Gunsmoke 69...Gunsmoke 69...August / September 2002
Gungahlin Road Networks and Transport
Ian Ruecroft – President, Gungahlin Community CouncilRecently in the media (on behalf of the council) I have supported the ACT Government in their announcement of the Gungahlin Drive Extension (GDE). This package included the construction of GDE plus major upgrades to Caswell Drive and the Glenloch Interchange. There is also the inclusion of the construction of Horse park Drive and the upgrading of Majura Road.
The above items were also identified as part of the Liberal Party construction program. Labor has also committed to the removal of the three-zone bus fare structure (from 1st July 2002) which
almost halves the bus fare from Gungahlin to Civic. The announcement that the Government was committed to a feasibility study into alternative public transport options is also very important for Gungahlin as this offers an opportunity for consideration of light rail as an option from Civic to Gungahlin. Unfortunately neither the package nor the budget included any real commitment to provide Gungahlin with initiatives that would attract employment to the region.
Like all Gungahlin residents I would rather that the GDE is constructed to four lanes at its initial stage. I would challenge the Government to provide evidence of long-term cost savings achieved by building roads with the current “half finished” system, especially when demolition and construction to final stage is carried out over a short timeframe. However, I am not aware of any road that has been constructed to four lanes (at its initial stage) since ACT self-government has existed. Although there is no doubt that the GDE is needed as a matter of urgency, my personal opinion is that GDE is only part of the solution to Gungahlin's transport problems. The road (even in its final form) will only provide Gungahlin with links to Barry Drive and the Glenloch Interchange. Both Barry Drive and Parkes Way have very little capacity to carry large volumes of additional traffic without expensive upgrades.
I think that there are many different ways of solving Gungahlin's transport problems. These include employment (in Gungahlin), public transport, including park-and-ride facilities and structured
road networks. Given the ACT's limited Public Works budget there is a real need to develop a long-term plan for future needs including the population triggers which will ensure that transport
infrastructure is suitable for the growing Gungahlin population. [Return to top]
Meeting Gungahlin’s Transport NeedsMr Simon Corbell, Minister for Planning and Industrial Relations was guest speaker at the July Community Council meeting and announced the following details in relation to the Gungahlin Drive extension.
“The Gungahlin Drive Extension is an integral component of the overall planning of Gungahlin and includes a number of other road projects either underway or about to commence in the Gungahlin
region.
“Labor’s western route provides for: - shorter commuting times;
- avoids impact on O’Connor Ridge;
- minimises the impact on the integrity of the Canberra Nature Park;
- provides a smooth transfer from the Barton Highway to the Glenloch Interchange, and
- reduces the impact on the AIS training facilities.
“The proposed route and timing of construction has been informed by a range of research reports into engineering, noise and environmental issues and developed taking into account the interests of the major stakeholders.
“The Stanhope Government is confident that the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) recent concerns have been addressed in the design of the road. - The ASC has asked that the construction be staged to avoid a clash with pre-Olympic training – we have done so.
- The ASC has asked that any noise impact on the AIS campus be reduced– this has been addressed by the comprehensive Unisearch Noise Study and the design of the road in the precinct.
- The Commonwealth also requested that we minimise any impact on the training environment at the AIS campus – an environmental health assessment study and an air quality study are now underway to ensure this.
“All of these demands have been met and all of them have had an impact on the design and timing of the road.
“It has always been the intention of the Stanhope Government to build the Gungahlin Drive extension according to the previous government’s timetable. We have been actively seeking that outcome since our election. The additional steps we are required to take will mean the road will be completed in Winter 2005.
“The Gungahlin Drive extension is proposed to be built in two stages, the first stage from the Barton Highway to Belconnen Way will commence in 2003 and is due for completion in 2005. This first stage will be the construction of a two-lane grade separated road located to the west of the AIS (upgraded to four lanes in stage two). Construction will be programmed to ensure that there will be no disruption to the Rugby World Cup or to athletes preparing for the 2004 Athens Olympics.”
Mr Corbell said the Government’s preferred western route would: - Go over Ellenborough Street
- Be a considerable distance (approximately 500 metres) from most Kaleen residential areas
- Go under Ginninderra Drive and Battye Street
- Be constructed 5-7 metres below the surface (cutting design) adjacent to the AIS, and around 200 metres from the AIS residences
- Go over Belconnen Way
- Connect onto the Glenloch Interchange via Caswell Drive
“Funding of $2.5 million has been made available in the upcoming budget for planning and design works. These works will take place after the Government has discussed the option with community reference groups, comprising a wide range of groups that have an interest in the project. These groups will then provide feedback to the ACT Government on the proposed route,” he said. [Return to top]
Gungahlin Drive Extension - why west is best
Printed as a paid advertisement from "Save the Ridge"Save the Ridge has submitted this ad to Gunsmoke to dispel the myth that we are anti-Gungahlin Drive Extension.
The residents of Gungahlin have had to put up with intolerable delays in government decision-making on the route of the Gungahlin Drive Extension. And this despite the fact that a route was allocated for this road - to the west of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) - back in the 1970s. The delays continue as Vicki Dunne and her ACT Liberal Party colleagues seek to frustrate the ACT Labor Government's implementation of its clear election mandate to build the road on the western route.
The ACT Labor Party committed to the western option because it provides a superior transport solution than the eastern route and is less environmentally destructive.
The western route is a superior transport option because it is shorter and of a higher standard than the eastern route: - The eastern route has to wind around between the AIS and the steep topography of the Lyneham/O'Connor Ridge, then turn back sharply at the base of Bruce Ridge (see map). For these reasons the eastern option, unlike the western option, cannot be of freeway standard and will be longer.
The western route will have less impact on the AIS than will the eastern option: - The Government has designed the western route so as to reduce any noise impacts on the AIS to acceptable levels. And according to the AIS's own consultancy study (Eldamar Research Associates), traffic emission impacts on athletes from the eastern option would be significantly higher than those from the west. This is hardly surprising, given that the eastern route would run only a few metres from the AIS's athletics training track and would be at eye level from the western stands of the Bruce stadium.
The western route will have much less impact on the quality of the bushland and recreational amenity of the Ridge: - The Ridge is a well-used refuge, exercise and recreational area, an important habitat and corridor for wildlife and an educational site for children. One of Canberra's most scenic and best used
bike tracks passes through this area. An arterial road along the eastern route would severely degrade these qualities - there will be nowhere that either humans or animals would not see, hear or
smell the heavy traffic that will use the road.
For these reasons the residents of Gungahlin should oppose the Liberal Party's spoiling efforts to foist an inferior option upon the Gungahlin community.
Save the Ridge's website (www.savetheridge.org.au) provides more detail on the case for the western option.
This article was authorised by D Bagnall 29 Boobialla Street O'Connor 2602 [Return to top]
Building and Construction Industry Training LevyThe ACT now has a Training Fund to provide financial support to up-skill and cross-skill building and construction workers, and to encourage school leavers make a career in the industry. The Fund provides financial assistance to Group Training Companies, who employ apprentices and trainees, and to other organisations with employees performing work covered by the Act.
The legislation came into effect from 22 November 1999, and persons who perform work under the Act are eligible for training grants. The type of work covered by the legislation includes the construction, renovation, demolition, maintenance of a building, civil works such as roads and bridges, and work related to water, gas, sewage, lifts, air conditioning, electrical, data networks, ventilation, refrigeration, playing fields, sporting facilities and landscaping.
The Training Fund is a statutory body administered by a Board, which represents employers and employees in the industry, with a Chairperson appointed by the Minister for Education. The income of the Training Fund is provided by a levy of 0.2%, payable by the project owner, where the value of the work exceeds $10,000.
For further information on the payment of the levy, or the funding of approved training, contact the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Board on 02 6262 5630 or visit their web-site www.trainingfund.com.au [Return to top]
Nicholls Sports Precinct Community CentreThe Nicholls Sports Precinct Community Centre is now open for hire. Located at Clarrie Hermes Drive Nicholls, adjacent to the Nicholls enclosed oval. The centre’s facilities include a hall (capacity of 80), two meeting rooms (capacity of 20 & 30), a fully equipped kitchen and a portable PA system. There is wheelchair access and a toilet for the disabled. For permanent hirers, storage area may also be available. The kitchen equipment is also available for individual hire. The Centre is ideal of playgroups, classes, meetings, rehearsals and parties. Permanent and occasional bookings are available to the local community and businesses.
If you are interested in hiring the centre or would like more information, please contact the Centre Manager on 0410 649463 [Return to top]
The Gungahlin Development Authority – Who Are We?The Gungahlin Development Authority was established in 1996 by the Gungahlin Development Authority Act 1996 to oversee the development of the Gungahlin Town Centre and Central Area. The principle object of the Authority:
…is to ensure that the Gungahlin Central Area is developed in accordance with the principles and policies for that area as set out in the Territory Plan in order to provide for the social and economic needs of the community.
The idea of a body to implement the development of the GTC & CA was an outcome of the extensive community consultation on the town centre concept. It was apparent during this consultation process, that building the town centre would require close attention and supervision. The establishment of an implementation and management body, that is the Gungahlin Development Authority, which could respond to and balance functional requirements and community demands was seen to be an effective way of achieving what may prove to be a difficult task.
The membership of the Authority consists of people with a broad cross-section of expertise including property development, retail, finance, urban planning and design, community facility provision, the environment, the public sector and representatives of the local community.
We are located on the 1st Floor of the Gungahlin Marketplace and our Office is open from 9-5, Monday to Friday. For further information either drop in, ring us on 62075565 or visit our website at www.act.gov.au/gungahlin [Return to top]
Gungahlin Library – A Year of Milestones- On 28 June 2002, Gungahlin Library opens as part of the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre (comprising the Library, Community Centre and Youth Centre).
- The local community enthusiastically welcomes weekly story time sessions with an overwhelming level of attendance. Story time is held at 10.30am on Thursday mornings during school terms.
- In January 2002, Library opening hours are modified in response to a library use survey and customer patterns.
- Children and adults take part in school holiday programs and special events including card making, Australia Day celebrations, Reconciliation Week activities, and cartooning workshops.
- Seniors Week is celebrated with a day of special Internet demonstrations.
- Gungahlin Library hosts a guest lecture as part of the ACT Public Library & ANU Discover Arts lecture series.
- Library customers participate in the ACT Public Library’s Australian Library Week competition, by telling how libraries have changed their lives.
- Gungahlin Library celebrates its first birthday on 28 June 2002.
Gungahlin Library is open from Wednesday to Sunday and located in Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin. Enquiries can be made by telephoning 6205 9000 or visiting the ACT Virtual Library web site at http://www.library.act.gov.au/ [Return to top]
Gungahlin Regional Community Service - WE NEED YOU !!Would you like to assist fellow Gungahlin Residents? Do you have a few hours to spare each week, are you patient, reliable, a good listener, possess general communication skills. Then why not VOLUNTEER with Gungahlin Regional Community Service. We are urgently seeking volunteers to assist in the following areas:- - Driver: Assist with transport for residents living in the Gungahlin area to reach medical appointments & centre based activities. These residents may include frail aged, people with a disability,
families and carers. Commitment of 2-4 hours per week.
- Group Helper: Provide regular support & companionship for clients who attend centre based activities & programs. Commitment of 1-5 hours per week.
- Shopping: Provide regular shopping assistance to families, isolated people, frail aged & individuals with short term needs in the Gungahlin area. Commitment of 1-3 hours per week.
- Friendly Visitor: This program provides a support service to help reduce isolation for families, frail aged & individuals with short term needs in the Gungahlin area. This program requires volunteers to visit people in their homes. Commitment of 1-3 hours per week.
- Administrative: Assist with general office duties & possess basic knowledge of computer applications. Commitment of 2-4 hours per week.
- School Holiday Program: Assist child care workers in the running of activities, preparing food, setting up & packing up of program equipment. Commitment to be negotiated.
Board Members Required Gungahlin Regional Community Service would like to invite residents to volunteer for positions on the Board of Management. Desire to assist local residents is essential. Commitment of 2-4 hrs per month for 12 months. Enquires to Jenny on 6228 9200.
Gungahlin Community Network was first established in 2001 & is seeking new members. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 9.30am at the Gungahlin Regional Community Resource Centre. Contact Amanda 62426077. ‘Walk & Talk’ Group A ‘Walk & Talk’ Group co-ordinated by GRCS & ACT Community Care will be commencing in Gungahlin on 29th August. If you are interested in attending, contact Amanda on 6242 6077. Gungahlin Out of School Hours Care Vacant Positions: GRCS require eligible local residents to fill vacant positions with Gungahlin Out of School Hours Care (i.e. Before & After School Care) located at Palmerston, Gold Creek & Holy Spirit Primary Schools. For details contact Christine or Kirsti on 6242 4811. [Return to top]
The Town Centre Garden Project - A GCC Social Capital Committee ProjectTown Centre Garden Project The GCC Social Capital committee has allocated a limited amount of funding to assist the community to develop a community garden in the Gungahlin Town Centre.
The proposed garden would be located initially on the grassed area opposite the Gungahlin Marketplace. This area is currently unused and in much need of colour and interest.
If you would like to become involved with the project there are many opportunities to assist with the planning, earthworks, planting and maintenance of the project. The Gungahlin community is being asked to contribute in any way they are able. This includes donations of topsoil, plants, irrigation-equipment and gardening expertise.
If you are able to help, or know of an organisation which may be prepared to assist or sponsor parts of the project, please contact Julie Brodrick 6262-2095.
The committee has contacted the GDA and ACT Government to help with the project and understand that some help may be forthcoming. [Return to top]
Worry SectionIt has been reported to me that a small group of 12 – 14 year old boys on bikes have been making a nuisance of themselves in Bimberi Circuit Palmerston, vigorously knocking on doors in a block of units, then running away. This has been happening for about 3 months and usually occurs around 6.00pm at night. The boys run away when the door is opened. Police have been informed and have kindly agreed to patrol the street from time to time. Neighbourhood Watch please keep a look out.
Also reported are electric meter boxes being turned off causing inconvenience to householders. [Return to top] |
