Posted on 25/07/2017
Calls received on air
Directorate: JACS
Issue: The caller was interested in understanding why the cost to register a caravan in the ACT is the highest in the country.
Response: The Chief Minister said that during the election the Government committed to halving caravan registration fees. Caravan registration fees will drop by $640 per annum and this will be put into place during the Government’s first budget. The Chief Minister also said that the Government will also look at pro rata arrangements for those people that have already registered their caravan, but suggested that it might be best to look at short-term registration arrangements for those who need to register their caravan ahead of the budget.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller was concerned about limited to no bus services (in particular, school buses) from Moncrieff to other parts of Canberra. The caller also had grandchildren attending a private school in Red Hill and at this stage they have to live with their grandparents in Sutton as there was no school bus from Moncrieff to their school. The caller requested more bus services from Moncrieff to schools and other parts of Canberra.
Response: The Chief Minister said that he will look into it and also ask the Government to speak to the private school in Red Hill and discuss bus services to and from Moncrieff. The Chief Minister advised that there would not be a single bus direct to the school from Moncrieff but that as the suburb is completed and more people move in, additional services are provided as a result of increase in population.
OUTCOME: An officer from Public Transport contacted the caller and acknowledged the feedback. The caller confirmed that it was bus services in general that are not available from Moncrieff - not just school services. The caller noted that the new school term begins at the end of January and students will be looking for transport to Gungahlin and beyond. The caller recommended extending a bus service to the area before school commences in 2017. The officer from Public Transport advised that the feedback was noted and that services to the suburb were planned for the future. Currently there is no date set for the introduction of new or extended bus services.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller was frustrated with the state of the footpaths in Narrabundah around Kootara Crescent, St. Clare’s College and the shops. The caller’s wife now relies on a walker, and due to the increase in tree roots and poor condition of the footpaths, she finds it very difficult to walk on the paths. The caller has also written about this some time ago.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that this issue is pertinent in older suburbs, where the infrastructure is up to 100 years old. There is an extensive program to upgrade infrastructure in these suburbs and during the election the Government committed to provide additional funding for age friendly suburb programs that will address the issues that the caller raised. TCCS will have a look at it.
OUTCOME: An inspection was undertaken prior to ringing the caller, sections of the footpath in need of repair were identified and works were scheduled. An officer from Roads ACT contacted the caller on 17 November 2016 and discussed his concerns. The caller was advised that repair work to remove the trip hazards is scheduled to be complete by next week. Replacement of the damaged sections of path is scheduled to be complete by the end of May 2017.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue:
1. The caller is frustrated with the grass in the Belconnen area that appears to be out of control. The caller is concerned that the mowing is not being done fast enough and questioned why surge capacity has not been built in to handle growth at this time of year. The caller believed that her area has only had one mow this season.
2. NCA has done a great job in removing the roundabout at Russell. The median strip is now a disgrace and is full of weeds, can we please do something about it.
Response:
1. The Chief Minister said that wet weather has put a delay on a number of our mowing programs, TCCS are aware of the long grass and surge capacity has been put in place to deal with this. With warmer and dryer weather the Government is putting teams out to catch up on back log. Details on mowing schedule are on TCCS website.
2. The Chief Minister advised that this area falls under the responsibility of the National Capital Authority – they will need to undertake the maintenance. We will raise that with them.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and asked for details of the location. The caller was advised that the information will be passed onto the NCA Estate Manager. TCCS has contacted the NCA and discussed the issue, the NCA confirmed that it would attend to the issue, weather permitting.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller was concerned about the Gowrie Shopping centre pram ramp as it is in poor condition and very badly eroded. The caller is in her 90s finds it difficult to go up the ramp.
Response: The Chief Minister said that the Government has a program in place for age friendly suburbs and that he will get the team to have a look at the ramp.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and discussed the ramp. TCCS advised that it will be inspecting the ramp to see what repairs are required and arrange for works to be completed before the end of the month. TCCS will follow up with the caller once the works have been completed.
Directorate: TCCS/ EPSDD
Issue: The caller queried the location of the light rail terminus in Gungahlin and what implications this will have for park and ride. The caller also asked whether the Government had plans to extend a stage “1a” to suburbs like Jacka and Moncrieff to encourage more local users and also encourage people coming in to the ACT from Murrumbateman and Yass, which could in turn take pressure off the Barton Hwy.
