Posted on 24/06/2016
Calls received on air
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller raised concerns about rubbish in Coranderrk pond and along Parkes Way, stating this rubbish continues all the way along Parkes way, and past the airport, and there are dead kangaroos not removed along the road. Can someone please take a look and sort this out?
Response: Minister Fitzharris said there is new funding in the budget for landscaping the major route into Canberra and the airport in anticipation of international flights. A TAMS Officer will get sent out today to look. If there is rubbish and dead kangaroos, we will have them removed.
OUTCOME: Contact was made with the caller who confirmed that the area of concern was in the NCA managed section of Parkes Way. TAMS has passed on the constituent’s concerns to the NCA for action.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller was concerned about the lack of lighting at the end of Anthill street coming out of Hackett and Watson, going towards the Federal Highway. It is a 60-80km/h speed zone with no street lights and a bad zone for hitting kangaroos. The caller often sees a number of incidents involving kangaroos being hit along there. This has been more problematic since the further development at the end of Watson.
Response: The Minister thanked the caller for raising the issue and reminded all drivers to be mindful of kangaroos when driving at night. The Minister said TAMS and ActewAGL could have a look at whether street lights might be an option in the area.
OUTCOME: An officer of TAMS contacted the caller and advised that the area that is referred to is mid-block. The caller was advised that TAMS would assess the area and add it to the database for future upgrade funding.
Directorate: 1) TAMS 2) JACS
Issue: 1) The caller asked about the recycling ads on TV and wanted to know if this was instigated by the ACT Government? The caller asked if the ads could be removed as the character and the content is an insult to his intelligence. 2) The caller heard that the point-to-point speed cameras along Athllon Drive are to be decommissioned and wanted to know when this was occurring. He said that they are pointless and he often drives through the suburbs to avoid them.
Response: 1) Minister Fitzharris said that the recycling ads are funded through a levy in the waste industry that goes to recycling education campaigns. They will be reviewing the ads to see if they have been effective when the campaign is completed, and one of the points they look at is to see if it has got people talking.
2) The Minister confirmed that the point-to-point cameras on Athllon Drive are being decommissioned and someone would get in touch with the caller to confirm a date of removal.
OUTCOME: 1) NOWaste’s Manager for Education and Industry Development contacted the caller on 30 June to discuss the Ricky Starr recycling campaign. The caller was thanked for his feedback and it was acknowledged that the Ricky Starr character has generated both positive and negative feedback in the community. The campaign has certainly created conversation in the community and put recycling back on the agenda, which was one of its primary aims. Market research has indicated that attitudes and understanding about recycling have reduced since the 1980s, so this advertising campaign was based around the theme “get re-psyched about recycling” and involved the use of retro styling. Both television and radio advertising finished on 30 June and the campaign will be evaluated during July/August 2016. Community feedback, along with information and waste data such as recycling rates in the ACT will form an important part of this assessment.
2) The action officer informed the caller that the combination of a feasibility study into the possible sites and costs of relocation of the point to point, as well as the construction of the park and ride facility by TAMS, meant that there was no date yet to confirm the decommission of the point to point on Athllon Drive. The action officer indicated there would be further information closer to the end of this year.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: The caller complained of bike riders not being visible on these darker winter nights, and riding without lights or high visibility clothing. The caller asked if there is anything that can be done to make them wear high visibility clothing as it is really hard to see them.
Response: Minister Fitzharris confirmed bike riders are required to have lights on their bikes, and for their own safety they should consider wearing high visibility clothing. Cycling community groups like Pedal Power are focussed on communicating to members to keep safe on roads. The Minister said she would see what can be done to remind cyclists to keep safe on the roads and remain visible.
