Gungahlin Smokesignals
June 2008
unSmoke
107
A community newsletter published bi-monthly by the Gungahlin Community Council Inc Distributed to all homes and businesses in the Gungahlin district
Gungahlin to Brindabella Park Xpresso bus route commences Get on board Route 757
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n April 2007, the Gungahlin Community Council commenced a campaign to address the chronic traffic problems by getting a public transport alternative in place. Just 14 months later, and the new ACTION Xpresso Route 757 is scheduled to commence on 2 June. The new service will be a boon for Gungahlin residents sick and tired of battling the traffic mess on Majura Road and all around Piallago just so they can get to their jobs at Russell or the airport. Servicing the Russell offices will be a boon for the many Defence people moving into the Gungahlin area. In the mornings, Route 757 will depart the Gungahlin Town Centre at 6.37 and 7.00 am, travel directly down Flemington Road, then Phillip, Majura and Limestone
Avenues, bypassing Civic and down ANZAC Parade and Constitution Avenue, and on to Brindabella and Fairbairn Parks. Early starts, but the only way to guarantee an on-time service. Afternoon services will run the reverse of this route, departing at 4.38, 5.08 and 5.38 pm. It is important for Gungahlin residents to take advantage of this new service. Full buses will eventually lead to more buses! There are also a number of improvements to other services to and from Gungahlin. ACTION GM Tom Elliott and other ACTION staff have been regulars at GCC meetings throughout the deve lopme nt of the se se rvice improvements. Their consultation has been most welcome.
Proudly supporting the Gungahlin community. Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club pays for GunSmoke distribution costs.
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GUNGAHLIN TOWN CENTRE PLANNING STUDY
Community feedback wanted
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or some years, the Gungahlin Community Council has been campaigning to get someone in the ACT Government to realise that our Town Centre land is disappearing quickly under endless townhouses. Yet still the oncepromised 23,000 jobs are nowhere to be seen‌ Finally the government has listened and the first-stage result is now out for your comment. The plan below depicts the need to divert through traffic around the town
centre, and the extension of the commercial core to the east along Hibberson Street. ACTPLA presented the plan at our May meeting—you can view video of the entire meeting on our website at www.gcc.asn.au. We feel that the more intense commercial use could extend into the lighter blue, as there would be no residential impacts, and more intense equals more jobs.
Gungahlin Town Centre Planning Study draft concept plan
ACT Planning Andrew Barr MLA
ACT Minister for Planning
I URGE residents and business operators in Gungahlin to comment on the future of their town centre. The initial consultation of the Gungahlin Planning Study seeks public comment on the stud, which examines options for increasing commercial and community land supply in the Gungahlin town centre. It is important for residents and business operators to think about what they want for the future of Gungahlin and that they take this opportunity to tell the ACT Government what they think. The ACT Government has invested $200,000 in this important study. The study has focused on the long-term commercial and community land supply for Gungahlin Town Centre, the character of future development in the town centre and its interpretation with existing development. The opportunity to increase employment opportunities is a key outcome sought from the study. Initial comments have suggested that commercial development interest would respond to increased building height options and enhanced access, parking and transport opportunities. This review and the public comment we are asking for today will be used to develop a land supply strategy, capital works program and possible changes to planning controls for the town centre to guide future development. The ACT Government is committed to delivering improved services to the community of Gungahlin. We are working with the community to ensure Gungahlin has access to services such as shops, schools, ovals, public spaces and leisure facilities, as well as the potential to attract commercial office development to create jobs in the area.
The Gungahlin Town Centre Planning Study draft concept report and issues paper are available for comment until Monday, 16 June 2008.
Andrew Barr MLA, ACT Planning Minister and GCC President Alan Kerlin discuss the Gungahlin Town Centre Planning Study Discussion Paper at the official launch in the Town Centre on 15 May Page 2
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Copies are available online at www.actpla.act.gov.au, or at the ACTPLA Customer Service Centre 16 Challis Street, Dickson.
GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL GunSmoke Index June 2008 Airport bus service starts ............................ 1 Town Centre Planning Study ...................... 2 GCC Meetings ............................................ 3 GCC Reports .............................................. 3 Farmers Markets......................................... 4 Burgmann School traffic solution ................ 5 Harrison School opening ............................ 6 GRCS News................................................ 7 Community volunteering ............................. 8 Police Beat.................................................. 9 ACT Budget summary................................. 9 Land rental ................................................ 10 Senator Gary Humphries .......................... 11 Your Say ................................................... 12 Lawn battles.............................................. 13 Health, fitness and beauty .................. 14–17 Environment news .................................... 18 Rotary cleans up ....................................... 19 Disclaimer: GunSmoke is produced with the aim of allowing residents to keep in touch with their local community. It enables people to express views on a range of topics that do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editor, or members of the Gungahlin Community Council Inc.
Next GCC Meeting June Meeting: Andrew Barr MLA Minister for Planning, Education, Sport and Recreation The Gungahlin Community Council holds a public meeting on the second Wednesday of every month (except January). Meetings run from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. We often have a wide variety of interesting guest speakers including local & federal politicians, various ACT Government agency representatives and special guest speakers. The venue is the Palmerston Community Centre, on Tiptree Crescent (off Kosciuszko Avenue - next to the Palmerston shops). Be sure to check our website www.gcc.asn.au to see what is going to be discussed at our upcoming meetings!
Next Meetings: 11 June 2008 9 July 2008 13 August
From the President
From the Vice Pres
Alan Kerlin
Jonathon Reynolds
Gungahlin Community Council
Gungahlin Community Council
After 18 months as GCC President, the recent ACT Budget was something of a measure of how we’ve been going, given it is an election year... The ACT Government’s 2008–09 Budget has included over $55 million of new spending within Gungahlin. However, much of the road spending was required anyway to support the land release program. One key part of that road program will be welcomed by Gungahlin commuters though – the duplication of more of Flemington Road. Of new initiatives, the $18m community health clinic is by far the biggest ticket item – and something of an unknown to us too. While we believe that a “day hospital” would be a great boon to our area – bringing medical specialists to the north, we’re yet to hear from Health Minister Katy Gallagher as to what this clinic entails. $0.5m to solve the traffic problems around Burgmann School are warmly welcomed – see the article this issue. Next-stage design funds are there for key facets of the Gungahlin College precinct in the Town Centre – the library, aquatic centre and enclosed oval, but the funding to actually build these was not there – surprising given the budget was supposedly a four-year infrastructure program. I raised this with Minister Andrew Barr and he advised they couldn’t include funds for these projects until the designs were complete. So that would seem to mean the design teams have their work cut out for them getting the designs finished in time for some big pre-election announcements!
In late April, I went to the latest stakeholder workshop for the new Gungahlin College. The college and library precinct will be cutting edge, not only in the innovative 5-star energy efficient design and new facilities it will bring to the town centre, but for students it will offer a new model of pedagogy within the ACT college system. CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) is an education initiative founded by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. CDIO is being adopted by top universities around the world. This will put college participants at an advantage when they progress to their tertiary university-based education. The college has been designed specifically to support the CDIO pedagogy, with learning-based hubs with integrated collaboration and breakout facilities versus traditional classroom designs. Other benefits for the wider Gungahlin community include a new shared library facility, and a proper grassed town park with an outside stage – finally providing a fully usable common that will replace the poorly designed linear park on Hibberson Street. For lovers of the performing arts, there is the exciting news that there will be a 350-seat theatre. The GCC has specifically requested that the theatre be made available for public use outside standard college teaching requirements. Naturally, there was also some discussion of the adjoining sports facilities, playing fields, courts and the much-anticipated Aquatic Centre. The GCC continues to strongly advocate that the Aquatic Centre needs to provide 50m Olympic class pool, a 25m learn-to-swim pool as well as wading pool facilities.
GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL PO Box 260, Gungahlin ACT 2912 President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Editor: Public officer: Web Admin:
info @gcc.asn.au
Alan Kerlin 0408 771633 Jonathon Reynolds 0418 812281 Nada Pavlak Gaylene Bell vacant Kevin Cox 6241 0647 Boni David
www.gcc.asn.au
president vicepresident secretary treasurer gunsmoke publicofficer webadmin
@gcc.asn.au @gcc.asn.au @gcc.asn.au @gcc.asn.au @gcc.asn.au @gcc.asn.au @gcc.asn.au
GunSmoke is published bi-monthly in even numbered months – Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec Deadline for submission of articles and advertising is 15th of each odd-numbered month. To advertise your business or organisation in GunSmoke, please visit our website. Advertising requirements, costs and booking requests are all available online. GunSmoke 107
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GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY NEWS
Majura Road funding sought GCC wrote to Senator Kate Lundy and Bob McMullan MP in March asking them to pursue funding to fix the chronic road problems around the airport and Piallago. With traffic grinding to a standstill every morning, the road has become known as the Majura Road Parking Lot. This situation has a serious impact on Gungahlin residents trying to get to work, and trying to do the right thing by avoiding the Canberra town centre during their commute. While a large proportion of these commuters travel south of the airport, the previous Federal Government exacerbated the problem by allowing large commercial developments within the airport. We sought their assistance to bring forward at least a part of the budget for these works such that the project is locked in and design works can get underway. This situation has been created in large part by the decisions of the Australian Government, and it therefore needs urgent action from the government to correct it. We await their responses.
Farmers Markets give back to the community
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t’s all about community at Farmers Market The Capital Region Farmers Market, located just south of Gungahlin, provides local families not only with access to a wide variety of regional and seasonal fresh food and a lower footprint on the environment, but also a real sense of community involvement. The Capital Region Farmers Market, held at Exhibition Park (EPIC) every Saturday from 8 am to 11 am, represents a great income opportunity for local and visiting growers. It is a genuine farmer’s market with over 100 stalls offering a diverse range of fresh food and agricultural produce straight from the producer to the customer including fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, organic and specialist products, eggs, coffee, nuts, honey, seafood, chocolate, wines and oils, flowers and more. The Farmers Market, founded in 2004 by the Rotary Club of Hall, provides residents with an opportunity to discuss face-to-face with growers and learn great recipes and gardening tips. In addition, all funds generated from the Market, which constitutes of approximately $150,000 every year, are fed back into the Canberra regional community through projects chosen by the Rotary Club of Hall. With this Market revenue, the Rotary Club has been able to support local organisations such as the Greenhill Youth
Centre, the Community Pipe Band, SouthCare, the Paediatrics group at the Canberra Hospital (PaTCH) which makes patchwork quilts for kids in hospital and many more community organisations. Market funds have even been able to refurbish books for a primary school in Vanuatu. The Farmers Market also helps families substantially reduce food miles between the growers to their tables. Produce from the Market comes direct from the producer and in some cases has only travelled 10 kilometres, resulting in lower transport costs and carbon footprint. The Farmers Market introduced a two-shed policy last January to further enhance the Market’s reputation as a genuine farmers market. Through the policy, Market’s stallholders were split into two groups – one shed for producers selling their own products and the other for producers as well as agents selling on behalf of approved producers, which helps ensure that a wider range of products is accessible for consumers. The Market Management Committee also formed an advisory stallholders’ panel consisting of 13 ‘informed’ stakeholders who meet fortnightly to discuss various authenticity issues. For more information on Capital Region Farmers Market, visit: www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au.
Time to correct Airport noise zone over Gungahlin
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n March GCC recently met with Senator Kate Lundy and discussed that the airport’s Canberra Noise Abatement Area, does not cover large parts of Gungahlin. All parts of Gungahlin essentially east and north of the town centre are not protected by the Noise Abatement Area. On our website www.gcc.asn.au are notes of a recent meeting with the Canberra Airport. In them you’ll see that Air Services Australia conceded that “Adjusting NAA over Gungahlin will not impact aircraft height as they have to be 7,000 ft before turning left under the new SIDs”, but also that despite this “Airservices confirmed that Airservices Australia advised ACT Government that the NAAs were fixed and Page 4
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would not be moved. This advice was given prior to these suburbs being developed.” We believe it would be prudent to make appropriate adjustments to the Noise Abatement Area early on, when the changes are more easily achieved, than after extensive development. However the above advice indicates that this isn’t a decision likely to be taken at the officer level, but would require some political impetus. Given that – in ASA’s own words – the line can be moved without adverse impact on jet service operations, we sought Senator Lundy’s assistance in pursuing this change. To date there has been no response from Senator Lundy’s office on this.
