Posted on 25/07/2017
Calls received on air
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller queried whether the current road works on Horse Park Drive will extend all the way to the Majura Parkway. The road works currently end 1.7km before the Majura Parkway and it often creates a traffic bottleneck.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that the road works will extend all the way from the Majura Parkway to Mulligans Flat Road and that TCCS will contact the caller to advise when the work will be completed.
OUTCOME: The caller was contacted by TCCS staff and advised that these works will be funded as part of the $57 million provided for the Horse Park Drive Duplication. The caller was also advised that the section between Anthony Rolfe and Mulligan’s Flat will commence shortly and the section between the Federal Highway/Majura Parkway and Wells Station Drive will commence late 2017 or early 2018.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller was interested in the rationale behind the decision to install traffic lights on the roundabout near Crace. To the caller it seems like a waste of money and has made the traffic worse.
Response: The Chief Minister explained that this was a very busy intersection and that the decision was based on advice from traffic engineers, who advised that traffic lights would be an effective means to manage the situation. This approach has been used in other cities around Australia and while it may take a while for some people to adjust, it will allow the roundabout to operate like an intersection and control the traffic flows that vary depending on the time of day.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller queried whether the Government should be progressing with Stage 2 light rail planning, without seeing how Stage 1 of the project plays out.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that the Government took a commitment to the 2016 election to commence Stage 2 of light rail and a commitment to the 2012 election to commence Stage 1. The Chief Minister further advised that there have now been two elections based around this question, and these have returned two conclusive results. While the Chief Minister appreciates that not everyone supports the Government’s direction, in this instance the Government is clear about what it is going to do, and it will do it.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller was interested to know if the Government will be installing traffic lights on Hindmarsh Drive between Eggleston Crescent and Launceston Street. The caller did not believe that an over-priced, over-engineered solution was necessary and did not want to feel trapped in their own suburb due to traffic lights.
Response: The Chief Minister explained that the Government has received dozens of requests over the past few years to address the issues associated with this intersection and while he appreciated the callers common-sense approach to this problem, the work has commenced and the traffic lights will be installed.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller queried whether the Government had considered having a dining car on the light rail, similar to the one in Melbourne.
Response: The Chief Minister advised the caller that this was the first time this idea had been forward and that TCCS will look into it.
OUTCOME: A representative of TCCS contacted the caller and informed them that the light rail vehicles (LRVs) used for dining in places such as Adelaide/Melbourne are typically historical, older LRVs that are retro fitted (at an expense) and can be specifically re-designed for dining/touring. Also, as the network in Melbourne/Adelaide is much longer, there are more opportunities for dining/touring experiences. It was suggested that if the light rail network continues to expand in Canberra it may be an option, however not in the foreseeable future with Stage 1 and potentially Stage 2 coming on-line.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The caller suggested that perhaps it was time to go back to first principles on some of the concepts that are employed with adjusting and tweaking the way roads work around Canberra. It does not matter how much infrastructure, control or regulation is enforced, there will still be problems when people try to get across busy intersections. The caller believed that there was a proliferation of signs around Canberra and that people were being over stimulated and not paying attention to all of them.
Response: The Chief Minister thanked the caller for their points and said that he would give it some thought. The Chief Minister advised the caller that some people need time to adjust to change, while others are able to adjust very quickly. The Chief Minister suggested that perhaps we could look at running long education campaigns to ensure drivers are well informed, and that while we are better drivers than we were 100 years ago, improvements in technology mean that some drivers may be less attentive to the task.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: The caller was interested to know what was happening at Giralang Shops. It has been around 11 years and it is still in a stalemate and looking like an eyesore. The caller wanted to know what the community could do to help the situation.
Response: The Chief Minister explained that the issues at Giralang are related to a commercial dispute between competitors regarding location and the nature of the development. The Chief Minister advised that some public funded work will occur around Giralang shops and that the commercial owners of the land have been very keen to develop something. It is an usual set of circumstances, but what is needed now is for the owner to be able to find a tenant so that they can commence construction of the new development.
Directorate: Health
Issue: The caller was disappointed with the filthy conditions of Calvary Hospital’s emergency department, especially the toilets and surrounding areas.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that he would raise these issues with Calvary Hospital management.
OUTCOME: The Calvary Public Hospital Emergency Department toilets, waiting area and clinical spaces receive scheduled cleaning and ad-hoc cleaning services every day. Following the call to CM Talkback, Calvary confirmed that scheduled cleaning services had been completed over an extended period, including the time indicated by the caller. Signage has been installed asking users of the facilities to raise any cleanliness or other issues with the ED reception staff. Repairs are being made to a damaged wall in the male ED public toilet. While this damage did not render the toilet unsafe or unsuitable for use, it did detract from the amenity of the facility. The requirement and possible revised arrangements for adjusting the scheduled cleaning program in the public areas of the ED are being considered. The challenging and occasionally extreme weather conditions through January have adversely impacted on the appearance of some ground and garden areas on the Calvary Bruce campus.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: The caller was interested to know when development will commence at the McKellar shops and what was going to be constructed.
Response: The Chief Minister advised that a development application was approved in August 2016, with approval for a three storey development with a basement, which will consist of six commercial tenancies including: a small supermarket and 22 apartments. The Chief Minister further advised that demolition was completed under separate approval in 2013 and that the current developer has until August 2018 to commence construction. If the developer does not commence construction by August 2018 the development application would lapse and the developer will face financial penalties
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: Good morning. Chief minister. The NSW company FOY proposes to build a plastic to fuel facility in Hume only 350 m away from the popular Rose cottage Inn and close to neighbouring suburbs Chisholm, MacArthur, Fadden and only about 700 metres away from fut [text cut off]
Response: The Chief Minister advised that an assessment of the health issues and the development application is currently underway.