Response: The Chief Minister explained that the connections to Stage 1 of light rail and park and ride are on agenda for further discussion and that more options will be made very clear to the public as we move closer to the first services commencing once construction has finished. With regard o further stages, the Chief Minister confirmed that the priority for Stage 2 is a continuation of the line south through the CBD, across Commonwealth Avenue bridge, into the Parliamentary Triangle and on to Woden. In time there will be a debate about where the next stage should go and the Chief Minister encouraged the caller and the rest of the community to be a part of the debate. There will be people in Belconnen and Tuggeranong who will wish to be part of future light rail extensions and these issues will be considered in year ahead.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller is frustrated at the state of the amenities (like public toilets) at Kambah Woolshed. It is a part of Kambah history and people utilise the area a lot. Please build something that is vandal proof that can be protected. The caller has spoken to the Chief Minister about this issue six months ago.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that the Government will look into this again.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and informed him that TCCS are planning to replace the toilets at the Kambah Woolshed with one new unisex wheelchair compliant toilet. Construction will start by March 2017 and end in May 2017.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller lives in Kaleen and is concerned about an uncovered manhole that has been uncovered for at least six months. Canberra Connect sent someone to have a look at the manhole and put an orange guard around it which has since fallen down. The caller was advised by Canberra Connect that the manhole was owned by TransACT, but when caller contacted TransACT she ended up speaking to someone in New Zealand from iiNet. The manhole is at the bottom of Rubicon Street.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that the Government will follow up with iiNet (provider) who is responsible for maintenance of their assets.
OUTCOME: TCCS has advised that the manhole is most likely owned by Telstra. Roads ACT has installed a barrier around the manhole for safety reasons, and has logged several jobs with Telstra to fix the manhole. To date Telstra has not completed an inspection. An officer from Roads ACT has spoken to the caller and has provided contact details for future follow up.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller queried how long it is going to take to get a pothole at the entrance to the rear carpark at old Hackett Primary School fixed. The pothole has been there for a long time and many requests have been made to get it fixed.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that he will follow up with Roads ACT.
OUTCOME: Roads ACT contacted the caller to advise her that the pothole was filled during the week following talkback.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller advised that he has not had street lighting on his street (Manheim Street end of Lee Steere Crescent, near Summerlands) in Kambah since 17 October. The caller contacted Access Canberra on 18 October and on 7 November and still not heard anything back.
Response: The Chief Minister suspects that this could be a cabling fault and will get someone to look into it.
OUTCOME: The street light cable fault was repaired on Saturday 12 November 2016. TCCS contacted the caller who confirmed that the lights were working.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller advised that on 2 September 2016 he submitted a request through Fix My Street requesting someone look at poor drainage and engineering of his street in Greenway. On the same day he received a response advising that the request would be investigated and if he was unhappy with resolution he could re-open the request in 60 days. As far as the caller is aware, nothing has happened.
Response: The Chief Minister said that without knowing the full details or the scope of the problem, it can sometimes take a while to fix problems. The Chief Minister also said that timing and expense factors may be contributing to the delayed response and that TCCS will look into it.
OUTCOME: An officer from Roads ACT contacted the caller on 17 November 2016 and discussed his concern. A site meeting has been organised to understand the issue in more details. Following the site meeting, remediation works will be planned.
Calls not answered on air but followed up
Directorate: JACS - ESA
Issue: House burnt out by arsonists in Monash, followed up with emails – grass is long
OUTCOME: ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) contacted the caller on Tuesday 15 November and the caller confirmed that she had called on behalf of her mother, who lives next door to the premises. The caller was concerned that the building is still derelict after a fire some months ago, that children had been accessing the site, and that grass growth represents a fire hazard. ACTF&R officers conducted an inspection of the site on Wednesday 16 November. Following the inspection ACTF&R contacted the maintenance section of Housing ACT and logged an urgent job to cut the grass and secure the site. ACTF&R then telephoned the caller back and reported what had been done and indicated that ACTF&R would reinspect the site next week. The caller was also provided with the inspecting officer’s telephone number in case there were any further issues.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Tea Gardens in Gungahlin, lights flicking on and off
OUTCOME: Roads ACT officer contacted the caller and advised that a new LED light fitting was installed on 17 November 2016.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Complaint for Fair Trading and Canberra Airport
OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller on 17 November 2016 and the caller advised that they had left a voicemail message on the Advice & Complaint hotline a few weeks ago (could not recall date or time) requesting a call back in relation to an issue with a recent purchase. The caller also advised that they had not received any response to the message they left. Access Canberra apologised to the caller and advised that the process would normally result in a return call within 24 hours. Access Canberra asked the caller if they needed further advice or assistance with the purchase, but the caller advised that the retailer had since satisfactorily remedied the matter. The caller advised that they did not want to make a complaint, but wanted to provide feedback as they was very disappointed that no one had responded to their message. Access Canberra told the caller that it will look further into the matter to ensure that the system is working and thanked the caller for providing the feedback.
