Gunsmoke 82...

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June / July 2004

GCC Public Meetings

The Gungahlin Community Council Inc. holds a monthly public meeting on the second Wednesday of each month except January. All welcome!

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS
Now in the Meeting Room at the Raider’s Club, Gozzard St, Gungahlin

• 9 June 7.30pm
  Speaker: John Richards Subject: new Community Hall at Palmerston to replace demountable
   
• 14 July 7.30pm
  Guest speaker: Dr Marielle Ruigrock, Director of the Emergency Unit at Calvary Hospital.
  Also Special meeting to accept auditor’s financial report 2003

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"Rally The Road" an outstanding success!

On Saturday 8th May, 2004 at 1.00pm about 300 people turned out waving placards and vocally supporting the cause at the Gungahlin Marketplace. The people were there to show that they wanted the Gungahlin Drive Extension and they wanted it now!

Peter Coggan - convenor of the GDE NOW! action group introduced the following speakers who all spoke unanimously in favour of the road and gave reasons why the road should be built and why it should be built NOW:

• Barry Dee - Gungahlin Community Council
• Simon Corbell MLA - ACT Planning Minister
• Brendan Smyth MLA - ACT Opposition Leader
• Jonathon Reynolds - ACT Equality Party
• Lisa Logue - Gungahlin Resident
• Harold Hird - Former Chair of ACT Legislative Assembly Planning Committee 2001
• John Sykes - Gungahlin Resident
• Bill Stefaniak MLA - ACT Liberal Party
• Ian Ruecroft - Gungahlin Resident

Many attendees at the rally completed the letter to the Chief Minister and hundreds of car bumper stickers supporting the building of the road were also distributed.

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Gungahlin Regional Community Service

Gungahlin Community Resource Centre
Gungahlin Youth Centre
Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre

Phone: 6228 9200
E-mail: grcs@gungahlin.org

School Holiday Program

The Gungahlin School Holiday Program will operate during June - July at: • Joint Campus in Nicholls (5th–16th July), and • Burgmann (28thJune–16th July). Forms can be collected from the schools as well as at Palmerston, Good Shepherd and Amaroo Schools or at the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre. For more details contact Christine on 6242 4811

School Holiday Program – Gungahlin Youth Centre
Are you aged between 11 and 18?

If you want something fun and different to do in the School Holidays, why not visit the Gungahlin Youth Centre. There’s all sorts of exciting events happening throughout the holidays FREE or low-cost, with Pool Comps, Crazy Craft, a Road Ready course and heaps more.

All activities are fully supervised and run in a safe and friendly environment. We are located behind the Library, so why not drop-in, or phone us on 6228 9211 and find out what’s happening in the holidays.

Youth Ski Trip Day Trip to Mount Selwyn!

Limited Numbers! Book now! Cost: Approx $30 per head Contact the Youth Centre on 6228 9211 for more details including the date of the trip!

Gungahlin Walk & Talk

A Walking Group for Everyone! All ages and capabilities welcome From 9.30-11.00 am Thursdays Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre, Yarrawonga St For more information call 6228 9200

Are you interested in Volunteering?

Do you have time on your hands? Want to do something worthwhile? We are looking for volunteers on an ongoing basis for a variety of different activities such as helping with groups and helping people with their shopping.

Volunteering can be fun, rewarding and a great source of personal development.
For more information contact the volunteer coordinator on 6242 6077

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 currently working on a community sculpture and you are invited to join in. Childcare is available for participants. The Network meets each Wednesday from 10.00am to 12.00 at the Community Resource Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre. For more information call 6228 9200.

Are you over 50 or are you still learning to speak English?
LEARN BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS FOR FREE!

GRCS provides 6 week courses (Places filling up quick!) PLUS Lessons at home for people who can’t come to the courses for health reasons, or who need some additional help with the courses due to language difficulties. If you are interested, or if you know of someone who would be, please ring 6228 9200!.

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What is Happening in Gungahlin
Barry Dee - Gungahlin Community Council

The Gungahlin Community Council has compiled the following summary of development activities it is aware of:

Town Centre

• Section 10 Kondourous/Russell ALDI
  Building to start July 2004
  Proposed completion late 2005
   
• Section 13 Coles
  Building to start July 2004
  Proposed completion late 2005
   
• Section 14 Big W
  Building to start July 2004
  Proposed completion late 2005

Ernest Cavanagh St.

• Goodberry’s
  Proposed opening July 2004

Gozzard St.

• Canberra Community Housing Ltd.
  Proposed completion September 2004

Corner of Gozzard St. & Ernest Cavanagh St

• McDonald’s Building to start May 2004
  Proposed completion September 2004

Anthony Rolfe St.

• Telstra Gungahlin Telephone exchange
  Proposed completion June 2004

O’Brien Place

• Autoworld,Gungahlin - consisting of Waves Car Wash Café, Autopro, AutoGroup Mechanical Services, Tyre Professionals and Nationwide Auto Services.
  Proposed opening July/August 2004

Nicholls Shopping Centre

• IGA Supermarket
  Opened March 2004
   
• Sibu Hair Salon
  Opened March 2004
   
• Sibu Beauty Salon
  Opened April 2004
   
• Nicholls Take Away and Pizza
  Opened April 2004
   
• Two shops still for lease

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Election report card
Ian Ruecroft - Gungahlin Community Council

In October 2001 the Gungahlin Community Council (GCC) published Gunsmoke 63 (GS 63). That issue of Gunsmoke was developed by the GCC to allow voters to gain an overall appreciation of the commitment that political parties were prepared to make to the Gungahlin district, in the lead up to the Oct 2001 election. Although the GCC felt that all the political parties were conservative in their commitments to the area, the document did provide a fair comparison for voters to use as a guide in making their election choices.

Following is a “report card" related to the delivery of the commitments, made by the ALP, to the Gungahlin community, prior to the 2001 election. A copy of GS 63 can be viewed on the GCC website www.gcc.asn.au Note: It is the GCC's intention to make this type of report (assessing the government's performance) prior to each election; regardless of which party/s form government.

1. Issue as identified in GS 63 - EMPLOYMENT - Demonstrate a commitment to plan and establish an employment base in the Gungahlin Town Centre, comparable to other town centres established throughout the ACT. Provide details of your party's plans to locate a significant government workforce and/ or provide encouragement for private employers to establish employment opportunities in the Gungahlin Town Centre and Mitchell.
   
   ALP commitment - In April 2000 Labor reaffirmed its commitment to developing an employment strategy for the Gungahlin Town Centre. This strategy will allow consideration of incentives, such as stamp duty concessions, to attract employment opportunities. We will relocate the ACTTAB HQ to Gungahlin to provide 30 permanent jobs. ACT Labor will work with a Federal Labor Government to locate a Commonwealth Department in Gungahlin.
   
   GCC assessment of progress - To date the GCC has not been made aware of any employment strategy developed for the Gungahlin Town Centre and/ or Mitchell. The Canberra Spatial Plan fails to identify any strategy that will provide the Gungahlin district with equitable employment opportunities and actually endorses policies which undermine Gungahlin's development. For example, support for commercial development at the airport and the preferred employment option being the concentration of employment in Civic, Barton, Russell, Belconnen and Woden. Score this item 10%. Although there has been a commitment to construct the HQ of ACTTAB in the Gungahlin Town Centre, to date there has not been any consultation with the Gungahlin community related to the location of the ACTTAB facility. The GCC has not been advised of any development application or construction contract related to this project. Score this item 40%. The GCC is not aware of any Federal or ACT Government Department that is considering, or being encouraged to consider, Gungahlin as a location for their operations. Score rating for this item 5%.
   
    
2. Issue as identified in GS 63 - EDUCATION - Currently Gungahlin does not have facilities to provide Years 11 and 12 schooling for Gungahlin students. What is your party's commitment for establishing a college in Gungahlin.
   
   ALP commitment - Labor will redirect the $27M allocated for free school buses back into education to benefit all ACT students. We are committed to continuity of education in Gungahlin and establishing a college as indicated by student numbers.
   
   GCC assessment of progress - To date the GCC has not had any commitment from the current government relating to the "student numbers” required for Gungahlin to be provided with a college. The Government’s forward budget estimates do not provide funds for the planning or construction of a college in Gungahlin. Student numbers in Gungahlin government schools indicate that there will be in excess of 250 Year 11 students, in the district, for the 2007 school year; with a total enrolment, comparable to most ACT colleges, by 2009. Score this item 10%
   
   Note:
   The Amaroo Primary School opened in February 2004.
   The Amaroo High School is scheduled to open for the 2005 school year.
   The Burgman Anglican School will commence Year 11 classes in 2007.
   
    
3. Issue as identified in GS 63 - ROADS and INFRASTRUCTURE - The current road network to take Gungahlin residents to their places of work is sub-standard to other areas of the ACT. What are your party's plans for overcoming these problems.
   
   ALP commitment - Labor will urgently construct the community (western) option for Gungahlin Drive and will complete the extension of Horsepark Drive.
   
   GCC assessment of progress - Although the western option of Gungahlin Drive has not been permitted by the NCA; the government has committed to construct the GDE on the eastern alignment. Funding has been allocated in the budget and contracts have been let for the road’s construction. The project is scheduled to commence in 2004, with completion expected in 2006. However, (to this date – 20th May) failure to resolve issues related to the GDE, continues to delay the construction of the road, resulting in considerable costs for the ACT community. Score this item 50%
   
   The extension of Horsepark Drive was completed during 2004. Score this item 100%.
   
    
4. Issue as identified in GS 63 - PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT - The current planning and development processes have not produced quality results for Gungahlin residents. What policy does your party have that will improve planning and development standards and outcomes - including improved community consultation.
   
   ALP commitment - Labor will establish an independent planning and land management authority that will deliver improved planning outcomes. We will restore land development to the public sector and introduce an independent Planning Appeals Commission. Labor will introduce a Suburbs Master plans and Neighborhood Planning Groups.
   
   GCC assessment of progress – The government has established ACTPLA (The ACT Planning and Land Management Authority). They have also established the ACT Land Development Agency (LDA). The LDA is currently developing land in Gungahlin. The development of Neighborhood Planning Groups was piloted in some areas of the ACT; but this did not include the Gungahlin/ Mitchell region. It is understood that this program has been abandoned, with the Minister for Planning (Simon Corbell) indicating that Community Councils may be encouraged to facilitate the role of the Neighbor Planning Groups. To date, no proposal has been put forward to the GCC in relation to this matter. There is no record of the development of Master plans for Gungahlin and generally there is little evidence of improvement to the quality of planning and development in the Gungahlin district. Opportunities for community consultation, related to planning and development, has actually become more difficult with the current planning/ development policies. Score this item 30%
   
    
5. Issue as identified in GS 63 - PUBLIC TRANSPORT - Bus fares for Gungahlin residents are the highest (per kilometer) in the ACT. What policy does your party have that will correct this situation and achieve improvements in the current bus service. What other public transport initiatives does your party propose.
   
   ALP commitment - ACT Labor will ensure that public transport is equitable, sustainable and affordable. Details of the policy will be released closer to the election. Labor will introduce a single zone bus fare for school students.
   
   GCC assessment of progress - The current government has introduced a bus fare structure that has provided Gungahlin residents with affordable and equitable pricing. Generally services in the Gungahlin district have been expanded to provide services to newly developed areas. Score rating for this item 100%
   
   Note:
   The government's Canberra Transport Plan did not deliver quality outcomes for the Gungahlin districts, with none of the 24 recommendations, made by the GCC, being adopted in the Plan. However, as the Transport Plan was not part of the ALP commitments, it has not been considered in calculating the score rating for this item.
   
    
6. Issue as identified in GS 63 - COMMUNITY FACILITIES - The following items have been identified as issues that require resources. What is your party's policy on each of these items: 1. Additional facilities at Yarrabah Park; 2. Child care facilities in Gungahlin; 3. Replacement of Palmerston hall (this temporary building was shifted there for 2 years - this was 8 years ago); 4.aAdditional local area facilities for teenagers in areas where there is limited open areas, or an identified need. 5. Development of the Gold Creek Homestead and the surrounding property to retain community ownership and public use.
   
   ALP commitment - Labor is aware of the chronic shortage of childcare facilities in Gungahlin. We will establish new sites for facilities as a priority. Labor will provide demountable facilities as a stopgap measure at existing child care centres. We will consult with the community to develop plans for a permanent hall at Palmerston and facilities at Yerrabi Park. Labor will work with the community to provide additional open space and identify other issues to be addressed. Labor will preserve Gold Creek Homestead as a community asset, free from residential development.
   
   GCC assessment of progress - 1) Yerrabi Park - There is no record of any community consultation in relation to the expansion of Yerrabi Park. Although some construction is currently taking place at Yerrabi Park, details of the scope of this work unknown. Score this item 20%. 2) Childcare - The Government has provided the two existing childcare centres with demountable facilities. A permanent childcare facility was opened at the end of 2003. There is currently a waiting list, at the existing centres, with numbers in excess of 100 children. Score this item 90%. 3) Palmerston Hall - The May 2004 budget provided $1m for the replacement of the "temporary" Palmerston Hall. Community consultation is scheduled for the June GCC meeting, with further community involvement to continue. Score this item 40%. 4) Community open space - Consultation related to planned developments in North Gungahlin have provided the community with an opportunity to identify quality open space as a essential component of modern development. Although final planning documents are not yet available, planners gave a commitment to provide new developments with an increased allocation of quality open space that will provide the community (especially teenagers) with suitable areas and facilities, reflecting community needs. Score this item 30%. 5) Gold Creek Homestead - The Gold Creek Homestead Site Committee was established in February 2004. It is expected to report to the Minister in August 2004. Recommendations relating to the proposed use of the site are not yet available; however, commitment to community involvement is included in the process. Score this item 20%.
   
    
7. Issue as identified in GS 63 - ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES - Gungahlin is the only area in the ACT where the community is split into two electorates. This situation restricts Gungahlin residents' ability to obtain reasonable representation on issues effecting the area. What is your party's policy on this position, and what can be done to correct this situation?
   
   ALP commitment - The division of Gungahlin into two electorates was determined by the Electoral Commission. With ALP representatives in both the Ginninderra and Molonglo electorates, Gungahlin residents will achieve double representation. However, in future redistribution, wishes of the residents and the integrity of Gungahlin will be promoted as a major consideration.
   
   GCC assessment of progress - In 2003 the Electoral Commission considered changes to electoral boundaries. The GCC strongly recommended that Gungahlin should be contained within one electorate. The ALP supported the existing distribution of the electorate with Gungahlin remaining split over Molonglo and Ginninderra. Score this item 0%.
   
   Ian Ruecroft has developed this document on behalf of, and in consultation with the GCC Executive Committee.

Please note: The following guide has been used for score measurement purposes:

• 0% negative or nil action;
• 10% Limited activity in promotion of this item by the government; some consultation taking place;
• 20% Item being actively promoted by government; constructive consultation in progress;
• 30% Item confirmed as government policy; consultation completed; draft design available;
• 40% Item confirmed as being in progress; funding included in budget;
• 50% Funding available; consultations and design completed; contracts awarded;
• 60% Contract have started; limited actual progress;
• 70% Item more that 50% complete;
• 80% Item substantially completed;
• 90% Item completed but outcome not fully achieved;
• 100% Item completed to the community's satisfaction.
   

Where these measurables can not be applied the percentage is expressed as the proportion of an achieved quality outcome.

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Preschool in 2005

Gungahlin parents, of children who turn 4 years of age before 1st May 2005, are urged to register their children NOW for preschool in 2005.

To register your child please go to the closest preschool between 1pm and 3.30pm any day except Wednesday and the staff will be happy to provide you with the forms necessary for registration. Forms and information can also be accessed on the departmental website (www.decs.act.gov.au). For those unable to get there between 1pm and 3.30pm (any weekday except Wednesday), please ring :

• Amaroo 62051071
• Ngunnawal 62058308
• Nicholls 62052979
• Palmerston 62058361

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Official Opening - Amaroo Primary School

Children performing ‘Bob the Builder’ at the official opening of Amaroo School on 19 May 2004

We wish the school community the very best in the days ahead as they keep continue to build on the good foundation already evident in only four months of operation.

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Urbanfish - You are cordially invited
Rod Holmes - Cornerstone Christian Church

Cornerstone Christian Church invites churches in Gungahlin and members of the community to join them in a fun family night with guest contemporary group Urbanfish from Melbourne. There will be light refreshments and a range of activities for the kids, youth and those young at heart. Bring your family and friends for a great night with dancers, inspirational speakers and live music. All welcome!

When: 5.30 pm start - main event 7.30 pm, Saturday 12 June 2004
Where: Palmerston School Hall, Kosciuszko Avenue, Palmerston
Cost: Gold coin donation
Contact: Rod Holmes on 6255 6087 or Trish Schuler on 6242 7165

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The Gungahlin and Mitchell Voter’s Action
Ian Ruecroft

Website: www.gcc.asn.au/gamva

DO DISTURB  - The political parties and politicians who continue to ignore Gungahlin and Mitchell’s needs.

Gungahlin and Mitchell Voter’s Action (GAMVA) is not aligned to any political party. The objective of the group is to promote issues of importance to the Gungahlin and Mitchell region.

The general focus of the organisation is to be actively encourage political parties to develop election policies that are responsive to the regions’s needs: and to support candidates who demonstrate a commitment to the Gungahlin/Mitchell district.

GAMVA invites you to attend our official establishment meeting. This meeting will be held at the Palmerston Community Hall (next to the Palmerston shops) on Wednesday 16th June 2004. The meeting will commence at 7.30pm and will be completed by 9.30pm

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Telecommunications
Ewan Brown - SETEL

SETEL is a national not for profit organisation which represents and advances the telecommunications and e-commerce interests of Australian small businesses.

SETEL would be interested in hearing of telecommunications issues that have affected small businesses in Gungahlin, which maybe valuable anecdotal evidence to present at national fora. Some of the concerns relevant to the Gungahlin community in which SETEL has been involved include the cost of ISDN; mobile phone termination fees; the impact of pair gains and RIMS on broadband; safety aspects of using mobile phones while driving; and e-commerce security issues.

A major research task undertaken by SETEL in 2003 was to examine the telecommunications and e-commerce needs of the home based business sector in Australia. This project has been very well received throughout the small business sector and the Federal Government.

SETEL has an influential voice on many national regulatory organisations and consumer advisory bodies such as the Australian Telecommunications Users Group, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s Council, the Australian Communications Industry Forum and the Australian Communications Authority.

Some of the issues SETEL has canvassed or has been involved with, in various for a (including Senate Inquiries) are:

• The Sale of Telstra (specifically the impact on small business).
• Competition in broadband services, the impediments and opportunities to maximise existing broadband infrastructure.
• Billing, Pricing and Credit Management for telephony.
• Accelerating the Uptake of E-commerce for small business.
• Adequacy of Mobile phone coverage .

The executive director of SETEL, Mr Ewan Brown resides in Gungahlin and has experienced first hand many of the telecommunications issues facing Gungahlin.

Should you have a particular telecommunications issues, please call 6251 7848 or email, setel@setel.com.au. SETEL’s website can be found at www.setel.com.au  where many useful guides and information can be found.

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Bulbs
Lisa Kaveney - Dog Trap Design

Bulbs are one of the most versatile and almost foolproof plants around as they already contain their own store of energy. Because of this, most varieties can be grown almost anywhere in the garden.

Spring bulbs can be grown under trees and large deciduous shrubs, as the bulbs will be finished before the permanent plants leaf up and take all the light.

Bulbs may also be planted in grass - that is assuming the grass can be left long for a few weeks so the bulbs’ leaves can die back. Bulbs can be planted almost anywhere in borders- even under groundcovers as they will be able to send their shoots through to the light.

There is an enormous range of bulbs on sale, and while it is tempting to try lots of different ones, you will create a much better effect by planting big numbers of just a few varieties. Choose bulbs that flower at different times in order to have a succession of glorious colour from late winter to early summer.

The first bulbs to show up are the snowdrops then the first daffodils arrive not long after. Then a mass of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths rear their beautiful heads along with many others.

As spring moves into summer, the late flowering tulips and daffodils fill the gap until the first annuals begin to bloom.

Autumn is the best time for planting all spring and summer bulbs. Daffodils and early bulbs like snowdrops and crocus must be planted in early autumn, because they need a lot of time to make root growth. Tulips perform best when planted in late autumn, because they tend to rot if planted early.

While spring bulbs are the most widely planted, many summer beauties are just as good for adding a splash of colour and fragrance. Lilies put on a spectacular show, with tall stems topped with huge, exotic looking blooms in many colours and often with a sensational fragrance. Lilies perform best when planted in spring and therefore have the shortest time from planting until flowering. Large varieties of ornamental onions create a dramatic effect with massive, rounded flowers on tall stems, but must be planted the previous autumn. Finish the gardening year with a massed planting of crocus, autumn crocus and nerines, which bloom in mid to late autumn.

To be sure of success, take care to plant bulbs at the right depth, at the right time and away form wet soil, which causes rotting. After flowering foliage must be left to die back naturally so the bulbs can build up energy for next years growth. Remove the dead flower heads, feed with high potash fertiliser and water if the weather is dry.

JOBS FOR JUNE

• Cut down chrysanthemums
• Divide, replant herbaceous perennials, apply compost to beds
• Begin pruning roses
• Prune grapevines and ornamental trees and shrubs
• Move cymbidium orchids into light position as flower spikes develop
• Replant healthy layered pieces of herbs that have died off in the centre
• Plant perennials, roses and bare-rooted (deciduous) tree and shrubs
• Plant strawberries
• This is a great time to re-assess the garden to consider which plants need to be moved; altered or improved.
• Prune wisteria for better flowering
• Prune topiary plants to maintain shape and style
• Prune hydrangeas
• Potted cyclamen should be placed outdoors overnight.

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Will Gungahlin be short changed by 25m on a new swimming pool?
Roma Hosking - Gungahlin Community Council

The Land Development Agency has indicated that a swimming pool could be part of the Town Centre Sports Precinct (opposite the Canberra Raiders Sport Club). There is growing concern that this new pool may be only 25m long with no formal lease/development conditions to force an upgrade to Olympic standard (50m) at a later date.

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Streetscape
Roma Hosking - Gungahlin Community Council

I find it disappointing to discover such ugly scenes multiplying around Gungahlin. A “back alley” for as far as the eye can see. Is anyone thinking about the negative social implications of packing living quarters so closely without adequate parks and recreational facilities, especially for teenagers? Do we have to reproduce the worst features of industrial England into sunny Australia? Come on planners, you can do better than this.

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