Issues related to the Environment, Climate Change, Water and Energy

Asbestos Response Task Force to present to North Canberra Community Council – 21 April

The ACT Government Asbestos Response Task Force has agreed to present to the North Canberra Community Council meeting on 21 April 2015. The Task Force expects to address topics including: an update on the buyback scheme what support is being provided to homeowners support specific to elderly homeowners information about the pilot demolitions how the program will affect the wider community, and the proposed territory plan variation The meeting will be at 7.30 pm at the Function Room in the Majura Community Centre, 2 Rosevear Place Dickson – click for map

ACT adapting to climate change

On 21 May the ACT Government has released Adapting to a changing climate: Directions for the ACT (PDF, 1.3 MB). The paper addresses the impact of climate change on health and wellbeing, disaster and emergency management, settlements and infrastructure, water, natural resources and ecosystems and agriculture. At the launch, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell explained that the Government would consult with the community later this year on an adaptation strategy, focusing on Community health and wellbeing, Disaster and emergency management, Settlements and infrastructure, Water, Natural resources and ecosystems and Agriculture. Professor Barbara Norman explained that we …

Canberra Raiders take punt on legal precedent for Braddon Club development

Anyone passing the corner of Torrens, Cooyong and Donaldson streets, at the edge of Braddon across from Civic, on a weekday would likely notice the ad hoc accumulation of cars surrounding a deserted building. The unassuming appearance of the parcel of land belies the fact that it is subject to a legal battle, after the Canberra Raiders, backed by the ACT Planning and Land Authority, proposed a commercial-residential development, versus the North Canberra Community Council, which supports retaining the land for community use.

Grass idea so much greener for Braddon

A surface-level car park, or grassy, open space? That is the choice being debated for the area surrounding Northbourne Oval in Braddon. With increasing urban density and record hot summers, it seems obvious to me we should be seeking to reserve our pockets of green space in inner-city areas. Read Canberra Times article …

EDO Offices Face Closure After Federal Funding Cuts

Yesterday the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s department notified each Environmental Defenders’ Office across the country that their funding has been cut, effective immediately. The decision will put real pressure on most of the offices currently operating in each state and territory and could result in some smaller offices, including the EDO (ACT), closing.