EDUCATION NEWS GCC President Alan Kerlin presents a $200 donation to the Harrison School Community Assoc and Principal Dennis Yarrington, to launch their Book Fair Donations of books or funds can be made at the school or call 6205 9555.
We look after your pets when you are not available. We come to your home so that your animals are comfortable in their own surroundings.
Burgmann School traffic solution funded The daily jam on Delma View
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n August 2007, GCC agreed to support Burgmann Anglican School’s campaign for a solution to the traffic problems faced by parents outside the school every day. Clearly it was a problem that needed to be resolved before someone was killed. Through meetings with Roads ACT, AFP, and Minister Andrew Barr, GCC has kept up the pressure on the ACT Government to fund a solution put forward by GCC President Alan Kerlin on our website www.gcc.asn.au. This solution centred around bringing a new access into the school opposite Warwick Street, so that residents from north and east of the school could avoid the main area of congestion around the school entrance. It would also minimise impact on the residents of Delma View, the street that borders the school. The first part of this proposal was implemented late last year – No Right Turn signs for drivers exiting the school’s main gate and the Scout Hall parking area. In the ACT Government’s 2008 Budget, a sum of $500,000 was allocated to resolve these traffic issues! “Many thanks for this needs to go to Alan Kerlin, President of the Gungahlin Community Council and Minister Andrew Barr. I look forward to seeing the solution implemented in the not too distant future,” said Burgmann Principal Paul Browning. This is a great outcome and just goes to show—you can make a difference!
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EDUCATION NEWS
Harrison School official opening O
n Friday 11 April, the Minister for Education and Training Mr Andrew Barr officially open the school. A large number of parents and special guests attended the special ceremony held in the hall. During the ceremony, the students participated in a number of items including the unveiling of the plaque. In a change to normal practice of removing a cover and revealing the plaque, the Student Representative Council members brought the plaque to the minister in a special procession. Minister Barr then handed the plaque to the recently elected Harrison School Board and SRC members from Kindergarten. Following the ceremony members of design and construction team and visitors were taken on tours of the new school. During the ceremony, the Minister Mr Barr announced the opening of the high school section has been brought forward and will open in 2012. The school has facilities for students from pre-school to year 6. The school will extend to year 7–10 in 2012. The design of the school aims to provide inclusion for students with disabilities to a higher degree than at any previous school in the ACT. The school has four special needs classrooms completely integrated with the mainstream student classrooms and one high support needs unit integrated within the school complex.
The school curriculum is based on the ACT Every Chance to Learn Framework integrating a strong focus on inquiry learning and personalised learning plans. Information communication technology will be embedded in the curriculum and students have access to the latest technology to assist with learning. The buildings are fully cabled to meet the IT needs of the various class areas including local computer networks, interactive white boards and internet access. As with other schools, a range of facilities are available for community use. The school has been located in a heritage listed area and is working with
the community to maintain the rural outlook and nature of the school environment. Environmentally Sustainable Design features are incorporated in the school. Specifically, Water Sensitive Urban Design principles are applied with rainwater to be collected on site in large underground rainwater tanks and extensive use to be made of rainwater run off in hard paved areas to irrigate garden areas. Enrolments for 2009 are now being accepted for Pre-School to Year 6. Please contact the school office on 6205 9555 for enrolment information.
Andrew Barr MLA, ACT Education Minister (centre) and Harrison students at the official opening ceremony of the Harrison School presenting the new School Board, including (on left) GCC Treasurer Gaylene Bell
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GUNGAHLIN REGIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE
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GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING
The value of volunteer time
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s we celebrate Volunteer Week in Australia (12–18 May), the Independent Sector in the US has released its annual assessment of the value of the Volunteer hour. The dollar value has reached $US19.51 or $AUD20.83 in 2007, showing an upward trend from 2006 of about 3 per cent ($US18.77 or $AUD20.04) The Independent Sector agrees that it is very difficult to put a dollar value on volunteer time. It says volunteers provide many intangibles that can not be easily quantified. For example, volunteers demonstrate the amount of support an organisation
has within a community, provide work for short periods of time, and provide support on a wide range of projects. The value of volunteer time presented in the US is the average wage of nonmanagement, non-agricultural workers. It says this is only a tool and only one way to show the immense value volunteers provide to an organisation. It says it is important to remember that when a doctor, lawyer, craftsman, or anyone with a specialised skill volunteers, the value of his or her work is based on their volunteer work, not their earning power. In other words, volunteers must be performing their special skill as volunteer
Park to get water WE wrote to the Land Development Agency about getting a water supply installed near the playground and barbecue area in Mullion Park. There is a crying need for this. As one of the better parks around Gungahlin, it is getting increasing use by large groups from outside the area. There is no water for these people unless they bring supplies with them. And there is nothing people can use to wash down the hotplates of the barbies prior to or after their use. This means the facilities are often left in a poor state for those who follow. An LDA staff member has contacted us to advise they agree with our request and will install a tap in the park.
