As we reach the halfway point of the year, the 2020 ACT election campaign is gathering momentum. There has been a number of new pledges and announcements over the past month, including additional infrastructure in Braddon and Dickson, tree planting, and the announcement of additional bus services.
The NCCC believes that the election campaign also provides an opportunity to raise the profile of local planning issues. While the social distancing rules are likely to limit physical meetings for the foreseeable future, we hope to be in touch soon with more details about hosting public meetings and guest presentations online.
NCCC updates
- Recent Development Applications: The NCCC has lodged concerns about the proposed development on the corner of Northbourne Avenue, De Burgh Street and Owen Crescent due to the limited solar access and concerns about traffic impacts.
There are also concerns regarding Angas Street in Ainslie. The Planning and Land Authority approved a lease variation for the Ainslie Football Club site to remove vehicle restrictions to and from Angas Street. The NCCC together with a number of residents on Angas Street applied to the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal for a review of this decision. The Ainslie Football and Social Club is consulting with nearby residents on a draft masterplan for their site.
- Heritage nomination for the Dickson Aerodrome: The NCCC supports the heritage nomination for the original Canberra Aerodrome remnants at Dickson. The Aerodrome, which was situated in the area between Dickson Library and the playing fields, was used as a landing ground by RAAF planes in the 1920s. The heritage nomination would preserve key remnants of the historic site – the central ring marker and two of the lock spit boundary markers.
You can find out more about new Development Applications in your area, including information on how to lodge a submission, by accessing this ACT Government website.
Local News and Updates
- Delay to Dickson Coles: The commencement of construction works on the Dickson Coles development has been postponed, with limited details on the reason for the delay and no new timeframe provided.
- Fast-tracking local projects: The ACT Government has been fast-tracking additional infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 period including a number of new footpaths across the inner north suburbs, including Campbell, Hackett and Watson. The full list of projects is availablehere.
- YWCA Supportive Housing project: YWCA Canberra has announced its intention to redevelop 11 Rutherford Crescent Ainslie, which it had previously used for child care, youth and community services, into a supportive housing development to support housing options for women and children. Due to the COVID pandemic, YWCA has been unable to provide a presentation to NCCC members on the development, however, more details are providedhere.
Treasurer’s Update
The NCCC Committee has continued to fund a number of communication initiatives and activities of the member Associations. These include the redevelopment of the NCCC website and the Hackett Community Association website. In addition, funds have been provided to Associations for purchasing equipment to hold community events, such as gazebos, microphones, urns and display boards.
The Committee will also earmark funds for community events which have had to be postponed until later in 2020 or 2021.