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 …

Invitation to Comment: Ainslie park name proposal at Block 2 Section 87 (closing 28 August 2009)

ACTPLA (ACT Place Names Section) is seeking your views on a proposal to name the park bounded by Rutherford Crescent and Officer Crescent in Ainslie, Bill Pye Community Park (see map right), commemorating Mr TTW (Bill) Pye MBE. Bill Pye was a resident of Ainslie from 1946; he was an outstanding citizen who was extensively involved in his community. He served with the Australian Military Forces from the outbreak of World War II and then with the United States Forces, seeing action in New Guinea and the Philippines, returning to Australia in 1946.

Crimestoppers: Stabbing – Ainslie (4 July 2009)

A 36-year old Ainslie man is assisting police with their inquiries following a stabbing at Ainslie on July 4. About 4.30pm police and ambulance officers were called to the Ainslie shops on Edgar Street where a 43-year-old man had received multiple stab wounds to his head and neck area. Paramedics stabilised the man before transporting him to The Canberra Hospital where his condition is listed as serious but stable.

Canberra Times: Race to save 'heritage' cottage

The Canberra Times has an article about the demolition and redevelopment of a weatherboard cottage in Ainslie owned by the ACT Department of Housing and Community Services. A developer acting on behalf of the department lodged a development application to demolish the existing building, and replace it with ”two new brick veneer structures”. It is understood that the building was the caretaker’s cottage in the 1920s for the Ainslie bus terminus, one of Canberra’s first transport hubs, but has been excluded from the Corroboree Park Housing Precinct, a heritage-listed area that ends just over the cottage’s fence.

NowUC: Inner north – the heart of Canberra darkness (audio)

The following is an audio article by University of Canberra Journalism student Ben Lisson. It discusses the inadequate street lighting and lack of upgrades in the Inner North area. “This year’s ACT Budget figures show half a million dollars set aside for energy efficient streetlight upgrades. But in Canberra’s inner north, streets have yet to see the upgrades, and according to Territory and Municipal Services, they aren’t likely to in the near future.” 

Community Consultation Forum: ACT Disability Policy Framework 2009-2014 (3 June 2009)

The ACT Government is updating its policy framework to improve outcomes and opportunities for Canberrans who have a disability. The policy will guide priority areas for disability policy and service delivery through to 2014. The updated framework will build on the work of the current ACT disability framework, Future Directions: A Framework for the ACT 2004-2009 as well as assist in achieving goals outlined in Challenge 2014 – A ten year vision for disability in the ACT. Community conversation forums will be held during May and June 2009. These forums are an opportunity for all interested community members including people …

Crimestoppers: Witnesses sought to burglary on 7th May 2009 of Ainslie newsagency

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to an aggravated burglary which occurred at the Ainslie Newsagency Thursday May 7, 2009 Around 2.55am a silver Hyundai Excel stopped in front of the shop located on Edgar Street. The vehicle’s lights were shone into the store front for about a minute before a man exited the car and took up a position near the entrance. The driver then reversed up to the store and nudged the plate glass window twice before it shattered.