OUTCOME: The ACT Government recently produced a brochure on “Sharing the Road”, which provides useful information for cyclists and motorists that was distributed via rego renewals and in some bike shops and cafes throughout ACT. The brochure includes a “code of conduct” for cyclists reminding them of their obligation to use lights in low light and at night, including a rear light, which must be clearly visible from 200metres. Although the road rules do not oblige cyclists to wear high visibility clothing, information on the JACS Road Safety page suggests cyclists wear reflective clothing at night. Information is available at: http://www.justice.act.gov.au/page/view/3072/title/bicycle-safety
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller is a long term resident of Duffy, which was severely affected by the bushfires. The caller understood that in the aftermath of the fires there were other priorities, but now was wondering if and when the Duffy shops will be refurbished and modernised? The caller noted that other areas of Weston Creek have had their shops renovated, such as Chapman and Holder. The caller noted Duffy looks very tired and sad. The caller also asked whether the community would be consulted during any design phase, as that would be really highly valued.
Response: Minister Fitzharris said the Government has done a lot with that area, such as looking at Rivett and major upgrades to Cooleman Court. The budget has funded more shopping centre upgrades and the Government is looking at best way to do that. The Government will be looking at the needs of community, and will engage with owners and tenants to look at having a co-investment model. The Minister confirmed the Government does extensive community consultation and shop owner consultation, as they did for example in other areas such as the recent upgrades at Cook and Kambah shops.
OUTCOME: An officer contacted the caller and discussed the soon to be completed reassessment of priorities for shop upgrades. The caller’s contact information will be kept on file for future reference for consultations if and when Duffy shops are identified as a priority.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller and her family are residents of Wanniassa, they are big walkers and cyclists, and are surprised there is no overpass across Sulwood Drive near Athllon Drive. This whole area is separated from getting into inner Canberra. The caller would like safe access for children, with nearby schools. There has been some work to increase safety, and there are footpaths on both sides of the road, but even as an adult she still doesn’t feel safe crossing there on foot.
Response: The Minister said overpasses on busy roads are one option, but the actual usage of the road may not justify an overpass. The Minister noted there might be other ways to encourage active travel in that area, as the Government is keen to encourage people to walk and cycle. An overpass is an expensive option but there are other options the Government can look at.
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted on 30 June to confirm that they were requesting improved access to cross Sulwood Drive near Athllon Drive. The caller was informed that similar work had been done at Drakeford Drive in the recent past and works had cost millions of dollars. In addition, the major difference at this location was that there were no nearby key destination drivers, such as a school that would warrant the expenditure. The crossing was strategically high value and due to the costs and competing priorities was not considered for changes in the current plans.
Directorate: EPD
Issue: The caller’s family lives in Giralang and the caller is frustrated there have been no shops there for 10 years. All new suburbs in that area are getting shops and there have been various legal actions going on for some time, and the caller understands Woolworths started building but was stopped for legal reasons. The caller feels it is time for the ACT Government to step in, and let Giralang have some shops.
Response: The Minister shared the caller’s frustrations and acknowledged the Giralang shops issue has been going on for some time. However, the ACT Government is not a party to any of the court proceedings, which are between private parties. The Government cannot overrule the courts, but is encouraging all parties to keep negotiating so the issue can be resolved as soon as possible with the best outcome for the community.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller loves Richard Simmons in those recycling ads, thinks they are great, and her twin 10 year old boys also love the ads and have taken the message really well. The caller congratulated the Government for taking a different approach, even if they might get criticised for it, and felt the ads were reaching a different, younger audience.
Response: The Minister thanked the caller for the positive feedback.
Directorate: Access Canberra/Health/TAMS
Issue: The caller wanted to give some accolades. She texted a couple of weeks ago about illegal parking outside of schools and she received three responses from the appropriate departments and was happy about the follow up. The caller also praised the follow up she received some years ago for an issue with the Hospital. The caller has another accolade regarding a dead kangaroo in her front yard last Thursday. She rang the rangers Friday morning and it was gone Friday after work.
Response: The Minister thanked the caller for the positive feedback.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller asked about the installation of a school crossing at Kaleen Maribyrnong Primary. The caller said the ACT Roads people have been very helpful, but the upgrade was promised to be finished by the end of this month.