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: I feel Access Canberra (Canberra Connect) should be more diligent in responding to matters submitted to them. I have received no substantive response as far as I am aware on matters raised on 8/9/2015 (re: a community notice board at the Torrens shops) and 19/7/2015f about trees on the edge of Chifley Oval.
Response: The Chief Minister was surprised to hear the caller’s complaint. He knows that the volume of calls to Canberra Connect are in the tens of thousands each month, but Access Canberra have an excellent system for tracking, monitoring and reporting what people contact them on. No system is 100 per cent perfect all the time but we will take it onboard.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and advised that the trees on the edge on Chifley Oval will be pruned over the next couple of weeks and that the notice board at the Torrens shops had previously been attached to the shop building wall but was in a degraded state. The caller was advised that TCCS removed the board as part of the maintenance program delivered to the shopping centres and should there be the demand from the community to have a notice board installed, TCCS will add the installation to possible commitments.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Just question? Why is Bunnings at Greenway allowed to let their rubbish from their delivery area to blow all over the road. It is a mess at the back of the building. I had to help a lady with a pram from being caught up in a huge piece of plastic. Builder
OUTCOME: TCCS attempted to contact the caller without success. A city ranger inspected the site and the issue appears to be due to delivery trucks unloading near the rear dock and prior to moving into the site, items and packaging may blow around in windy conditions. The footpath along Oakden street was clear and litter free at the time of inspection.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: The number of interstate registered cars in ACT. Is this a possible revenue raiser. I worked with more than one public service colleague who have lived here for many years and their cars are
OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller on 18 November 2016. The caller explained that it was really a ‘tongue in cheek’ text as they had been noticing a lot of interstate vehicles parked in the suburbs for many months. The caller explained that they were a little annoyed because when they were living in WA and had NSW plates they were pulled over by police and told to change them over. Access Canberra explained that generally the ACT Government was not able to act in this regard as the vehicles are not under its jurisdiction and it would not have access to information in regards to how long they had been residents in the ACT. Access Canberra explained that the legislation states that it must not register a vehicle unless it is garaged in the ACT and assumed other jurisdictions would have similar legislation.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: Given the number of vehicles on the road with bald tyres, smoky exhausts and questionable brakes, as well as the complete lack of roadside vehicle checkpoints, is it not time to introduce mandatory annual rego checks for vehicles over 3 years old?
OUTCOME: An contact officer from JACS spoke to caller and explained the rationale for not undertaking periodic inspections on light vehicles. The officer explained the random inspection arrangements currently in place and the resulting reduction in rates of issuing defect notices since inception of random on-road and car park inspections.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Minister: what is the policy on all the road embankments and shrubberies, where tan bark is becoming wild grass - are they maintained?
Response: The Chief Minister agreed that there is a program around weed eradication, however our significant amount of rain has lead to an unusually high rate of growth which is proving to be challenging. We are aware of it and working to address issues.
OUTCOME: A TCCS Officer contacted the caller and advised that due to an increase in rain over the past months, TCCS is mowing more and the weed spraying that had been done over winter is being washed away.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Chief Min - where is the incentive for people to use kerbside recycling system correctly, when the recycling truck will pick up bins flowing with plastic!
OUTCOME: ACT Nowaste has attempted to contact the caller numerous times, but has not been successful.
Directorate: CSD
Issue: Why is ACT health telling me I have to be in NDIS to get orthotics – but if I go NDIS I lose my mobility allowance?
OUTCOME: An officer from the ACT NDIS Taskforce contacted the caller on 17 November 2016. The officer explained that the Health Directorate was writing to the caller because the ACT Government requires users of disability services to be tested for NDIS eligibility as the Territory’s funding for these services has transferred to the NDIS. The officer also explained that the NDIS is intended to ensure all people are able to get all their disability needs met, which was not the case under the previous system. The officer confirmed that it was correct that if the caller was eligible and became an NDIS participant, the Commonwealth Mobility Allowance will cease as the NDIS is intended to cover the disability related transport needs of its participants. The caller was advised that once they go through the NDIS Access Request Form process, an orthotics appointment could still be booked with the ACT Government in-kind health service and the ACT Government services should continue until eligibility is confirmed either way.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: There is another open manhole with yellow guard on the corner of Broadsmith street and Levien street in Scullin - it's been that way for 5 Years!
