Posted on 20/02/2015
Calls received on air
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Hughes shops redevelopment proposed and consultation process followed. What progress has been made? Response: The Chief Minister advised that a forward design study was completed by April 2014 and that works upgrades would be considered as part of the next budget. The Chief Minister advised that partnerships at the local level with communities, businesses and upgrades to local shops were all part of the ACT Government’s urban renewal agenda, and that the Chief Minister was keen to continue collaborations like the ‘parties at the shops’ initiative from the centenary year. OUTCOME: Attempts to contact the caller were unsuccessful. Advice is as provided by the Chief Minister: The forward design study was completed by April 2014 and construction of the upgrade would be considered for funding as part of the next budget. TAMS will keep trying to call to advise the caller of the above. |
Directorate: Economic Development (Gaming and racing) Issue: Use of EFTPOS facilities in clubs to get around daily ATM withdrawal limits. How can we prevent this circumvention of the legislation to limit gambling addiction? Response: The Chief Minister confirmed that in clubs people were able to pay for other services such as food and beverages with EFTPOS and get cash out, and that the difference to ATM use was the human interaction required to complete the transaction. The Chief Minister noted that all club staff were trained in responsible gambling framework. OUTCOME: In addition to the comments made by the Chief Minister, the Minister for Racing and Gaming will consider the results of a report provided by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission before deciding whether changes are necessary to the current operation of EFTPOS facilities in venues. |
Directorate: EPD (Planning) Issue: If a business in a shopping centre goes out of business, then a lease variation should not be granted to redevelop the land into apartments etc, as the land is intended to be used to provide a service to residents of a suburb not to allow a developer to make a profit. The business owner should surrender the lease and allow another business to have a go. Response: The Chief Minister advised that he regularly heard from property developers on the other side of the argument who found the change of use lease variation process too difficult. The Chief Minister advised that some flexibility was necessary, and also discussed the idea of mixed use zoning, so that a site can be adapted to various purposes, but not allowing all commercial activity land to be turned over to residential etc. The Chief Minister undertook to raise the caller’s views with others who held the opposing view. OUTCOME: EPD contacted the caller on 26 February 2015 and explained that the Planning and Development Act 2007 permits a lessee to make an application to vary a Crown lease. The caller was concerned that when assessing a DA, we didn’t request a business plan which showed that the developer had the finances to complete the required development. The caller was also concerned that approved developments either were not constructed or were not completed within a reasonable period of time. The caller was particularly concerned about the former shopping centre in Aranda. The officer explained that the caller could make an application for a controlled activity order if he felt strongly about lack of compliance with a particular lease. The officer also discussed a number of specific sites in Jamison, but EPD could only provide general advice on both the Territory Plan and the Planning and Development Act, not advice on issues relating to specific sites for privacy reasons. The caller stated that he appreciated the call and better understood the process. However, the caller still thought that EPD should take responsibility for ensuring that developers had the financial capacity to complete approved developments. |
Directorate: TAMS (Roads ACT) Issue: Allara Street ramp. Roads ACT have conceded that the ramp will be wasted once the City to the Lake and Parkes Way redevelopment are underway. Why can’t we wait? There was no real consultation and residents were presented with no alternatives. Even when residents presented alternative options they were told the development would proceed no matter what. Response: The Chief Minister advised that a balancing process needs to occur, as there may be delays in achieving what is desirable for Parkes Way due to other budgetary pressures and that while the ACT Government would put a proposal forward to Infrastructure Australia a solution may still be some years away and there were issues in the meantime with access onto Constitution Ave and that this access point was important to the overall transport network in Canberra. The Chief Minister acknowledged the consultation process may have been lacking in this case, but that the government would work to make sure the next stage was better and to minimise the impact during the delivery stage. OUTCOME: The caller has been provided additional information in regards to this issue. The most recent being in mid February 2015 following a meeting between Forum Apartment representatives and Minister Gentleman’s office, which included Inner North Community Council chair and secretary as well as representatives from Roads ACT. The caller has been advised of the need for the connection in response to traffic issues generated by the Constitution Avenue Upgrade project. Roads ACT will continue to correspond with the caller and the other residents/owners of the Forum Apartments building to ensure their concerns are addressed as best as possible. |
