Posted on 22/05/2015
Calls received on air
Directorate: CMTEDD – ART
Issue: Manner of the release of the Mr Fluffy house names on 30 June - how will it be done? Would be good if there was a statement from the Chief Minister about rules for temporary access. There is also potential for looting and vandalism if there is publicity about houses being left vacant.
Response: The Chief Minister noted these were valid concerns and were being taken into account. The Chief Minister noted there was a real need to know for some people accessing the properties, as well as a large group of interested people, and so a compromise position had been reached to release the list on 30/6 to give time to respond to some of these other concerns.
OUTCOME: The Dangerous Substances Act 2004 was recently amended which requires a register to be kept of houses affected by loose fill asbestos insulation. The format this will take is subject to decision of Government. This register will be made public in the week commencing 29 June 2015. While to date the Taskforce and ACT Government has respected the privacy of homeowners and not published the list of addresses, the release needs to occur for the continued administration of the program, as well as to advise former homeowners, tenants and tradespeople of previous exposure from the affected properties. Homeowners have been advised since at least October 2014 that a publication of addresses is necessary and supports will be in place.
Vandalism, dumping of waste, looting and entry to the property or yard is strictly prohibited and could incur fines or prosecution.
Ensuring surrendered properties remain secure and safe is a key priority for the ACT Government. The lawns of each will be maintained to respect the streetscape. Utilities like gas, water and electricity will be switched off and some swimming pools will be drained and fenced.
ACT Government employees and contractors will regularly monitor vacant properties awaiting demolition with assistance from neighbours and the community.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: 1) Playground in Casey that needs all weather cover. 2) The caller also asked about the government’s policy for having bins in parks and near playgrounds.
Response: 1) The Chief Minister agreed to look into this suggestion. 2) The Chief Minister noted people were asked to take responsibility for taking their rubbish with them but that there was also a need for rubbish collection facilities, especially in high use areas.
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS spoke to the caller’s household and discovered that the issue at the playground was in fact regarding the bark softfall being compacted to such an extent that it does not drain sufficiently. The officer advised that this playground will be included on the program of works to have the bark remediated. The TAMS officer also explained the government’s policy on the placement of bins in high use parks. The caller was concerned about the type of visitors late at night and the rubbish they leave behind and concluded that they probably wouldn’t use a bin if there was one.
Directorate: Health
Issue: Day surgery at Canberra Hospital - long delays. Took three days to get admitted, people were lying on floors and in chairs. Could we please have a dedicated day surgery unit for things like broken bones?
Response: The Chief Minister apologised for the delays and acknowledged receipt of the caller’s letter, which he had discussed with the Minister for Health. The Chief Minister noted that Canberra Hospital was the major trauma hospital for the region, so there were a range of pressures on a day to day basis when large accidents occurred. The Chief Minister noted the need to work with NSW Government to make sure they were also investing resources in the region to create a network of health services.
OUTCOME: The Canberra Hospital is the major tertiary and trauma referral hospital for the ACT and surrounding NSW. This unfortunately means that there are times when urgent, emergency surgery takes precedence over less urgent cases. The triage system for emergency theatre at Canberra Hospital ensures that each patient is allocated a category determined by clinical need, ensuring that the serious and life or limb threatening cases are seen to as a priority. Canberra Hospital will be responding in further detail, directly to the caller.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Bowen Park Path between National Gallery of Australia and the Kingston foreshore - near the townhouses. The caller is in a mobility scooter and says it's too rough for her to drive on.
Response: The Chief Minister noted he had raised this issue with Minister Rattenbury and was hopeful of some good news on this issue soon, involving an upgrade of walking and cycling facilities.
OUTCOME: officer from TAMS spoke with the caller and advised that works are planned in this location subject to funding in the upcoming budget.
Directorate: 1) TAMS/EPD and 2) CMA
Issue: 1) Rubbish in drains, including leaves which need to be cleaned up before they get into waterways and affect water quality in the lakes. 2) In the 2012 election there was mention of network planning but no mention of total network cost. The caller said that extrapolating based on current cost estimates, the full network as set out in the Master Plan would cost $12 billion. The caller suggested there should be a referendum.
Response: 1) The Chief Minister said he would look at what could be done to increase street sweeping for leaves in the coming budget. A TAMS official also contacted the caller and explained that the ACT’s storm water network incorporates various pollution control systems to remove pollution from water before it flows into the Murrumbidgee River. Gross Pollutant Traps are the first water pollution control point in the storm water network. They prevent the flow of coarse sediment, trash and debris into waterways, water quality control ponds, and urban lakes. This maintains the appearance of these waterways and water bodies, assists with the maintenance of water quality, and ensures the health of downstream flora and fauna.