Response: The Minister confirmed her understanding that the project is still on track for the end of the month, although the few days of rain may have delayed some of the works. If it is not complete by the end of the month, it will be ready for the first week of term 3. The Minister confirmed the other good news is that there is funding for safer walking and riding to school, through a new program called Active Streets for Schools. Maribyrnong will be one of the schools to receive this program and it will work at improving road safety and the infrastructure around schools. There is also new funding for a schools coordinator for the first time to liaise with schools, staff and parents to improve all issues around transport and traffic near schools.
OUTCOME: The children’s crossing was provided on Alberga Street and all work including footpath connections was completed on 1 July 2016.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller wanted to follow up on road works along Ashley Drive. The work was supposed to have started in January to duplicate and extend the road. Nothing had happened by March so the caller contacted Ms Burch’s Office, and was told fences would go up shortly. The caller received another letter a month ago explaining about the further extension out to Johnson Drive. The caller said they have only just put posts up for the fences, even though it is now six months into the year. The caller wants to know when there will be some progress.
Response: The Minister said consultation indicated that people wanted a noise wall and pedestrian bridge installed first before major road construction began. Two different tenders for those works were done: the road construction tender has been completed, and the other component is the pedestrian bridge, which is almost done.
OUTCOME: The caller was provided with information about the duplication works which should be starting by the end of July 2016. The caller was also advised about signalisation of the intersections.
Directorate: EPD - Planning
Issue: The caller asked about availability of parking at the Tuggeranong over 55 centre. There is a limited amount of parking - only 13 spaces and 1 disability accessible space – and it is really inadequate for the number of people that attend the centre. Options include parking in the Tuggeranong Town Centre at the Hyperdome or pay parking across the road. The centre’s management did approach the government about getting extra spaces in the adjacent car park made available for them, but the request was knocked back. Can that request be reconsidered? The caller was concerned that many of the centre’s users had mobility issues and walking distances was difficult for them.
Response: The Minister said the Government could review that request and look into it.
OUTCOME: There is publicly available pay parking on the corner of Cowlishaw and Anketell Streets, which is a very short walk from the club. TAMS have recently improved the pedestrian access between the club and the car park. As parking in high demand locations such as the Tuggeranong Town Centre is in limited supply, it must be managed equitably on behalf all users and priority must be given to the provision of short stay and customer parking. The Government therefore does not support the issuing of specific permits or designated parking spaces for club members in the public car park as they do not provide equitable access for other members of the public. The Government will however take on board the caller’s feedback in planning for the Tuggeranong Town Centre.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller rang to say thank you for the African love grass in Kambah being cut following her call.
Response: The Minister thanked the caller for the feedback.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller rang about a Government street tree, quite a large eucalypt, that has been dropping limbs for 12 months. The caller has spoken to Access Canberra and logged jobs with them, they have told her that it would take about 6-12 months for someone to come and remove the tree. Yesterday a street tree about 10 houses down was removed by a TAMS team and contracted arborist. They then drove straight past the caller’s house and the caller is wondering when her tree will be dealt with. The caller said her job had been logged for 18 months without action.
Response: The Minister said that when there are safety concerns, trees are looked at very quickly, and that she would arrange for someone to contact the caller about her street tree.
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted on 30 June 2016 and concerns for the tree were discussed. The tree was inspected in February 2016 and programmed for general pruning and dead wood removal. The caller’s main concern was that contractors were seen working at nearby residences removing branches in street trees but did not visit the caller’s property to complete the pruning work as programmed. The contractors were removing the nearby tree as part of a dead tree removal program and were not aware of the programmed work scheduled for the caller’s tree. The contractors have been advised to include the caller’s tree in their program.
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Directorate: TAMS
Issue: signs removed because they were offensive
Response: The Minister said this was a regulatory issue and a responsibility of the directorate and one she would be loath to interfere with. One of the signs was removed and the other left.
OUTCOME: The relevant area of TAMS (Licensing and Compliance) have been advised of this message
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Are there plans to extend kangaroo fencing to other parts of the city?