HAVE you ever thought about volunteering to help the work of the Gungahlin Community Council, but never quite gotten around to making that call? Well please pick up the phone. GCC needs some new people on board right now.
work. If a doctor is painting a fence or a lawyer is sorting groceries, they are not performing their specialised skill for the Not for Profit and their volunteer hour value would not be higher. To find out more about Volunteer Week go to: www.volunteeringaustralia.org Source: Pro Bono Australia Here's a link to the independent sector’s website: www.independentsector.org/programs/ research/volunteer_time.html
Burn-out is the most important problem facing any community group, and the way to beat it is to have enough people on board to “share the wear”. We get involved in all manner of consultations and planning processes, but there are always things that slip by because we don’t have enough time or people. The most important positions we need to fill right now are the team to put together this newsletter. We need one person to coordinate the advertising, and another to coordinate the layout and printing. Please give Alan Kerlin a call – you can help us make Gungahlin a better place for us all. Phone 0408 771 633 today.
Community Wellbeing indicators
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n the 17th April, I attended a seminar on Community wellbeing indicators organised by the Chief Minister's Department. There will be a follow up workshop on May 28th. Wellbeing indicators are important to Gungahlin residents because they are concerned with measuring overall community outcomes. To see the range of measures possible, visit: www.communityindicators.net.au/ indicator_metadata Why are these measures important to Gungahlin? We know Gungahlin is under resourced with community facilities but we have no easy way of proving it and convincing governments that they should Page 8
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direct more resources to our area. With an adequate set of measures, we can argue that Gungahlin should have “access to sporting and recreational facilities” equal to other residents of the ACT. Rather than a politician saying they will bring adequate transport to Gungahlin we can ask them to commit to wellbeing targets which measure access to transport – both private and public – for the Gungahlin area. Our politicians can then bid for our votes by offering to improve our community wellbeing in defined ways. This will help divert resources such as the profits the government makes from land sales to the residents of Gungahlin. It
will help us obtain more employment and recreational opportunities. It is hoped that the ACT government will introduce wellbeing measures into Canberra and we will ask that the measures be based on postcode districts and not just for Canberra as a whole. If you would like to attend the workshop, suggest items to be raised, or find out more about Wellbeing measures, then please contact Kevin Cox on 6241 0647 or send an email to: publicofficer @ gcc.asn.au By Dr Kevin Cox – GCC Public Officer
GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY NEWS Police Beat
ACT Budget for Gungahlin at a glance
Detective Sergeant Bob Muir
Gungahlin Station ACT Policing
On 9 April 2008, the Gungahlin Police Station and the other Emergency Services located within the Joint Emergency Services Complex opened its doors to showcase some of the roles each of the agencies perform and to display some of their operational equipment. An estimated 600 people from the Gungahlin and wider ACT/NSW community attended, and I would like to thank them for making the day a great success. With the colder months approaching, with it comes fog and icy road conditions. I would urge all road users that prior to driving their motor vehicle, to ensure that they have clear vision by removing any frost from their windscreen. Driving a vehicle with obstructed vision is an offence under the Australian Road Rules punishable by a fine. When driving in fog reduce your speed and ensure your headlights are illuminated, and in all instances drive to the road conditions. As was recently reported in the media, a number of juvenile offenders have been summonsed to appear before the ACT Children’s Court to answer 200 charges relating to burglary, theft and stolen motor vehicle offences committed in and around the Gungahlin area. This was a direct result of intelligence lead policing involving members from the Gungahlin Police Station and the Territory Investigations Group. The outcome of this investigation should alert members of the community to home and vehicle security by ensuring that their homes and motor vehicles are securely locked when not occupied or in use, and by being aware of and reporting to police any suspicious activities. For police attendance call 131 444 For Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 For emergencies dial 000