2) The Chief Minister noted the commitment to build light rail was extensively reported in the 2012 election. The Chief Minister noted the cost for stage 1 was $615m with a contingency that could take the cost up to $783m. The Chief Minister noted that the ACT was participating in the Commonwealth Government’s Asset Recycling Initiative that would provide $400m, with a Commonwealth bonus of $60m provided. The Chief Minister noted he never received queries about how the ACT could afford road projects, and noted how bad congestion would be if no investment in light rail infrastructure was made now. The Chief Minister noted majority public support for light rail, accepting that there was some opposition, but noting the need to invest now for a long term vision for transport in Canberra.
Directorate: EPD
Issue: Bought a new apartment in Braddon (IQ Apartments) and it has been ready since April, but he can’t move in yet. Last month he got the certificate of occupancy but is now waiting for government unit registration before he can settle, but no one can give him a date about when that might be. His current lease is running out, he thinks there’s too much red tape and he’s had to go through two government departments.
OUTCOME: The Senior Manager, Lease Administration, contacted the caller and explained that although the Certificate of Occupancy was issued on 4 April, the application for approval of the Units Plan was not lodged until 23 April. The official also explained that the Unit Titles Act requires a minimum term of 50 years for approval of a Units Plan. As there were only 33 years remaining on the Crown lease, the Lessee was required to apply for a further lease. The further lease was registered on 13 May and the Units Plan was approved on 18 May. A check of the Land Titles Register revealed that the Units Plan is not yet registered. This is the responsibility of the developer. The official gave the caller contact details for the developer to follow up on the expected date for registration.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Obscurity of street lights at Sternberg Cres and Ashley Drive in Wanniassa due to trees blocking it. This is identified as a black spot.
Response: The Chief Minister said TAMS would look into it. The Chief Minister noted that extra resources would hopefully be provided in the coming budget.
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller and discussed her concerns. It appears that there are Casuarinas growing on unleased land along the road verges of both Sternberg Crescent and Ashley Drive which require maintenance pruning and some thinning. The caller was advised the work has been programmed as part of the routine maintenance to be completed during winter 2015.
Directorate: CMA
Issue: Where will the light rail be up to by the next ACT election?
Response: The Chief Minister confirmed that construction would have started. The Chief Minister noted it would be part of an integrated transport solution and that bus services would increase in other parts of Canberra as part of a demand responsive system. The Chief Minister noted that there would be cancellation fees for ceasing construction once it had begun and that this would prejudice future infrastructure development from occurring in Canberra.
OUTCOME: 2016 will be an exciting time for the Capital Metro project. In the first half of 2016, a single private sector partner will be engaged to finance, design, construct and operate the Stage 1 of the light rail service from Gungahlin to the City. Construction is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2016 with services expected to commence in late 2019/early 2020.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: 1) Graffiti on Hindmarsh Drive is shocking. Can we ban spray cans or plant hedges along outside fences? 2) Blackberries need spraying on pathway near arboretum.
Response: 1) The Chief Minister agreed that banning spray cans could just see people buying them across the NSW border but the hedges can be an effective method for preventing graffiti. The Chief Minister also noted that official street art sites could help deter graffiti. 2) The Chief Minister said TAMS could look at this.
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller and discussed the blackberries along the Parkway that need to be sprayed. The officer explained that there is a weed removal program and that this area would be added to the program for spring 2015.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Telopea Park tennis courts - are they for private sale? Concerned about development of Manuka Oval.
Response: The Chief Minister noted that the tennis courts would be developed to meet increased childcare needs in the inner South, not for private gain, as the current site could not be expanded to meet demand and did not meet new national quality standards. In the Centenary of ANZAC, the Chief Minister noted the importance of a new site for the Services Club after 4 years. The Chief Minister also noted need for better facilities for Telopea School and development of Manuka Oval after 6 years of planning.
Not Answered but followed up
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: How much water from the Olympic pool is leaking now - has it been fixed?
OUTCOME: According to current water usage figures for the facility, approximately 44kL of water is being lost per day. The leaks at Canberra Olympic Pool have not been fixed at this stage. A decision on whether the leaks can and will be fixed will be informed by a report by leak detection experts. Further information will be made public once a decision has been made by the government.
Directorate: 1) TAMS and 2) CMA
Issue: 1) Weed control on ACT-NSW border. 2) Light rail - has mono rail been considered?
OUTCOME: 1) An officer from TAMS contacted the caller and discussed the weed control issues in the area. The caller’s concerns have been passed on Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) for investigation.
2) Further information is available on the Capital Metro Websiteabout other options that were investigated instead of light rail. In particular, the City to Gungahlin Transit Corridor: Concept Design Report outlines research undertaken about various transport modes.
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Could you please tell me why there are so many abandoned cars on our suburban roads? This appears to be an issue in 2015.
OUTCOME: City rangers have responsibility for the investigation and removal of vehicles that are unattended on public land. An officer from the City Rangers contacted the caller and encouraged them to report any vehicle of concern though Access Canberra or ‘Fix My Street’. The caller was aware of Fix My Street and had used it in the past and agreed to use it in the future to assist in notifying TAMS of abandoned vehicles. The officer explained the legislative process that rangers need to undertake before declaring a vehicle abandoned and eventual removal and also some other activities the rangers are responsible for across the Territory and the relationship with ACT Policing regarding abandoned vehicles.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Who is responsible for removing dead kangaroos from the side of the road particularly at weekends?