Directorate: Access Canberra Issue: The caller is organising a ‘party at the shops’ at Hughes shops but has had trouble finding out about the Hughes shops development plans. ACTPLA won’t communicate with her as she is not a lessee. She is hoping to align dates for Hughes official birthday and therefore needs to know when development is scheduled to commence. Response: The Chief Minister advised Access Canberra would be able to liaise directly with the caller to remove any obstacles. OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller and confirmed that TAMS City Services is responsible for the local shop upgrade program with Hughes Shops identified on the scheduled list of future upgrades. Access Canberra have been informed by TAMS that there is no immediate plan for the upgrade to occur within the next couple of months and that the ‘party at the shops’ could be held in May to coincide with the shop birthday. Access Canberra also advised the caller that ACTPLA has confirmed that there are no open DAs scheduled at the Hughes shops for that time. |
Directorate: Asbestos Response Taskforce Issue: Are local contractors going to get work from the Mr Fluffy demolitions once they start, or will the government mostly bring in outside companies? Response: The Chief Minister advised that good engagement had occurred between government and local peak organisations MBA and HIA, that the government would undertake open tender processes, but that given the size of the task there will be significant opportunity for local industry. OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised that the works will be by open tender. He was also directed to Procurement and Capital works to seek his prequalification. The ACT Government will be seeking to engage the best contractors skilled in undertaking asbestos removal and demolition works. This will be through an open and transparent competitive tender process. The scale of works to be packaged to ensure competitiveness and adequate opportunities for smaller local companies. The Asbestos Response Taskforce has been working with local industry groups including the HIA and MBA around the works which the Buyback and Demolition Program will provide. It is important to note the program is a multi-year series of works and following demolition and remediation of the blocks there will be further opportunities for construction industry due to rebuilding on blocks. |
Directorate: Access Canberra and Economic Development-LDA Issue: Kingston parking suggestions as people are parking all day without getting booked. 1) The technology exists for parking inspectors to drive down streets, scan numberplates automatically and generate fines. 2) Why not install a parking station near the railway station at Cunningham Street? 3) Residents should get a resident permit as occurs in other areas of Canberra. Response: The Chief Minister thanked caller for practical suggestions and undertook to look into these options. The Chief Minister noted that resident permits do work in some areas of Canberra but did not address the issue of visitor access and would need to be looked at on a street by street basis. OUTCOME:The Manager of Parking Operations made contact with the caller and arranged for a further discussion with the caller in the next few weeks. The Master plan for Section 49 Kingston (future development area around the old Kingston Powerhouse) identifies a new structured carpark to replace the existing surface car parking and to service the broader Kingston Foreshore. There are currently no plans to install a parking station near the Kingston Railway station as this area forms part of the future Eastlake Development area which is currently in the preliminary planning phase. As part of this planning process, parking in the proximity of the railway station will be considered to address the needs of the current and proposed future development parking demands. |
Directorate: Treasury Issue: How land tax is levied. The balance needs to be readdressed between tenants in freestanding dwellings and tenants in multi-storey units, because older single dwelling housing stock in valuable inner city areas is bearing an unfair burden at present, beyond the capacity to pay. Response: The Chief Minister advised that under leasehold system many costs are tax deductible against the income earned on those properties, however the policy issue is that the tax share needs to be more equitable, so that a similar rental cost would lead to a similar land tax rate. OUTCOME: A Treasury official contacted the caller. Land tax is a general revenue measure that is used by the Government to help to fund a range of essential services to the ACT Community. Land tax is imposed under the Land Tax Act 2004. The marginal rates used to calculate land tax are determined under the Taxation Administration Act 1999. Generally, land tax applies to all residential properties that are rented. If you own a residential property that is rented, you are liable for land tax on that property. This also applies to boarding houses and multiple dwellings, including dual occupancies and granny flats that are rented. Rent can include cash, services or any other valuable consideration earned in respect of a property for which any form of tenancy arrangement exists. Residential properties owned by a trust or a corporation are also liable for land tax, even if they are not rented. Commercial properties are not subject to land tax since 1 July 2012. The Government introduced a new rating structure for land tax in the 2014-15 Budget. This structure comprises of a fixed charge component and lower marginal rating factors, in the calculation of land tax. This fixed charge of $900 will help to ensure equity within the land tax system and more appropriately spread the burden between houses (with generally higher AUVs) and units (with generally lower AUVs). |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Are you ever going to reopen the Molonglo waterskiing area? Response: The Chief Minister noted debris and sand were causing significant problems and that the cost of remediation was high. The Chief Minister noted that work was ongoing with EPA and that it was on the agenda but could not be reopened in the immediate future. OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and discussed that the area should be open to the public at their own risk. TAMS advised that the Environmental Protection Agency was responsible for the water quality and testing and have final approval on whether the area can be open or not. TAMS officer explained the reasons the area is closed and the effect that rainfall and submerged obstacles have on the use of the area. The caller was happy to have the discussion and was satisfied with the outcome. |