OUTCOME: A representative of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) contacted the caller and provided clarification on the EIS Inquiry panel process. The caller was provided with details about accessing the draft Terms of Reference at www.planning.act.gov.au and contact details in EPSDD for any additional questions in regards to the Inquiry.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Bateman st in kambah is a 50 kph street. It links two 60 kph streets, features an ACT government speed camera van yet has no 50 signs along its short length. A large 50 sign is needed at both ends for community safety
OUTCOME: An officer from TCCS contacted the caller on 2 February 2017 and explained that the 50 Km/h unless otherwise signposted rule applies as documented in the Australian Road Rules. Consequently, there is no 50km/h sign on Bateman Street in Kambah.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: To make the schools zones safer, can the same lines that are painted on the highways be used as an audible reminder to drivers not to stop in unsafe areas out side schools?
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller on 31 January 2017 to discuss their proposal for using audible line markings adjacent to schools. The officer explained that line marking is being harmonised nationally and so this type of use would need to be agreed nationally. Therefore, there are no immediate plans to implements such proposal.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Please remove digital billboards ie clubs. Such a distraction on the road. Karem
OUTCOME: An officer from TCCS contacted the caller and discussed the signage that is on private leases such as The Southern Cross Club, also known as the Vikings Club. The officer explained that the ACT Government was unable to remove a sign located on privately leased land.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: So, an engineer, an architect or a landscaper to get the job of resolving the false white stop line created by the gap between the two Malcolm Fraser bridges? It needs to be resolved before any red light camera goes in! Please
OUTCOME: An officer from TCCS contacted the caller and advised that the ACT Government has sought independent advice on this matter. Options for addressing this are being considered, including improved line-marking / signage, additional signals etc.
Directorate: Access Canberra
Issue: Now that the Athlon drive cameras have gone, is there still a signal box there? My GPS alerts me every time I go past the site!
OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller and informed them that Traffic Camera locations in GPS devices are the responsibility of the device manufacturer or software provider.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: chief minister. taking this opportunity to express my outrage at the destruction of the beautiful solid original cbr duplexes in narrabundah. a discrace. maryanne
OUTCOME: A representative of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) contacted the caller, who wanted to reiterate that the beautiful solid red brick duplexes were demolished in such a short space of time and had long been part of the existing area. The caller also raised further concern that there was too much public housing in the area and they should be shared and spread around.The caller’s comments were noted by the EPSDD officer.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The eucalyptus trees which are to be planted along the light rail corridor will shed leaves all year but most heavily during summer along with their bark which surely will need continuous clearing. Has this cost of this maintenance been taken into account
Response: The Chief Minister advised that this cost has been taken into account.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: Any advice on when the petrol station near the RSPCA will be built? Site was sold 12 months ago and a second petrol station is much needed as the single station in Weston Creek is always very busy. Thanks Jo
Response: The Chief Minister advised that that this is now in the hands of the developers and will hopefully be done as soon as possible.
OUTCOME: A representative of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate contacted the caller and advised that an Estate Development Plan had been approved to create a block for the service station, and that off site works for this may begin in the near future.
The caller was further advised that a development application (DA) is anticipated to be lodged for the service station shortly. The caller reiterated their concerns that there was only one service station near Cooleman Court.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: G'day Chief Minister. Could the Roads folk consider painting some yellow Keep Clear markings on Fairbairn Ave where it crosses under the Majura Pkway heading towards airport? I see so many people miss the traffic lights stop line under the pkway and stop
OUTCOME: Caller was not available. TCCS have left contact details to return call to discuss.
Directorate: EPSDD
Issue: Dear Jen & Chief Minister, can you please advise if there is any time limit on commercial land banking in ACT. Mckellar shops was demolished in 2011 (I think) and sold in July 2015. No sign of any activity other than the wild life moving into the unkept metre high grass. Thanks
Response: The Chief Minister explained that there is no timeline; however there is an escalating fee schedule for not completing work.
Directorate: EDD
Issue: You're City to Lake website shows timelines with delivery of Aquatic Centre and Parkes way realignment for "seamless access to the Lake from the city" commencing in 2017. However, you have announced that neither will be happening. When is the Government
Response: The Chief Minister explained that the first stage is well underway with the construction of a boardwalk, and there will be more announcements to come.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: It’s been 2 weeks since the big storm! Driving through Florey and up Chewings st Page/Scullin there are masses of debris still waiting to be removed. Lots of large dried out gum tree branches = massive fire hazard as we are about to enter a heatwave! When
Response: The Chief Minister confirmed that this work will be completed as soon as possible.
OUTCOME: Multiple attempts to reach the caller were unsuccessful. An officer from TCCS has left a message providing direct contact details and offering to provide information on the ongoing storm clean up.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: Oh yes sunlight shines between the two Malcolm Fraser bridge creating a false white stop line for the eastbound traffic - this causes people to overshoot the correct stop line.
OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and advised that the ACT Government has sought independent advice on this matter. Options for addressing this issue are being considered, including improved line-marking / signage, additional signals etc.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: The Barton round about should have been an overpass from the start.
Response: The Chief Minster explained that in time, a fly over will be necessary, but that will most likely come with the release of CSIRO land and further development.
Directorate: TCCS
Issue: No billboards. NOT here, thanks.
Response: The Chief Minister explained that he was referring to outdoor advertising across the board and that the question he was asking was whether there was a better and more sensible way to manage outdoor advertising. The Chief Minister confirmed that he will be looking into reviewing regulations around outdoor advertising.