the permit to use Territory land during the construction phase due to insufficient space within the construction area for the containers. The permit was issued to Geocon for the placement of the containers on the median strip and that Geocon are required as part of the conditions of that permit, to return the land to the same condition prior to their use.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Two issues regarding disability parking. The disability parking place map is outdated, and an automatic infringement was received from the mobile camera that took over 6 months to resolve. Is there a better way to deal with this? Perhaps by the checking the registered operator(s) of a vehicle against issued permits.
OUTCOME: The caller was advised that Parking Operations had improved the use of technology to reduce infringement notices being issued incorrectly in these circumstances. The caller was also advised the disability parking map would be reviewed and updated.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Poor standard of road works carried out on the Federal Highway at the Horse Park Drive overpass (sic). Also, work was carried out many months ago but there are still speed restrictions.
OUTCOME: A TCCS officer contacted the caller and explained that the previous standard of work is in the process of being rectified. A package of work will be administered in the next month with works to be completed before the end of the year.
Directorate: Major Projects Canberra
Issue: Regarding the SPIRE project at the Canberra Hospital, the caller is concerned about having ambulances and stressed families passing through a 40km/hr school zone. Are there better options for locating the new ER buildings on the existing campus or the vacant CIT site?
Action required: Contact caller
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised:
- the government is aware of concerns related to incoming traffic on Kitchener St, Gilmore Cres and Palmer St. During the next stage of design, these matters will be investigated thoroughly and further consultation with the school and the community will be held.
- Traffic analysis was undertaken as part of the business case process and demonstrated that the road network and intersections had surplus capacity. However, further and more detailed analysis will be conducted in coming months.
- Current discussions with the ambulance services have indicated that their arrival route would be via Palmer Street rather than past the school. They have also indicated that lights/sirens will not be used on approach to the hospital and that speeds are generally low to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient.
- Consultations with the school and the local community are underway and will continue as part of the design development process.
- The site for SPIRE was selected by ACTHD in late 2018 following extensive analysis of options on the campus. This site selection has been approved by Government.
- The former Woden CIT site had not been specifically considered as a potential location of SPIRE – as the Emergency Department and critical care facilities need to be close to other parts of hospital (e.g. on campus).
Directorate: Education
Issue: Would the Government reconsider its decision regarding chaplains in schools? It goes against federal government policy and the caller believes many school chaplains are valued by their school and make positive contributions.
OUTCOME: The caller was provided with further background on the decision to withdraw. The caller was also advised that the Government recognises the personal value school communities place on their chaplains, and it is for that reason chaplains currently employed under the NSCP will have the option of direct employment with schools on a secular basis.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Could there be an unbroken white line between the centre and outside lanes of Canberra Ave (eastbound) at the Hindmarsh Drive intersection. At present, the two lanes of turning traffic spill into the third preventing traffic trying to exit Fyshwick safely.
OUTCOME: A TCCS officer contacted the caller and advised that as per the road rules, vehicles exiting Newcastle Street give way to oncoming vehicles. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to change the current markings.