Response: The Chief Minister advised that TCCS will look into it.
OUTCOME: Roads ACT officer contacted the caller and informed them that the area has been made safe and that they have advised Telstra of the issue, as this manhole is a Telstra asset. The officer provided the caller with a number to contact if the manhole becomes unsafe again.
Directorate: Health
Issue: Genevieve, beyond grass clippings, lawns and toilets; would you mind asking Mr Barr how much long term supported accommodation - other than hospitals - is available for people with chronic mental health issues.
Response: One of the commitments of this term of government is to look into this and find possible solutions and investment opportunities to support these people.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Good morning our street was resealed on Tuesday and it's a pretty bad job. It's still Uneven, lumpy sticky, spongy. Our families play basketball, cricket and games in the cul de sac. Could someone come and look at it?
OUTCOME: Roads ACT contacted the caller and identified the street in question. A Roads ACT officer visited the site, inspected the work and established that the reseal is satisfactory, but that further sweeping is required.
Directorate: CMTEDD – Policy and Cabinet
Issue: I missed the local news yesterday due to bigger news, did the chief minister get the funding he was seeking from his meeting with prime minister Turnbull?
OUTCOME: An officer from the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate phoned the caller on 17 November 2016 and left a voice message advising that no money had been provided by the Commonwealth but that the Chief Minister was seeking funds through a City Deal/Smart Cities process. The officer left a contact phone number for the caller should they wish to further discuss the issue.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Why is grass left in the gutters after mowing is done in Tuggeranong? Surely the grass gets into the waterways and contributes to blue/green algae??? Residents are not allowed to do this!
Response: The Chief Minister advised that this is a difficult issue to handle, but we will speak with the drivers and try to lessen the accumulation of grass in the drains and gutters after mowing.
OUTCOME: TCCS attempted to contact the caller, but was unsuccessful, and left a voice mail message with contact details. TCCS has advised that grass is blown from gutters after mowing and that it can take approximately two weeks after mowing to be cleaned (dependent on the extent/length of gutters).
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Good morning Chief Minister. On the weekend we were driving along Kuringa Drive towards the Barton Highway. Traffic coming in the other direction was banked up about half a kilometre behind three bikes, one pulling a baby carrier. A bike lane is desperately needed before a serious accident occurred.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that as a part of the Government’s commitment around active transport it has expanded its budget for additional pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The Chief Minister said that we will look into infrastructure options in that area.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: From Catherine_ can the CM explain his vision for a Canberra that will never again be a provincial country town- and how he hopes to achieve that through all the beautification and removal of all the wild areas - without destroying our unique city in the
OUTCOME: An Officer from the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate contacted the caller to discuss her concerns. The officer articulated the Chief Minister’s Statement of Ambition and the four Directions of Travel, the Minister for Planning and Land Management’s Statement of Planning Intent and the Your Say webpage. The officer highlighted the linkages to the available forums for people to contribute their views and ideas to the future of Canberra. An offer to send hard copies of these documents was not taken up.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Hi Genevieve, could you ask the chief minister if he could get his roads team to look at Sulwood Drive, Kambah where there is an urgent need for a roundabout and parking area at the intersection of Mannheim St and a dedicated bike path within the verge and not on the road where the current bike lane is 600m wide
Response: The Chief Minister said that TCCS will look into options in that area.
Directorate: Treasury
Issue: Can the chief minister disclose what concessions will be available to those on low incomes in view of the back door taxes being to our rates?
Response: The Chief Minister advised that there are a range of programs from full deferral of rates to concessions. The ACT Revenue Office website will outline the full range of concessions. Canberra has supported tax reform for 2 elections.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: 1 of 2 public toilets at Yerrabi Picnic area has been closed for more than 6 months.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that there were some issues with vandalism and that repairs are underway. He also said that TCCS will look into it and open the toilets as soon as possible.
