Ongoing community concerns regarding new ASIO building development

If you are concerned about the construction of the ASIO building adjacent to Campbell on Parkes Way and Constitution Avenue, whether because of its size, because of the inappropriateness a security agency in such a symbolic  location, or because of the almost total lack of public consultation, then please look at some of the suggestions below as to what you can do, to either turn the tide or to help guarantee better consultation in future. THINGS YOU CAN DO: Meet & lobby Bob McMullan MP for Fraser: This coming Wednesday 30th September 2009: 6.30-8pm  at Ainslie Football Club,  52 Wakefield …

Tree replacement program set to begin

Almost 300 trees will be removed under the ACT Government’s Tree Replacement Program this year, but more than double that number will be replanted. This year’s work will involve the removal of 282 trees and 48 suckers and stumps, and the planting of 588 trees. The trees in question have been identified as being in decline, or already hazardous to the public. The works will begin in September, with planting to begin in early October, and will be carried out at 24 sites across the city. The Tree Replacement Program primarily focuses on the older suburbs of Canberra and includes …

Update on the contamination within the Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie Nature Reserves

In May this year, Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) discovered bonded asbestos (e.g. small pieces of fibro sheeting) across the lower western slopes of Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie within the Nature Reserves behind the suburbs of Hackett, Ainslie and Campbell. It appears that this contaminated building material may have been dumped in the reserve many years ago. TAMS has since employed a contractor to clean up the majority of the contaminated material. In keeping with the Environment Protection Authority and ACT Health’s recommendations for this site, TAMS has also employed a consultant to develop a draft management plan for …

Canberra Times: Still time to settle ASIO HQ worries

On Saturday 8th August 2009, The Canberra Times ran an editorial piece titled “Still time to settle ASIO HQ worries”. This piece discusses the politics behind the decision to rush approval of the ASIO HQ building in it’s current location and large scale. Is the Parliamentary Triangle a precinct set aside for Australia’s most important national institutions an appropriate place for the headquarters of a large security intelligence agency, bearing in mind that the imposing building will, after Parliament House, be the largest edifice in the district?

Walter Burley Griffin Society: submission in relation to the ASIO complex on Constitution Avenue

The North Canberra Community Council has obtained permission from the Walter Burley Griffin Society Inc, to republish their submission on the new ASIO building on Constitution Avenue (previously known as the “Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Commonwealth New Building Project.”)

ABC News: New ASIO HQ branded 'barbed wire city'

The ABC News is reporting that ACT Senator Gary Humphries backs Campbell residents’ concerns about the size and nature of the new ASIO headquarters being built on Constitution Avenue. ACT Senator Gary Humphries has backed residents’ concerns about the new ASIO headquarters being built in Canberra’s inner north. The $600 million building on Constitution Avenue near the suburb of Campbell will eventually house 1,800 employees. The project takes up a complete block and Campbell residents say it is too big for the area. Senator Humphries says he is not sure it is the right building for an area which planners …

Ainslie Village "Our Stories" mural

On 2 July 2009, the ACT Minister for Disability and Housing, Mr John Hargreaves launched a mural at Ainslie Village, planned and developed by residents. The “Our Stories” mural project began back in February. Interested Ainslie Village residents were given sketch books and asked to develop ideas representing one of the stories of their lives.