$20m for the duplication of Flemington Road $18m for the construction of the Gungahlin Health Centre $5m for the construction of Horse Perk Drive to Burrumarra Ave $5m extra for the joint use library in Gungahlin College $1m to finish Harrison Playing Fields $0.6m for the design of the Throsby District Playing Fields and Netball centre $0.6m for the design of the Claire Hermes Drv to Barton Highway
$0.5m for better access to Burgmann school $0.5m for the feasibility and design of an enclosed oval and swimming pool $0.3m for the fitout of the Forde community centre $0.35m for the design of the Sandford St extension to the Federal Highway $0.3m for the design of the Bonner Western Distributor $0.3m for the design of the Mulligan’s Flat Road extension to the NSW border $0.3m for the design of Mirrabei Dr extension to Horse Park Drive
“Where is our Swimming Pool?” In the 2008 ACT budget, the Government has stage in the near future. found over $1 billion for a range of infrastructure projects. Unfortunately there is nothing in As in all things, Gungahlin is treated as the last this considerable spend for the much promised priority when it comes to infrastructure. Gungahlin swimming pool. This year the ACT Government announced it Time and again the Stanhope Government has had “finished” the job of building Gungahlin Drive Extension – a road that was promised promised the residents of Gungahlin a swimeight years ago and completed four years ming pool, but the best that is offered in the behind schedule. 2008 budget is a feasibility study. While Gungahlin has been rebuffed yet again, the Government has been able to find $6 million in the same budget for refurbishing the aquatic centres in Civic and Tuggeranong. Gungahlin has a rapidly growing population of young families. Many parents see swimming as an important life skill for their children to learn, but many have to travel across Canberra to get their kids to lessons. It is important for any kid who is learning swimming to be able to keep up regular attendance at lessons, but this access to training is harder for Gungahlin families who lack local facilities. The Gungahlin swimming pool remains a concept on a master plan. Without some serious funding from the Government, it is no comfort to the residents of Gungahlin to be told that planning might progress to the drawing board
After a seven year wait and an investment of $120 million, it’s a great disappointment to see a single lane road. The Minister responsible for Road Services has told the media that duplication is “not on the books at all” and any such work will be five to ten years away. I do worry what the Gungahlin swimming pool will look like if it is built by the same government which downscaled a major freeway to a single land road. If construction costs on the pool blow out, then how many lap lanes is the Government prepared to whittle the pool down to?
Authorised by Zed Seselja MLA, Leader of the Canberra Liberals, Legislative Assembly, Civic Square. GunSmoke 107
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GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY NEWS
Canberrans urged to enter the 2008 ACT Sustainable Cities The Keep Australia Beautiful ACT Sustainable Cities Awards help all ACT residents to identify, acknowledge and promote practical, local environmental initiatives that help move the ACT towards sustainability. Individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and all levels of government are encouraged to enter.
Entries can detail achievements against all or just some of the categories below. Winners will be announced for each category. The best overall entry will represent the ACT in the Australian Sustainable Cities Awards. In 2008, it is the fourth year of the awards in the ACT. Entries are due by June 27 and
winners will be announced in August. Entries should be sent to Keep Australia Beautiful ACT, c/o Yvonne Harris, 0414 434 841, yvonne@kab.org.au
Land rental scheme
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he ACT Government is to be congratulated if it introduces land rents for low income residents. It should now consider extending the idea and allow all newly developed land to be rented by anyone for any purpose – anywhere in Canberra. This would encourage businesses to establish employment opportunities outside Civic, the Airport and the parliamentary triangle. It will bring much needed employment to Tuggeranong and Gungahlin and it will encourage investment in new rental properties rather than investors mainly buying existing houses for rent. If the government is truly concerned with building an equitable and fair society it should resist the pressure it will come under from the many powerful people and groups in our community who benefit from land inflation.