Response: T he Minister said funding was received from the blackspot program. It’s a really long fence. The Government will see if it makes a difference and if so, may need to seek further funding for that purpose in future.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: kangaroo fencing is really ugly. Couldn’t it have been put further back from the road?
Response: The Minister said it is almost complete, but the Government could have a think about that it future areas, if needed and if the safety requirements are still met.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: how to address an illegal driveway in our street?
Response: The Minister said the caller should let us know off-air the address and if it is an unapproved driveway, then it shouldn’t be there.
OUTCOME: No follow up possible without the address.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: In America they have double demerits for speeding through road work signs, should we have something like that here?
Response: The Minister said road work signs are in place for the safety of the road workers who are working on that site, and for the safety of all drivers too. It is dangerous work, working on a busy road and we really do encourage people to obey the speed limits, they are there for a reason to keep people safe.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller is wondering whether the kangaroo fences are funded through Commonwealth blackspot funding?
Response: The Minister said yes that is a federally funded initiative.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller suggested perhaps the government should have employed a landscape architect to help with the placement of the kangaroo fence, with it being in such close proximity to the road there is concern for kangaroos being trapped and being so close to the road it would be quite unpleasant?
Response: The Minister said the location is quite a way back from the road in some places and quite close to the road in others, and said perhaps there are some landscape options the Government could look at on completion.
Directorate: Economic Development
Issue: The caller is wondering whether Brindabella Christian College has approached the government about getting control of Lyneham oval – can you assure the community that the oval will be kept for the community’s use?
Response: The Minister said she was not aware of any further approaches from the school. After community discussions, the Minister made it very clear last year about the action of that and no further approaches have occurred at this stage.
OUTCOME: At this time there has been no further approach by the Brindabella Christian College for a lease over the Lyneham Oval.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: The caller is concerned about the state of Old Wells Station Road near Exhibition Park. It’s in appalling condition and its really dangerous and there are large potholes after the recent rain. She has only ever seen minor patch works done on the road.
Response: The Minister said it was improved significantly a few years ago, but with the recent rain there has certainly been an impact to the roads. There is a major development of low cost accommodation underway and we want to make sure the road is safe for when more traffic goes onto that road.
OUTCOME: Through regular inspections and advice from the public, Well Station Road is monitored by Roads ACT and any significant safety concerns will be addressed. Pot holes will be repaired within three working days, and as necessary, asphalt patching may be used to remove hazards. Until such time as significant infrastructure is constructed in the area, any long term upgrades are not warranted.
Directorate: Health
Issue: Could the minister comment about the wait for child health clinic appointments in Gungahlin? I did receive a short response from the Minister last week about the 41 day wait which was not acceptable, with promises for a more formal response. I was speaking to a colleague and she told me the earliest appointment she can get is August. We need to care for our young families and embrace primary health care.
Response: The Minister said it does seem like a very long time. I have been talking to ACT Health about this and what I do know, for women that have newborns, they will always get a follow up call in a few days and they will always get a follow up visit and appointment within 7-10 days if they need it. They get a great service. The Minister had heard that recruitment for MACH nurses has been a challenge but the Government has been doing a significant amount of work to better this. As we are aware, there is a big delay in this. It is other subsequent contacts that the Government is working on fixing.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: The caller lives in a north Lyneham townhouse called Yowani Heights (7-11 McClintock St), and despite official letters and notes, residents continue to park on the nature strip, which the body corporate pays gardeners to maintain. What can we do about this?
Response: The Minister said we could encourage people to do the right thing. We do have enforcement activities we can target. The community are our eyes and ears, which helps the Government to direct its activities.
OUTCOME: Parking enforcement in residential areas is undertaken in accordance with the ACT Parking Framework which is focused on maintaining safety. The framework was developed around a risk and harm minimisation approach to enforcement which typically centres on blocked footpaths, pedestrian access and line of sight issues, some of which may include parking on nature strips. Access Canberra parking inspectors will attend and investigate the parking situation around the Yowani Heights Townhouse complex in Lyneham.
