Issue catgeories

Questions remain over disused grounds

There are currently 19 neighbourhood ovals and three district playing fields sitting idle at the same time as experts rue the lack of safe and affordable sportsgrounds to assist in helping maintain healthy communities. The ACT Government intends to review the status of these potential sportsgrounds on a year-by-year basis. At current rates some communities could be waiting up to 6 or more years before their ovals and fields are given a red or green light for rejuvenation. Two of these (Lyneham and Watson) are in north Canberra. Can we really afford to have ovals sitting idle in areas with …

Canberra Airport supermarkets

The ACT supermarket policy has just hit a roadblock with the announcement that Woolworths will join Costco in a major wholesale supermarket shakeup, after Canberra Airport was forced to look for a new tenant because of the continuing demise of Brand Depot. The only possible benefit to other supermarkets in the ACT from this development is that Costco might become an alternative wholesale supplier for smaller IGA’s and Supabarn in addition to Metcash, as well as Costco being a competitor to Woolworths in wholesale goods. A wide-ranging newspaper dialogue on this topic has just taken place.

Lifeline calls to be free from mobiles

Mobile phone calls to Lifeline are to become free from anywhere in Australia. The Federal Government says mobile phone companies have agreed not to charge people calling the helpline number. Mental Health Minister Mark Butler says the phone companies will be compensated by the Government. He says nearly one third of all calls to Lifeline are from mobile phones.

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 …

ACT Govt subpoenas community groups’ details

The ACT Government has issued a subpoena against two Flynn community groups, ordering them to hand over private membership lists and three years of bank records.  The ACT Government solicitor has also written to the groups, demanding a $40,000 security bond to cover potential legal costs that could be awarded against the groups if they lose a Supreme Court appeal against the ACT Heritage Council.

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.