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller and discussed the collection of kangaroo carcasses. Carcasses reported on major roads such as Monaro Highway, Federal Highway, Majura road, Canberra Avenue, Gungahlin Drive and Tuggeranong Parkway as well as public places such as schools, ovals and shopping/town centres, are all programmed for removal within 24 hours. Carcasses reported outside of the above priority area are prioritised for removal within one week. The caller was provided with Access Canberra’s number and advised that she will make calls to them to report animal carcasses in the future.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: If we are serious about reducing traffic congestion, in the long term I think we need to think about a big upgrade to our bike paths, because already at peak-hour they are becoming quite congested.
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS spoke with the caller and advised that works are planned in this location subject to funding in the upcoming budget.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: If we are serious about reducing traffic congestion, in the long term I think we need to think about a big upgrade to our bike paths, because already at peak-hour they are becoming quite congested.
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS spoke with the caller and advised that works are planned in this location subject to funding in the upcoming budget.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: Gorman House Saturday Markets closing? Please explain? Thanks
OUTCOME: artsACT contacted caller and confirmed the end of the sub-licence for the Gorman House Markets. The future development of Gorman House is on artistic development and vibrancy as part of the government’s priorities on arts hubs. The capital works upgrades across a number of arts hubs including Gorman House are part of this priority and were not connected to the Markets. The Markets could relocate to other locations should they wish, including EPIC, Woolshed or Kingston. Caller was satisfied with the response and was looking forward to a new era for Gorman House.
Directorate: CMA
Issue: You can't extrapolate from the rail initial cost to the expanded network. The initial cost has high start-up costs that the rail extensions don't have.
OUTCOME: As the caller suggests, the cost associated with the future expansion of the Capital Metro light rail network is not relative to the cost per kilometre of Stage 1. The costs associated with infrastructure for light rail, where it did not previously exist, are greater in the first instance. For example, a depot will be constructed in Mitchell to house the light rail vehicles, and another depot will not need to be included in future stages of Capital Metro. A further example of this is the costs associated with movement or protection of utilities buried underground that may or may not be incurred in other parts of Canberra.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The track to Strathnairn, off Drake Brockman Drive, is so deeply pot-holed and corrugated that negotiation is axle-breaking and dangerous. It needs a longer lasting surface which doesn't crumble in a few weeks. Thank you.
OUTCOME: Roads ACT advised that this unsealed road was previously inspected and already in the program for maintenance grading in early June 2015.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: My issue is with lack of public toilet facilities at Dunlop shop/ponds/picnic/play area
Response: The Chief Minister agreed the government could investigate.
OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS contacted the caller to discuss the lack of public toilets in the Dunlop area. The caller was concerned that this causes elderly people and mums with small children to not go out and use the public open space for fear of being caught out with nowhere to go to the toilet. The caller was informed that her request has been noted and would be put on the list for consideration for future projects should funding become available. The officer also explained the TAMS policy on the placement of public toilets in public areas that are of high use such as larger shopping centres and town and district parks.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Could you please look at the street-lighting situation around Turner and O'Connor. Bulbs have needed replacing for some time, particularly around David Street. Pitch black at night. Unsafe for drivers and pedestrians.
OUTCOME: A TAMS officer advised that the lights were now working but that there was still one light out. The street light cable has been chewed by cockatoos which caused all of the lights in the area to malfunction. Roads ACT organised to have ActewAGL crews isolate one light which was affected by the fault and make all other lights operational. The repair of the faulty cable is scheduled to be completed by mid June.
Directorate: CMA
Issue: Could the Minister please explain "demand responsive" [this was mentioned in the context of light rail being part of a demand responsive transport network].
OUTCOME: An officer from the Capital Metro Agency contacted the caller and advised that ‘demand responsive’ in this context is for a system that changes over time to increasing demand in areas such as transport corridors. The officer advised the caller of the current procurement process and business case released by the Agency.
Directorate: Treasury
Issue: I am really concerned at this government’s history of budget blowouts on infrastructure projects: cotter dam, GDE etc. How are we going to fund the 400 million blackhole for this light rail...more rate increases?
OUTCOME: A Treasury officer contacted the caller and explained that, broadly, the ACT Government delivers its projects within budget. More information on light rail funding will be provided in the upcoming budget.
Directorate: Health
Issue: Melbourne has announced a smoking ban at City Square. But unlike most cities, we don't even have a smoking ban at Bus Stations. Why not?
OUTCOME: A Health official contacted the caller and advised that the Government is investigating options to expand smoke-free areas in the ACT. This includes looking at options for restricting smoking in and around bus interchanges. Further information is available in Future Directions for tobacco reduction in the ACT 2013-2016, which is available on the ACT Health website.