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Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Wondering if the minister could consider putting a couple of bus stops along Athllon Drive between Drakeford Drive in Tuggeranong and Torrens Primary school in Woden so that Wanniassa and Kambah residents can access a direct bus to Woden and Civic.
Response: The Minister confirmed the Government has funded a new park and ride facility at Wanniassa shops along the blue rapid route. This will help increase patronage.
Directorate: CSD
Issue: CHC Affordable housing scheme two storey townhouses in Lawson. This development does not meet guidelines for accessibility with stairs to negotiate. It restricts many families from living in these units especially if they are or have elderly and or disabled relatives. [text cut off]
Response: The Minister confirmed that all Government public housing in the ACT is fully accessible and the Government is currently building over 1000 new public housing properties. CHC is a not for profit organisation, they are quite different and quite unique and really filling a gap in the ACT housing market. The Minister said CHC take accessibility very seriously and over their whole portfolio of homes that they have to buy and to rent, the Minister was confident they have a good mix of accessible housing.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: Minister re the new $30 Family Safety Levy - can you say if this will be used to try new approaches to improve safety or just more ribbons, slogans & conversations? We know $3 million will be going to address the lack of coordination of al [text cut off]
Response: The Minister said the funding is not window dressing at all, this is a very new and significant initiative, providing funding for a range of frontline domestic violence services, particularly the domestic violence service and rape crisis centre, with new innovations in there. The funding also provides opportunities to move perpetrators of domestic violence out of homes and allow the victims and children to remain safe in their own home instead of having to go to a shelter. The Minister confirmed this is a really comprehensive program to tackle domestic violence.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: Hi. Megan do you charge a levy to builders or owners for house rebuilding damage to roads foot paths from heavy vehicles? Also difficult for residents and garbage pick up in narrow inner north streets.
Response: The Minister said builders are certainly obliged to fix damage on completion of their work. If they haven’t, the Government can follow up with them. The Minister asked the caller to let the Government know of specific examples.
OUTCOME: An officer from NoWaste contacted the caller on Wednesday 6 July 2016 and spoke to her about her concerns. The caller was concerned about damage being done to roads and footpaths as a result of the construction work being carried out O’Connor. In regards to the garbage pickup, the caller was highlighting that many residents park in front of their bins and this must frustrate the garbage truck drivers. The caller did not have any specific examples at this stage but would keep her eye out in future.
Directorate: TAMS
Issue: G'morning to you both ... Earlier this year I moved to Isabella Plains and am a daily dog walker. My circumstances mean I can only walk at night and I’m very concerned about the lack of working street lights. At least 12 around the local shops are totally dead, many are so weak they offer no assistance. My dog and I are getting sick of walking up and down Ellerston Ave. Appreciate some work to improve the situation.
OUTCOME: An officer from Roads ACT spoke to caller and advised that an assessment of the lighting in the area would be undertaken and that a report back to the caller would be made.
Directorate: JACS
Issue: ACT caravan rego costs are a cash grab! A 2900kg van costs in the order of $1378 and typically travels less than 150km/year on ACT roads. QLD fee is less than $200. Not very fair or reflection of impact on ACT roads, just our wallet!
OUTCOME: The action officer spoke with the caller and explained how the registration fees are set for caravans using different weight categories and that we are aware that they are higher in the ACT than other jurisdictions. The caller asked that the point be made that the caller and many other ACT caravan owners are not happy with the level of caravan registration fees, that the fees are not fair, and that many ACT owners are now registering their caravans in places like Queensland.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Please direct parking enforcers to Latham oval area during sport times. Cars being parked up the gutter under the trees in the nature park. Trees will eventually die.
OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller and discussed the issue of vehicles parked on the nature strip. The caller was advised that given this issue is outside Access Canberra parking inspectors’ jurisdiction, contact will be made with the city rangers to discuss corrective action. Access Canberra also advised that vehicles were legally able to park along the kerb as there are no parking restrictions in the location.