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Maintenance of nature reserves around Canberra. Is there a schedule? Are contractors used? Response: The Chief Minister confirmed that there was a schedule, as well as capacity to respond to particular issues as they arise through the use of contractors as well as TAMS capacity. OUTCOME: A TAMS officer attempted to contact the caller but was unsuccessful. Specific advice would be provided once the nature of the callers concerns were know. In general, TAMS use a combination of contractors and staff to undertake the works program in nature reserves around Canberra. Works include weed removal, rabbits and other pest animal control, kangaroo management and the maintenance of walking tracks, gates and fences. Further attempts will be made to contact the caller to discuss their specific concerns. |
Directorate: ETD Issue: I feel for Ms Burch and her family. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Please address the level of rubbish and litter along the sides of Long Gully Road. It is quite an eyesore. Response: The Chief Minister advised that a team would address the issue. OUTCOME: The caller was contacted on 3 March 2015 and advised that the litter on Long Gully has been picked. The process started on 20 February and was completed on 24 February. Mugga Lane was also litter picked and was completed on 25 February. The caller was also advised that any additional spills will be attended to as required. |
Directorate: ETD Issue: Why is someone awaiting sentencing for committing a serious crime allowed in our schools? Surely it’s more serious than an administrative error? Response: The Chief Minister advised that Menslink did have to pay a fine and that procedures would be tightened. The Chief Minister advised that a person can gain a restricted permit and that should have happened. OUTCOME: The Manager, Media and Communications, ETD contacted the caller. Please note ETD is reviewing its policy and procedures.
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Directorate: CMTEDD (Economic Development) Issue: What about the impact of the forecasted sale of ACT government buildings on the already depressed commercial real estate market in the ACT OUTCOME: Caller contacted and advised the majority of ACT Government owned buildings scheduled for sale within the next two years are within the Capital Metro Light Rail corridor. As part of the government’s commitment to a light rail network, a planning and design framework will be put in place to support increased residential density and urban renewal along the corridor. While there is likely to be some new commercial space in those sites close to proposed light rail stops, the majority of the redevelopment will be mixed use with a high proportion of residential use. The renewal that comes from the sale of these buildings is likely to have minimal impact on the wider commercial real estate and may in some instances be of benefit, particularly with the re-purposing of excess office space into residential uses. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Is there any program to control African lovegrass? It is seeding everywhere, all along the roads. How can we control it when seeds blow in from government land? Response: The Chief Minister advised that he understands there is a program to control it and he would try to provide an update on where it was up to. OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised that TAMS have a weed spraying program in conjunction with the mowing contract. Open grass areas are mown inwards from the border in an effort to stop the seeds blowing elsewhere. The caller was happy that someone called him but thinks that the government should be mowing more often to cut the African Lovegrass before it seeds. The caller was advised of the unusual weather over the summer period and the effect it has had on the mowing program. |
Directorate: Economic Development (gaming and racing) Issue: Clubs could have EFTPOS for other things and say no cash out but they choose not to. Response: The Chief Minister advised there was training for all staff around problem gambling. OUTCOME: In addition to the comments made by the Chief Minister, the Minister for Racing and Gaming will consider the results of a report provided by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission before deciding whether changes are necessary to the current operation of EFTPOS facilities in venues. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Need public toilets around Centrelink in Belconnen asap. OUTCOME: The caller was contacted on 3 March 2015 and advised the TAMS officer that he owns a coffee shop in the same building as the Centrelink office and would like the Centerlink customers to stop using his toilet. The caller was advised of the location of the library and that it has toilets that can be used by the public and also of the nearest outside public toilet was. The caller was also advised that the matter will be passed on to Centrelink to provide him with a response on what facilities they have available for their customers. |
Directorate: EPD (Planning) Issue: Whether a business, church or sporting club, the lease should have to be surrendered at market value for the existing purpose and then auctioned by government with new lease conditions. Why should private enterprises gain profit from that which rightly belongs to the community? Response: The Chief Minister advised that there was a lease variation charge that captures the difference in value for that change of use, so there was no windfall gain. The Chief Minister noted there had been a lot of debate about this charge and so he was pleased callers were raising their views as to why this charge was necessary. OUTCOME: An officer from EPD called the caller and explained the process for deconcessionalising a lease. They advised the caller of the changes to making an application which were the pre-consultation process. They also told the caller about the appeal rights for such applications provided they were not excluded under the Act. The caller thanked EPD for the comprehensive information and advised that he now understood the process better. |
