Issues related to Territory and Municipal Services

Murky water clouds Civic Pool (TAMS "penny pinching" false economy?)

Megan Doherty, city reporter from the Canberra Times wrote an article in the 5 November 2009 edition of the newspaper about problems being experienced at the Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic. The article hints at economic shortcuts being taken by Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) as well as indicating that this may be part of a larger plan  to “run down” the pool so that the land may be sold off and reclaimed for other development. The budget cuts and implications of current penny pinching attitudes to public works and maintenance items by TAMS has also been discussed in a …

Report from NCCC October 2009 meeting: ACT Cycling and Pedestrian Networks

On 21 October Russell Yell of Cardno, Eppell, Olsen gave a presentation to the North Canberra Community Council (NCCC) on a review being undertaken on ACT cycling and pedestrian networks. The review of Canberra’s commuter bicycle network is part of the Sustainable Transport Action Plan. One of the main priorities of this review is to ensure there is an equal emphasis on the needs of commuter cyclists, recreational cyclists and pedestrians, including visually and mobility impaired people.

The Chronicle: Residents fight for consultation (Development Applications in Campbell)

In the 20 October 2009 edition of the City Chronicle, journalist Elliot Woods writes about the concern Campbell residents are expressing that there is not enough transparent consultation regarding development applications and Campbell is being severely neglected in terms of  provision of essential municipal services and facilities. The article has been reproduced below:

ACT Tree replacement program 2009 nears completion

The ACT Government will soon complete a tree replacement program at 24 locations across Canberra. Under the program 282 trees in poor health and which pose public safety risks are being replaced with 588 trees. Work is expected to be complete by the end of next month. Each of the trees identified for replacement was thoroughly assessed by a tree expert with factors like the presence of die back, tree rot and hollows, as well as their location and general health, being carefully considered. In all cases pruning was closely considered first with complete removal being the last option.

Public Consultation: Roadside memorials (closing 16 October 2009)

The Department of Transport and Municipal Services has released a discussion paper and is seeking public comment on roadside memorials which will assist in the development of a formal ACT Government policy on the placement of roadside memorials in the ACT. The ACT Government recently made a commitment to develop a policy for the placement of roadside memorials. The policy will also outline how the views and impact on residents in adjacent properties are to be considered

Canberra Times: Stanhope says fatality highlights road need

On 21 September 2009, Canberra Times journalist David Stockman, the Canberra Times police reporter, wrote a story with comments from the ACT Chief Minister insisting that the recent fatality was further justification of the need to expedite the building of the Majura Parkway. The North Canberra Community Council accepts that there is a need for the upgrade of the Road to Dual Carriageway for both safety and traffic capacity issues. However the council has rejected outright the need for the realignment of the road due to the severe environmental impacts this will have.

ABC News: Hackett traffic 'likely to increase'

On 18 September 2009 the ABC News, following up on a story from the previous day where Hackett residents have expressed concern with regard to traffic safety issues,. Roads ACT has now admitted that the traffic in Hackett is only likely to increase with new roadworks and development in Gungahlin and traffic control and management measures are currently not budgeted for. ABC News Online reports as follows: Hackett traffic ‘likely to increase’ Roads ACT say the traffic flow into Canberra’s inner-north suburb of Hackett is likely to increase unless new traffic arrangements are developed.