ACAT overturns ACT government approval of Woolworths’ Dickson car park redevelopment

In a decision handed down late on Thursday, the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal overturned ACTPLA’s decision to approve a controversial redevelopment of the Woolworths’ car park in Dickson.  The Tribunal determined the proposed development broke too many planning rules to be mitigated by conditions placed on its approval.

DEVELOPMENT Emotions run high at public housing planning discussions

By Mark Sawa, Canberra Chronicl Seven more sites have been identified as part of a broad public housing strategy stretching across several parts of the ACT. Representatives from the Community Services Directorate and the Economic Development Directorate gave presentations on the Draft Omnibus Territory Plan Variation to both the Belconnen Community Council and the North Canberra Community Council last week. The variation groups 17 individual sites together across Canberra’s north and south.

Lyneham Shops Works Upgrade

The North Canberra Community Council has been informed by letter that the Lyneham shops will be undergoing a small scale works upgrade. The consultant for this is Indesco (consulting engineers). They are seeking community input from North Canberra Community Council members. Preliminary design plans will be drawn up following community consultation which ends on December 21. Examples of small scale works includes such things as pavement upgrades; improvements to drainage and lighting; replacing old furniture or minor landscaping work. To participate contact Deborah Matthews from Indesco on phone number 6161 2554.

Proposed Letter to Federal Minister for Health and Aging

The Hackett Community Association (HCA) has been encouraging the establishment of a pharmacy at the local shops because there are many older residents of Hackett who find it difficult to get to nearby pharmacies due to lack of personal transport, poor interconnecting bus services or lack of mobility.  This had led to a pharmacist leasing one of the shops at the Hackett Shops and commencing to fit it out in anticipation of obtaining approval to operate the pharmacy. This is a major demonstration of faith in the Hackett Community as it is by no means certain that the pharmacy will …

Have your say on the future of Pialligo

The ACT Government is seeking input on the community’s values and concerns in relation to the future of Pialligo. Feedback will contribute to a master plan which will outline the development vision and planning framework for the next 30 years. Please visit www.environment.act.gov.au/Pialligo for more information including a short discussion paper and some preliminary ideas to improve Beltana Road. For more information call Canberra Connect 13 22 81 or 6207 1923. Closing date for comments is 23 December 2011.

Downer Community Meeting – Redevelopment of the Downer Local Centre

A meeting will be held for all Downer residents, at 7pm on Wednesday 14 December at the Downer Community Centre, to discuss the redevelopment of the Downer local centre precinct. Letters of invitation were delivered to all Downer residents on 8 December 2011. More information is available on the EDD website http://www.economicdevelopment.act.gov.au or telephone enquiries may be directed to Mr Ross McKay on 6205 0675.