Directorate: Economic Development (gaming and racing) Issue: When I had a gambling problem, I would have gone to the EFTPOS in sequence, get $200 from each. I suspect that is the issue. Response: OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: ETD Issue: What about Burch’s son? He’s had his name dragged through the mud...even though he’s trying to do the right thing. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: Economic Development (gaming and racing) Issue: In regard to EFTPOS at clubs. They are new machines that work the same as ATMs and spit out the money. No purchase required, no interaction with staff beyond can you flick the switch, which they do without even a blink. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Please visit Kambah Village and take note of blocked drains, bird droppings in huge amounts, spider webs, broken tiles, and generally a bad state of affairs. Many local people won’t shop there because of the way it looks. Response: The Chief Minister noted that an upgrade may be necessary but that this sort of endeavour required private sector involvement too, not just government. OUTCOME: The caller was contacted. There are blocked drains and the paving surface is poor. This will be referred to Roads ACT. TAMS spoke to the caller about the lease boundaries around shopping centres and that the government’s area of responsibility/authority generally stops at the awning. An inspection of the shops will occur to ensure TAMS land is maintained to the required standard. |
Directorate: JACS (LPP) Issue: How do you justify registration fees for caravans much higher than in all other states - up to 10 times higher. Grey nomads feel they are being ripped off. OUTCOME:An Officer from Road User Services contacted the caller. The caller stated that the ACT’s fees are not in line with Victoria. The Officer explained the ACT’s Caravan registration policy and the benefits of ACT’s system. (i.e. no stamp duty, the option of ‘short term’ registration and that the ACT does not impose continuous registration requirements on vehicles and with no penalty where a vehicle is reregister within 12 months of the expiry). It was explained to the caller the benefits of a robust registration system and how the ACT’s fees are in line with NSW and other states and that Victoria was an exception with all trailer registrations. The caller stated he was aware of poor/dangerous trailers being registered in Victoria, but as his registration fees were due the text message was sent only in frustration. The caller was grateful for the call and the explanation. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: It would be great if you reconsidered the length of parking time and increased it to 2 hours from 1 hour at the area around reconciliation place at Lake Burley Griffin. Very disappointing to see two young mums at their car having been booked. OUTCOME:An officer from TAMS contacted the caller and advised the parking area off Reconciliation Place near the National Portrait Gallery is controlled by the National Capital Authority (NCA). The officer advised the caller their request would be sent to the NCA for consideration, which has been done via email. The caller was happy with the feedback. |
Directorate: CSD Issue: Congratulations to the Chief Minister for identifying that Menslink has been very clear in their statement and yet some people refuse to believe them because they have a political agenda to push. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Why are there no public bins in Braddon? Sadly not everything is recyclable. OUTCOME:Attempts to contact the caller were unsuccessful. TAMS is currently seeking funding to install rubbish and recycling receptacles in Braddon in the 2015-16 Budget. |
Directorate: Economic Development (gaming and racing) Issue: We need to provide mandatory counselling for problem gamblers. Why can’t repeat visits be prevented if a four hour limit is imposed in the pokies area? OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised the following: The ACT Government makes available various resources to assist people who may be affected by problem gambling primarily through the www.problemgambling.act.gov.au website. Resources include self-help tools including risk assessments, exclusion from venues where gambling activities are conducted, access to various counselling services and information on problem gambling. In addition, the website provides information on the ACT Gambling Counselling and Support Service which is a free service offering confidential face-to-face, telephone and online counselling services for people with a gambling problem and/or to the family or friends of people with a gambling problem. This service is operated by Relationships Australia. Venue operators also have a requirement to appoint Gambling Contact Officers and ensure that all staff who are directly involved in providing or supervising gambling services have been trained in responsible gambling activities. |
Directorate: Economic Development (gaming and racing) Issue: There is a conflict of interest when these clubs contribute heavily to Labor party coffers. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: Economic Development (urban renewal/public housing renewal taskforce) Issue: If all the money from the sale of the Northbourne Flats is going to light rail, how are we paying for the new housing for those residents? OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and the funding process was outlined including the Asset Recycling initiative, Capital Metro and public housing renewal program. The caller appreciated the follow-up. |
Directorate: CMTEDD Issue: Please don’t be one of those pollies who has a dig at the other party any chance you get. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: Access Canberra Issue: The caller who wants us all booked in Kingston is un-Australian. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |
Directorate: Access Canberra Issue: I would love to organise a party at our shops at Latham, the only problem is that our shops were demolished and replaced with a large block of unattractive townhouses and a tiny convenience store with four car parks. OUTCOME: The Chief Minister has noted the caller’s message. |