Introduction to inquiry into the ecological carrying capacity of the ACT and region

On 8 September 2011. the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and Water held the first sitting of an inquiry into the ecological carrying capacity of the ACT and region. Representatives of the ACT Government and Regional Development Australia (ACT) addressed the committee. A full transcript of proceedings can be downloaded from the www.hansard.act.gov.au/committees website. Some brief extracts from the inquiry follow

Introduction to ACT Strategic Regional Plan 2011-12

The ACT Strategic Regional Plan 2011-12 was formally launched in mid-September 2011 by the ACT Chief Minister. The Government is providing $4.3 billion of funding to local regions through the Regional Development Australia Fund. The role of Regional Development Australia (ACT) is to support local development. The ACT was unsuccessful in attracting funding for Round 1 of the initial $1 billion fund. The ACT Government and community groups can apply for local project funding, which can range from a minimum $500,000 to maximum $25 per project. The document can be downloaded from www.rdaact.org.au/publications.

Majura Parkway – Recent Media and Comments

The ACT Government, including both the Labor Party and the Liberal Party, seem hell bent on persisting with planning for a new four-lane Majura Parkway rather than upgrading the existing two lane Majura Road, which is the route favoured by the NCCC and the ACT Greens. The only noise pollution being felt at the moment is endless political squabbling over who will pay what and when. Adding to the mix of public comments is the Gungahlin Community Council, which apparently favours construction of the more costly and environment-damaging Majura Parkway. Recent articles have been published in the Canberra Times and …

TURNER Development Application: 201119910 Address: NO ADDRESS Block: 5 Section: 3

Proposal: BLOCK IDENTIFIER ONLY – PUBLIC WORKS – INTERSECTION UPGRADE. Proposed upgrade to intersection of Barry Drive and Clunes Ross Street to include construction of additional turning lanes and relocation of traffic signals. Period for representations closes: 20/06/2011 Click here to view the plans »…

Canberra Pedestrian Forum comments on the Northbourne Avenue bus priority measures and Dickson major bus station feasibility study

Northbourne Avenue is dangerous and dysfunctional according to the Canberra Pedestrian Forum. It qualifies as a road danger Black Spot on the basis of pedestrian casualties alone, with at least three pedestrian deaths in the past five years between Macarthur Avenue Lake Burley Griffin. Unnecessary traffic signal delays and inappropriate lighting, together with long distances between bus stops and safe crossing points, all contribute to a high rate of dangerous crossings.

'Fix My Street': report neighbourhood issues online to the ACT Government

Fix My Street is an online reporting facility which provides direct contact to ACT Government Agencies for the reporting of municipal service requests. Residents can submit service requests by choosing from the menu of topics (as listed below). In addition, residents can create an account on the system to track progress of the feedback provided. Web link for ‘Fix My Street’ Typical issues covered include: