Gunsmoke 79...Gunsmoke 79...February / March 2004
Gungahlin Community Inc. News.
Roma Hosking - Gunsmoke EditorOn Saturday afternoon, 17 January 2004 the executive and several other active members of the Gungahlin Community Council conducted a planning session for the year ahead. As there are some new members of the committee it was worthwhile getting to know each other better so that we may operate as a team with a greater sense of unity and purpose.
We were pleased to welcome Mr. Glenn Ashe from the Department of Foreign Affairs who gave a presentation on effective methods of planning. He encouraged us to work on what we wanted to achieve in the future. He stressed the need to think of all the contingencies in order to accomplish the desired outcome. He also warned about the dangers of planning for planning sake, in other words, ‘don’t leave it on the paper never to be thought of again, or reviewed in 6 months time with nothing done.
Some present were disappointed at the difficulty of the task facing the Gungahlin Community Council with a Government that seems unresponsive to many of our concerns. However it was also good for us to review our accomplishments over the ten year period of our existence as a means of encouragement to keep going. Among those listed were: the establishment of Palmerston Hall, the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre & the Community House at Nicholls; Lobbying towards Gungahlin Drive Extension and duplication; lobbying for the duplication of the Barton Highway including the over pass; redesign of Nicholls foreshore on Palmerston side; responsible for recreational facilities at Yerrabi Park; involved in design of the Town Centre; redesign of traffic flow at Palmerston Shops and underpass of Gungahlin Drive near Burgmann School. Several exhibition days were also held with great participation by the local community. [Return to top]
GCC Public MeetingsThe Gungahlin Community Council Inc. holds a monthly public meeting that is open to all on the second Wednesday of each month (with the exception of January). Meetings are held at the Gungahlin Resource Centre (at the Gungahlin Town Centre) between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Come and have your say!
Schedule for February & March - 11 February 2004
Speakers from Purdon Associates Pty Ltd to speak on development in Ngunnawal and Casey. and Awareness campaign on Roads ACT programs – Ravi Chandra.
- 9 March Helen Cross, MLA.
[Return to top]
AdolescenceThere is an excellent little book by Dr James Dobson called ‘Preparing for Adolescence’ which is easy for young people to read and provides a basis for discussion with parents. The chapter headings include: The Secret of Self-Esteem, Everybody’s Doing It, Something crazy Is Happening to My Body, I Think I’ve Fallen in Love, A notion Called Emotion, An Open Discussion with Teens.
Many young folks believe they are loved by their parents and cared for adequately. Birthdays are remembered and education is seriously considered.
What is sometimes lacking is an understanding of teenagers’ need to understand what life is really all about, and to learn coping skills for the changes that are occurring in their lives. Inferiority and anxiety can be hurdles to happiness. Time spent with adults discussing the embarrassing things of life and the worries of life are really valued even if , at times, they seem uninterested with a ‘Do not disturb’ notice on the bedroom door or ‘the don’t bother me now, I’m stuck to my computer’ body language which gives the impression that a fortress had been built between the generations.
Dobson says, “Most people who have already made the journey through adolescence recall the scary physical changes that were occurring during those early years. We also remember our sexual anxieties related with our strange new desires. We have not forgotten the self-doubt and feelings of inferiority that seemed unbearable at the time. And, of course, we recall the emotional vulnerability to practically everything … to failure, to ridicule, to embarrassment, to parental attitudes, and especially to any form of rejection by member of the opposite sex.
From this perspective, it does seem strange that we parents are so reluctant to share our youthful experiences with our own children. Pre-teens could profit from what we have learned because we’ve been where they’re going.” [Return to top]
Attempt to Go with the Flow
Lisa Kaveney
A dry creek bed is a wonderful landscaping solution if you have a gutter, trench or dry shade area in your garden. For wet areas it will help slow the water flow during heavy rain and will make an attractive focal point.
Look for round river rock or tumbled shale. The edges of the rocks should look as though they’ve been softened by water. Stones should be fist-size or larger so they won’t shift downhill during rainstorms or be disturbed when people or animals walk through the bed. A bed of larger stones is also easier to keep free of leaves with a rake or a leaf blower.
Cover the area under the stones with heavy black plastic sheeting or a weed barrier fabric so weeds can’t grow through. Then lay down the stone in a layer thick enough that absolutely no plastic is visible. (This is the only place in a garden plastic or weed mat should be used – nowhere else.) The finishing touch is to make large beds of medium-height perennials and small shrubs on both sides of the dry creek.
A practical reason for the perennial beds is to keep lawn grasses from sprawling over the edges – a trimming nightmare. Perennials also serve as a barrier to keep lawn clippings and leaves from getting into the stones. Its important to keep the stones clean, or weeds will eventually grow between them despite the plastic barrier.
To create a more dramatic creekbed, make the edges of the bed more sinuous than the trench itself, varying the width to accommodate the plants you want to grow.
JOBS TO DO - All beds should be well mulched to withstand the heat of summer and take advantage of cool mornings and evening to maximise watering.
- Take cuttings from rhododendrons and azaleas.
- Regularly dead-head roses for repeat flowering.
- Tip-prune citrus trees and keep well watered.
- Cut back annuals such as violas and petunias and fertilise well to boost another show of flowers.
- As they finish flowering cut back foxgloves, delphiniums, campanula and lupins.
- Thin the fruit on apple and pear trees.
- Divide, sort and replant bearded irises.
- Tip-prune native shrubs.
[Return to top]
Battlers Battle for Gate
Warrick Fulton - Canberra Unit Plans.IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
The Gungahlin Community Council Inc. advises that this article was a paid advertisement that appeared in the printed version of Gunsmoke. The article includes views, opinions and/or recommendations of the author that do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions and/or recommendations of the Gungahlin Community Council Inc. nor indicate commitment by the Council to any particular course of action.
For a number of years the residents of Whitehaven Estate located on Paul Coe Crescent have been suffering increased vandalism and destruction to their private property, much of which appears to be by users of the footpath linking Paul Coe to the golf course.
After numerous complaints by residents, a gate was erected to ensure the safety of Whitehaven Estate and its residents.
This gate has caused a considerable level of unrest in the Peninsula community, mainly through a campaign of mis-information by a very small number of misguided and vocal residents. Whitehaven Estate and the footpath are private property. The decision to install the gate was taken after considerable damage and destruction caused by non-Whitehaven residents and after several potentially fatal near misses of pedestrians by residents cars.
Managing Agent, Warwick Fulton explains, “There have been several dozen incidents of damage reported. These range from smashing of lights to egging of resident’s houses and cars, stealing residents’ personal property and to the extreme of residents being threatened with assault over the use of communal facilities. Much of the damage has been caused by unsupervised children -of Peninsula residents using the residents’ homes as a playground”.
A female resident stated she did not feel safe walking outside her home at night, “You had all sorts walking down the path getting up to mischief- smashing bottles, spraying graffiti and a reported case of slashed car tyres. As a woman, I was too scared to walk outside my front door at night. Now that the gate is up I feel safe and that is why I bought in a townhouse development- for the safety”.
The path through the Whitehaven Estate runs into the communal driveway. Due to the path’s location, residents using the driveway are unable to see pedestrians. This has created an extremely dangerous setting, especially for children who are hidden from view. Car accidents have occurred in this blindspot in the past. Another Whitehaven resident admitted to worrying about hitting a pedestrian, “It’s really bad. You can’t see them until they are in front of you and its even worse with the children. Most of them are on bikes and they just dart out in front of you. Imagine if you hit a child. You would have to live with that for the rest of your life. And how would the parents feel if they told their kid to walk that way”.
Following a small number of complaints, the ACT Planning and Land Authority is looking at turning the path into a public footpath at MLA Simon Corbells insistence despite considerable objections by Whitehaven residents.
“ACTPLA came out to Whitehaven and looked around. While they were here two kids aged about ten skateboarded in to the Estate and started smashing the communal security lights, just as ACTPLA were saying that vandalism would not be a problem- it was a bit of a joke” said a resident at the meeting.
“Simon Corbell wants our path to be a public footpath because a few people in big houses want to take a shortcut rather that use the public footpath that already links the Peninsula to the rest of Ngunnawal. A public footpath would jeopardise our safety, privacy and security. It looks to me like Simon Corbell and ACTPLA only care about the needs of people whose house is over 40 squares. The Aussie Battlers can go to hell!” said an unhappy resident.
The residents of Whitehaven are hoping that Simon Corbell and ACTPLA will change their minds about the acquisition of the footpath considering the plans that ACTPLA, then called PALMS, approved for the development Whitehaven did not include any footpath and on which plans many residents based their purchases on. [Return to top]
Cat confinement, not a ban, is the answer.
Michael HaywardShould cats be banned from new suburbs in Gungahlin? Jenny Bounds and others from the Conservation Council of the South East Region and Canberra (CCSERC) believe that the risk posed by domestic cats in Nature Reserves is so great that they should not be allowed in adjacent suburbs at all. Jenny’s article “New suburbs of Gungahlin should be free of cats” (CT 1 December 2003) argues that the best way to minimise this risk is to ban cats altogether.
That cats kill wildlife is a fact accepted by all. A lesser-known fact is that in a city like Canberra, the population density of native species is actually higher than in surrounding pasture and bushland. This is despite the impact of cats (and cars, and habitat change etc), although population diversity is probably reduced. The scientific literature is somewhat contradictory and confusing about the impact of cats on wildlife. Research in Canberra showed that 67% of cat kills were small mammals, and most of these were rats and mice. Many of the birds taken were also introduced species. The only good evidence of cats having severe impact on wildlife populations has been on islands or in very isolated populations – in most cases the impact of cats is a welfare issue (for the wildlife) rather than a conservation issue.
23% of Australian households own cats, and cats contribute greatly to Australian society by giving companionship and pleasure and by helping to introduce concepts of responsibility and compassion to the young. Health benefits of pet ownership include reduction in stress, increased survival after cardio-vascular accidents, and reduction in blood pressure. Pet owners make fewer visits to the doctor, amounting to an estimated saving of $3.86 billion to our annual health budget.
However, it is clear that new suburbs should be planned to minimise both the welfare and conservation impacts of cats, and to enhance the amenity for all residents - human, domestic animal, and wildlife. I support measures to protect native species from cat (and dog) predation, but disagree that a “cat ban” is the way to achieve this. A ban will only be effective if residents cooperate. The incidence of speeding, drink driving, and the low rate of dog registrations suggests such cooperation may not be forthcoming, particularly when the measures are seen as oppressive.
Other proposals for cat control include a “barrier fence” which apart from being difficult to construct, very expensive and ugly, will create exactly the sort of island in which resident feral cats and foxes can decimate native populations. Bells on collars are minimally beneficial. Cat curfews require the cooperation of cat owners (and cats!), and only protect species active at the time that cats are meant to be confined. And if the cat doesn’t come home….
In areas where a proven conservation risk exists, I believe that cat confinement is the best solution. This encourages the cooperation of cat owners because: - They can continue to own cats
- They can see benefits for their cats, their wallets, and the neighbours.
- Confined cats do not get run over by cars, attacked by dogs, injured in cat fights, pick up infectious diseases, cause a community nuisance by noise and toileting, and do not kill wildlife
Cat confinement is not difficult for householders to achieve, particularly with some forethought in house planning. Requirements for cat confinement can be written into codicils in lease documents, and housing design principles can be used to assess plans prior to construction.
Many suburban cats in Canberra already lead “confined” lives. Contrary to common belief, it is not inhumane to prevent cats from wandering the neighbourhood. Confined cats can be given access to the stimulation, sun and air of the outdoors by attaching enclosures to external doors, windows or cat flaps. Even the commercially available options (CatNip ® and CatMax ®) are inexpensive as part of house construction costs.
Many veterinarians (and others) have been advocating such confinement to their clients for many years. While it is much easier to have a happy, satisfied cat if it has been confined since kitten hood, even adult cats can accommodate a change in lifestyle. Confined cats need “complexity, unpredictability and choice”. While climbing frames, scratching posts, resting places with a view, variety in feeding location (and perhaps type), and a range of toys which are “turned over” regularly are all recommended and valuable, the most important way of keeping confined cats content is positive human contact and interaction – playing games, grooming, stroking, etc. And isn’t that why we keep cats, for the mutual pleasure of their company?
Michael Hayward is a director of a Veterinary Hospital and Behaviour Consultancy in Gungahlin, Chairman of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee of the ACT, and convenor elect of the Urban Animal Management Advisory Group. [Return to top]
Advertising Notice to Community Organisations
Roma Hosking - Gunsmoke EditorFrom time to time folks ask me if there is a service for community organisations to advertise their events FREE of charge. Unfortunately, we have to charge for the hard copy in order to pay printing costs. However, Gunsmoke has a new online service for Gungahlin residents.
Gungahlin Events is a website http://magazines.fasfind.com/gungahlinevents where you can view coming events in Gungahlin and get periodic email updates of upcoming and new events. Any organisation or business who has an event can "Contribute" an event at the same website. Any questions or problems call Kevin Cox on 62410647
Hard copy “coming events.”
I would like to try a brief summary of coming events at minimum cost so if you have a event please Email me on gunsmoke@gcc.asn.au with the notice.
For example:
Lions club meeting – time – date – place – ph.
Scouts fun day – time – date – contact.
If you send the information to Kevin with a copy to me we should be able to keep everyone informed. [Return to top]
Gungahlin Festival – Have your say!!!
Gungahlin Regional Community ServicesGungahlin Regional Community Service has received funding from arts ACT to engage Festivals and Community Celebrations consultant Mr. Tony Duke to consult with the people and communities of Gungahlin to conduct a feasibility study for Gungahlin to host it’s own Festival!
A Festival is an opportunity to build community through focusing and promoting a range of arts, recreational, sporting and cultural activities and events.
A Festival in Gungahlin could provide a platform to: - Promote local services and conduct membership drives or fundraising
- Showcase local talent
- Employ local people
- Make and sell art, crafts or products
- Fundraise for local initiatives
- Network with Gungahlin based businesses and community agencies
Brand Gungahlin with a stronger identity locally, regionally and nationally.
“We hope the residents, organisations and businesses of Gungahlin get behind the idea of a Festival in Gungahlin. Gungahlin is a culturally diverse and very young community – a very special place. A Festival will create an opportunity to put Gungahlin on the centre stage and be a place we all can share and be proud of”, said Jenny Daly, the Executive Director at Gungahlin Regional Community Service, who is overseeing the project.
“The study will strongly depend on the input that people and groups provide. There will be a series of focus groups and a survey for people to complete. The survey will give everyone a voice in designing and developing the Festival from day one”, added Daly.
Focus Groups are being held at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre (adjacent to the Library), Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin Town Centre
Thursday 26th February, 1.00-2.00pm
OR
Thursday 26th February, 7.00-8.00pm
(Places are limited so it is essential that you ring and book a seat. The formal session will take 1 hour approximately.)
For more information or to book a seat at either Focus Group please contact:
Tony Duke on 6262 6175 / duke@netspeed.com.au
Or Selina Davill on 6228 9228 / grcscd@gungahlin.org [Return to top]
Gungahlin Regional Community Service UpdateGungahlin Community Resource Centre
Gungahlin Youth Centre
Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre
Ph: 6228 9200, E-mail: grcs@gungahlin.org Gungahlin Community Christmas Event A Great Success!
A Bush FireWise Community Christmas Evening was held on the 11th December at the Community Resource Centre in partnership with the ACT BushFire Recovery Centre. The aim of the evening was to promote Gungahlin Regional Community Service and to raise awareness of the importance of bushfire safety and preparedness.
Approximately 750 people attended the evening and enjoyed the music, entertainment, amusements and food!
Gungahlin Regional Community Service would sincerely like to thank the ACT Bushfire Recovery Centre, Gungahlin Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, Gungahlin Lions Club, Denman Cellars, Raiders Club, Aviva, Woolworths, Pizza Hut, Gungahlin Baptist Church, Poetry in Flowers and Posh Pots who generously supported the evening. We look forward to doing it all again in 2004!
Free Computer Lessons
Free Computer lessons are available for Seniors and people with English as a second language.
A 6 week course in computer basics is provided on Monday mornings or afternoons at the Gungahlin Youth Centre (Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin Town Centre)
For more information and to book please call 6228 9200
Gungahlin Community Network
The Gungahlin Community Network (GCN) is a group of Gungahlin residents who meet weekly to undertake community service projects. Not only does this network initiate activities that respond to community needs, but it also offers social support, friendship and is inclusive of all ages and abilities.
The Network is about to embark on a new community arts project and you are invited to join in. Childcare is available for participants.
The Network meets each Wednesday from 10.00am to noon at the Community Resource Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre. For more information contact Selina on 6228 9228
Gungahlin Youth Program (GYP)
GYP is a community program for all Gungahlin Youth, aged between 11 and 25, with a focus on 12-18 years old. GYP has trained and experienced youth workers who develop and facilitate a youth program in a safe and secure environment that meets the needs of Gungahlin youth.
Youth Centre Program Times
Drop In - Wednesday 3.00 – 6.00pm
- Thursday 3.00 – 6.00pm
- Friday 3.00 – 9.00pm
- Saturday 10.00 – 2.00pm
Pool Comp & Dinner For More information on any Youth Program ring Tom on 6228 9211
Young Parents Play Group
An opportunity for young parents under 25 and their children to get together, share ideas and information and to have some fun [Return to top]
The Draft Canberra Spatial Plan
Ian Ruecroft - Gungahlin Community Council The Draft Canberra Spatial Plan (DCSP) is the preliminary document for the ACT Government's proposed development guideline the "Canberra Spatial Plan". The DCSP was released in November 2003 with comments due by the 17th December 2003. The GCC has copies of the document and anyone wishing to get a copy should contact 041 7272 019. The Council did submit a 4-page response to the DCSP; these comments can be viewed on our website. What is the Canberra Spatial Plan? - The purpose of the Canberra Spatial Plan is to provide guidelines for the future development of Canberra; it generally focuses on planning principals rather than dictating planning specifics. The Council supports the underpinning need for a Spatial Plan for the ACT; as we consider that there has been a long established need to develop planning guidelines for the ACT's long-term development. The GCC also believes that the document's timeframe (2004 to 2032) is a realistic scope for planning consideration.
The DCSP document is a document of 108 pages. It explores options for Canberra's development over the next 30 years; when it is estimated that the ACT's population will be between 355,000 - 440,000 people (the current district population is 322,000 in the ACT and 33,000 in Queanbeyan). The GCC has participated in the development of the DCSP and has been represented at many of the working group opportunities available during the consultation process. Unfortunately the document (in its current state) does not provided the GCC with much confidence that issues relating to the Gungahlin and Mitchell district have been given a high order of priority. Although there was a considerable amount of consultation, issues raised by the Gungahlin community and GCC representatives have not been addressed in the DCSP. We hope this situation might be corrected in the final document. Following is a summary of the recommendations made by the GCC. General - The GCC supports the proposal that population growth should be concentrated within the ACT boarders, with compatible growth external to the ACT being sensitive to sound planning principals and equitable resourcing of infrastructure requirements. There is also a need to consider the Territory's options in relation to the area and location of Commonwealth land within the ACT boarders. Compared with other states and territories, the ACT has an inequitable ratio of land held by the Commonwealth. The impact of development of that land has the potential to undermine quality development principals and siphon infrastructure resources from the Territory.
Recommendation
1a) That the ACT Government explores all available options, in an effort to acquire ownership and/ or control of lands within the ACT boundaries, in order to exercise quality planning principals, development and social balance.
Development in Molonglo and Kowen - There is a need for extensive research and community consultation prior to general planning for the districts of Molonglo and Kowen.. The integration of Weston Creek into the Molonglo district must be considered in consultation with the existing community; with an aim of delivering development that provides the district with facilities and services comparable to other districts with similar populations.
The GCC has concerns that there could be an intention of developing these areas in a way that will not provide them with reasonable community facilities and services or local employment opportunities. We suggest that the DCSP needs to include a commitment to provide all ACT districts of significant population (i.e. more than 30,000 residents) with equitable facilities and local employment opportunities. Proposed developments that create districts that are substantially clusters of dormitory suburbs, will have a negative impact on ACT road networks and social balance.
Recommendation
2a) That extensive research and community consultation take place prior to general planning for the districts of Molonglo and Kowen, with the objective of providing these communities with quality planning and development outcomes.
2b) Development in Molonglo and Kowen should be developed in a manner that will not negatively impact on other ACT districts, including Gungahlin.
2c) That population triggers be established and linked to land release programs and community facilities; to ensure that proposed developments actually deliver reasonable amenity to residents of newly established communities.
Employment - The GCC supports the principle of development that is based on the Town Centre development model, with Civic and the Parliamentary Triangle being the main areas of employment. This model provides each community with reasonable amenity and community identity; it also reduces the need for extensive travel for employment related purposes. Local employment eases traffic congestion and the associated negative environmental impact, whilst reducing the costs associated with road construction, improvement and maintenance. Information contained within the DCSP indicates that there is an intention to make Woden and Belconnen into “super” Town Centres, at the expense of Gungahlin and Tuggeranong; this proposal is neither equitable nor practical.
The GCC has been vocal in expressing the opinion that Gungahlin and Mitchell are disadvantaged areas in relation to employment opportunities. Planners have hidden behind the rouge that employment in Mitchell provides Gungahlin residents with equitable employment opportunities. The fact is, that in the time that 27,00 people have shifted into Gungahlin, Mitchell’s employment base has not expanded. In fact, the Mitchell employment base has contracted, with several significant employers relocating decreasing the size of their workforce or ceasing operation in the area. eg The National Archives, Totalcare, The Brickworks.
Although there have been a number of government departments which could have been located in the Gungahlin and Mitchell areas, these opportunities have been lost due to political and industrial pressures. Development at the Airport has also undermined possible employment opportunities for Gungahlin. with the DCSP giving recognition and endorsement for continuing growth in this area. Although there are advantages in considering how and why the Airport has been so successful in attracting employment, during a time when Gungahlin and Mitchell have been virtually stagnant; continuing development at the Airport is not beneficial to the ACT community or in the interests of sound planning principals. It also has the potential to siphon infrastructure resources from the Territory, without returning revenue to the ACT community.
Recommendation
3a) That the principle of development based on the Town Centre development model (with Civic and the Parliamentary Triangle being the main areas of employment) be identified as a sustainable model for the ACT; with Town Centres, in all districts being treated equitably in relation to community facilities, services and employment opportunities.
3b) That Gungahlin, Mitchell and Tuggeranong should be identified as disadvantaged areas (in relation to employment) requiring the commitment of resources to plan and implement initiatives that will provide these areas with equitable employment opportunities. This should include the establishment of population triggers linking development, incentives and other initiatives with the creation of full time employment opportunities.
3c) That resources be committed to exploring options, community consultation and the development of strategies to overcome the stagnation of employment in the Gungahlin Town Centre and Mitchell area; including the establishment of milestones for monitoring progress.
3d) That a study should be conducted into establishing how the Airport has been so successful in attracting employment, during a time when Gungahlin, Mitchell and Tuggeranong have been virtually stagnant in relation to employment growth.
Road networks - The GCC supports the principle of development that is based on the Town Centre development, thus minimizing the need for extensive additional road networks. The GCC considers that the Gungahlin Drive extension is required for Gungahlin residents. The GCC is of the belief that, unless there is a significant commitment to establishing a viable employment base and visionary public transport initiatives in the Gungahlin and Mitchell district, there will be a need for additional road networks. The construction of Monash Drive will be required to provide Gungahlin residents access to Civic, Barton and Russell. Public transport initiatives will assist in delaying the construction of the road, but it is unlikely to remove the need for the road in the longer-term, unless reasonable numbers of local employment opportunities exist.
The GCC considers that one relatively low cost option for delaying the construction of Monash Drive, may be to construct the section of Monash Drive between Madigan St (Hackett) and the intersection of Limestone and Ainslie Avenues. This road would be for public transport use only and could be coupled to a bus lane along Phillip Ave/ Flemington Rd. It would require the duplication of Phillip Ave, from Antill St to Madigan St (Hackett). This public transport corridor could provide reasonable traveling times between Civic and Gungahlin, whilst relieving congestion along Northbourne Ave.
Recommendation
4a) That resources be committed to investigating the viability of the construction of a public transport corridor between Madigan St (Hackett) and the intersection of Limestone and Ainslie Avenues.
Public transport - The GCC supports proposals for public transport to be more central to transport solutions. However, we are concerned that there appears to be a "band aid" mentality in relation to this subject. The ACT needs to abandon our "small town" public transport thinking and move toward becoming a public transport "city".
The Council considers that, in conjunction with local employment, the only way to avoid the need to construct Monash Drive is the establishment of a high quality light rail public transport system that offers an attractive alternative to the private motor vehicle. However, we do not wish to rule out the exploration of other alternatives, including Monorail or a high quality ACT bus way network.
Gungahlin is at a stage where public transport could have a huge influence for purchasers of future homes. At this time there are very few homes within easy walking distance of Flemington Road. In fifteen years there will be 15,000 to 30,000 people living within easy walking distance of Flemington Road. Light rail offers an opportunity for quality development focused around public transport hubs and sustainable commuter patronage.
The GCC supports the vision of a light rail network linking all Town Centres and areas of significant employment. The light rail network should be designed to be compatible and complementary to the existing (and future) ACT bus service. The first stage of the light rail network should be the route from Civic to Gungahlin. This route should follow Northbourne Avenue before turning into Flemington Road and proceeding to the Gungahlin Town Centre. The light rail link from Civic to Gungahlin should be constructed in the next three years; which will coincide with land sale opportunities, population growth, revenue availability and community expectations.
Recommendation
5a) That resources be committed to establishing an accurate costing for the construction, maintenance and operation of a high quality public transport network, linking all Town Centres and districts of significant employment. The vision of an ACT light rail network should be the preferred model, unless preferable alternatives are proven to deliver superior outcomes and long-term public transport benefits.
5b) That construction of a light rail link from Civic to Gungahlin should be constructed over the next three years, with land sales along the route delayed until commitment to the project has been confirmed.
5c) That development around public transport hubs should be identified as a separate development charge, with the revenue from this source being used exclusively for light rail construction and expansion.
Community and Education facilities - The DCSP identifies the need for adequate and appropriate community services to be provided and maintained. This includes remaining consistent with guidelines for catchments and appropriate location of schools, colleges, child care centres, health facilities and other community services. The GCC endorses this principal of planning and development; however we feel that there is a need for the DCSP to identify the population and/ or timeframes that trigger the construction and location of these facilities. An example of failure to provide adequate facilities is the provision of Years 11 and 12 in the Gungahlin government school system. It is also apparent by the chronic shortage of childcare places in the Gungahlin district.
In the DCSP consultation, the GCC raised the issue that provision of community services and facilities also provides the community with recognition and endorsement. The failure to provide services and facilities, at an appropriate time, undermines the community’s faith in the district and generates friction between communities.
Recommendation
6a) That resources be committed to establishing population triggers for the provision of adequate and appropriate community services.
6b) That adequate and appropriate community services be provided consistent with the guidelines for catchments, in relation to appropriate location of schools, colleges, child care centres, health facilities and other community services.
Comments related to the DCSP document and consultation - The GCC supports the need for the Spatial Plan for the ACT. The DCSP is a step in the right direction but fails to deliver real solutions to difficult problems. The document contains considerable detail in some instances but inconclusive statements in other sections. There also appears to be inconsistency in the way that information is collected, assessed and presented.
Members of the GCC participated in many of the consultation workshops and we are extremely disappointed that most of the issues raised by our representatives have been ignored. The document has failed to provide recognition of the issues that will impact on Gungahlin’s future development and social character.
It is difficult to identify one comment that offers Gungahlin residents confidence that our future development will provide us with community facilities and services, or employment opportunities comparable to other ACT communities. We would hope that the final document corrects this situation.
Recommendation
7a) That the DCSP be amended to provide recognition of the issues that will impact on Gungahlin’s future development and social character; including the identification of how Gungahlin will be provided with community facilities, services and employment opportunities, comparable to other ACT communities.
7b) That the DCSP should be amended to identify each district of significant population (i.e. more than 30,000 residents. Each district should have a profile developed to provide information relating to the current and projected residential population growth predictions, growth restrictions, full-time job equivalents, community services and facilities, development staging and sequencing, transport facilities and needs, infrastructure and infrastructure needs, district focus, specialization and/ or opportunity, environmental issues, long-term and short-term development plan, etc. Ian Ruecroft (Gungahlin Community Council)
Executive Committee Member [Return to top] |