OUTCOME: A TCCS officer contacted the caller and advised that the repairs are expected to commence in a few weeks. TCCS will continue to monitor the situation and will provide portaloos if required.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Does the Chief Minister still consider providing free bus travel to seniors in off peak period?-
Response: The Chief Minister confirmed that this was one of the Government’s commitments during the election and that it will go ahead.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: Mr Barr. What is your government’s policy on Canberra’s historic buildings and sites. Such as the homesteads like hill station in disrepair in Hume or wells station homesteads I've noticed on the Northbourne Canberra’s beautiful entrance with its tree that the new buildings on Wells station road are ugly boxes, does [text cut off]
Response: The Chief Minister advised that there is a Heritage Council and a Heritage Act to provide guidance and oversight on building and development. In relation to look of new buildings that is highly subjective and it is difficult for government to regulate for people’s taste when it comes to building. However, there are various requirements in place in relation to height, set back, private and public open space building materials, safety, fire management etc. The Chief Minister also stated that things like colour and design are more in the hands of the private owner/developer and are highly subjective.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Retirement village residents bordering Isabella drive now number more than 500 people between Goodwin Village Monash and Isabella Gardens; but there is nowhere safe and pleasant to take a daily constitutional despite the lovely surrounds due to no paths. All that is needed is a path to go around either or both of lakes and connecting to villages.
Response: The Chief Minister confirmed that the Government will have a look into this as part of future works program.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller 17 November 2016. The caller was speaking on behalf of her father, who is a resident at Isabella Gardens. The caller was informed of the improvement of the surrounding path network at Monash as part of the 2016/17 Age Friendly Suburbs program. This included improved access from Goodwin Village to shops. The resident further clarified that the request also included improved access to Calwell Shops, Isabella Pond and the pond south of Isabella Pond. Further investigations will be undertaken on these specific requests and the caller and her father will be contacted in relation to the outcomes of the investigations.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Chief Minister: could you please investigate the plethora of road signs on the Barton Highway as you enter the ACT. It's bewildering and a real eyesore at the entrance to the national capital. Even one
Response: The Chief Minister agreed to look into this, too much signage is a problem and when you get to border crossings there tend to be signs on the NSW side saying farewell and a range of welcome signs from the ACT. There is a balance to strike, some people want that information but it needs to be as uncluttered as possible.
OUTCOME: Roads ACT contacted the caller and advised that it will undertake revision of all signs along this corridor.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Is it too late for light rail to be constructed with in-ground power rather than ugly overhead wires? Plenty of technology exists for this.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that the expense and logistical cost is high to have in-ground cabling for the entire line. However, there are sections that will need to have this – especially in NCA areas. There are options to minimise this and it can be seen in other cities where light rail has been developed in more recent times. The overhead lines will be nothing like people can see in Melbourne.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and discussed his query. TCCS advised the caller that the wire free option is less optimal as it takes away competitive tension and ties the ACT to potentially one provider. The caller was also advised that wire free systems present fewer options for future stages in relation to light rail vehicles.
Directorate: EDD
Issue: Can the Chief Minister tell us about the impressive new slip way for Lake BG - what vessels will be make use of it and when will it be commissioned?
OUTCOME: An officer from the Land Development Agency contacted the caller and advised that under the Commonwealth and Territory Governments’ transfer of national land between Kingston Foreshore and Acton Peninsula, the Territory agreed to maintain the working harbour facilities for Lake Burley Griffin. This resulted in a requirement for a slipway facility to allow all authorised commercial boat operators to remove their boats from the water and carry out essential inspections and maintenance works as required (for example, the mandatory inspections required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority). The caller was advised that the construction of the new slipway was completed, and commissioned, in May 2016, and has been trialled by the MV Southern Cross. Further, it is now owned and managed by ACT Property Group. The caller asked if it was also available for use by the Police. The officer confirmed that the slipway can be used by the Water Police, if required.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Rather than park and ride, how about mini buses to the interchanges/ priority routes. Many of us can't drive.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller who advised that she has a medical condition that makes it difficult to drive. She also described some of the journeys she needs to take, which often involves taking multiple buses. The TCCS officer spoke to the caller about how this is an idea that is currently being considered and also advised that the Government has previously looked into utilising taxis and buses to deliver more integrated and flexible travel options for people. The TCCS officer directed the caller to “Mobility as a Service” for more information on the way that public transport is changing in other countries.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Hi Chief Minister, what about the areas that need more of a traditional lawnmower to get the grass down around posts etc?
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and advised that TCCS mow up to 150mm from obstacles using ride on mowers, have a spray program in place to treat vegetation around obstacles and also use brush cutters to access difficult areas. The TCCS officer also advised that lifting of trees as part of the winter maintenance program is also undertaken to improve mower access.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The potholes at the entrance to the Southlands Tennis Club off Heard Street, Mawson also require attention. They have been raised with authorities.
OUTCOME: A Roads ACT officer contacted the caller and advised that the potholes were to be filled during the following week.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: When will the Kambah shops rejuvenation get underway?
Response: The Chief Minister advised that this was an election commitment and that the Government will be looking to implement the plan shortly.