Elements within the government’s own ranks will oppose the idea because the government will does not receive money immediately from land sales which makes the short term finances look good to the detriment of long term economic viability. The banks will oppose it as it reduces the size of the loans they need to provide for housing. It is to be hoped that the government will resist the inevitable campaign and criticism against land rents and continue along the path of reversing the 1970’s decision to move away from land rent. It is also hoped that the Rudd government takes notice and does not sell Commonwealth land for housing but instead rents it as this will make housing more affordable and reduce inflation. By Dr Kevin Cox, GCC Public Officer
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GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY NEWS
Gungahlin needs a Federal department Senator Gary Humphries, Senator for the ACT
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he recent lifting of building height regulations in the Gungahlin Town Centre may have been contentious, but it has also removed a major obstacle to the next big step in the township’s development: the situation of a major public service department there. Whether or not you believe the ACT Government has made the right decision, the fact is that with fewer restrictions on what can be built in the town centre, the way is now clear for the kind of multi-storey development needed to house a big department. Historically, Federal Governments have used the placement of PS departments to assist in establishing and consolidating the economic and social viability of Canberra’s townships. I have long argued that this principle should again be applied in Gungahlin, as the benefits to both workers and the Gungahlin community are many. For example, because much of the available land in Gungahlin is undeveloped, the possibility exists to tailor a new facility to the specific needs of a department, rather than being constrained by surrounding buildings as in the city’s more densely-built areas. The new Centrelink National Office in Tuggeranong is a prime example of what can be achieved by selecting a greenfields site – the facility is set in amenable open surrounds and boasts the latest in environmentally sustainable design, including rainwater tanks capable of storing half a million litres of recycled water and Canberra’s largest solar hot water farm on its roof. This site is also able to accommodate significantly more parking space because of the lack of surrounding development – something which is also the case in Gungahlin. And as GunSmoke readers would know, Gungahlin is well serviced with restaurants, cafes and shops, all of which are far more accessible than in Civic, Barton or Woden. This makes it easier for employees to pop out to run errands or grab a quick lunch. With the influx of new workers, these businesses would see an enormous increase in trade, giving the local economy a big boost. Having a big PS department nearby
would also benefit local residents, as it would provide them with potential employment very close to home. For these reasons, I believe Gungahlin should be the next site for a major public service department. But what do you, Gungahlin’s locals, think? Do you support this kind of development, or would you prefer to keep your town centre the way it is? If you’ve got an opinion on this important issue, I’d love to hear it. To share your thoughts, send me an email at senator.humphries@aph.gov.au.
Subsidies for immobilisers in older cars The ACT Government is subsidising Canberra residents to fit immobilisers in older cars that don't already have them. These older cars are prime targets for car theft, with the cars being used for joy rides and as transport for other more serious crimes. So the scheme makes good sense as a way of reducing multiple crimes. More details on our website: www.gcc.asn.au
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$20,500
$0
“I think that it’s a good idea. I think helping people into the housing market in that way is a great thing.” Tanya Plibersek, Federal Labor Housing Minister “A welcome and sensible initiative that would assist in the housing affordability problems in the ACT” Catherine Carter, ACT Property Council “If this had existed when we bought, we might not have been forced out of town.” Julian & Katarina, Yass
Authorised by Andrew Heath, Liberal Party, 50 Geils Court, Deakin ACT 2600
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YOUR SAY
Open letter to ACTION
Anthony Rolfe Drive
Animal management
Dear Sir I have a very strong recommendation to make re the route of the 56 Gungahlin bus. When coming from Civic instead of turning left into Gozzard Street, carry straight on along The Valley Avenue, then left into Hinder Street, stopping at the layby right beside the Post Office, then left again to travel down Hibberson Street stopping near or as near to the Big W building, a right turn back onto Gozzard Street to the existing stop beside the Canberra Raiders Club. The same route in reverse for the 56 coming from Belconnen to Civic. The present route both ways means that passengers alighting on Gozzard Street have a long walk if they are going to the Post Office or the Medical Centre. Both these places are at the very farthest point from the present 56 route. A slight change of route would be a great help to the elderly and mothers with toddlers and strollers. Even to go to Coles or Aldi necessitates quite a walk. I notice that there are lay-bys all along Hibberson Street, surely one of these could be used as a Bus Stop for the 56, also there is a very large unused bus shelter there, isn’t it about time this was put into use? With the 56 route as it is now, shoppers with groceries often miss the bus, then have to wait (with their groceries) another hour, with stops on Hinder Street and Hibberson Street they wouldn’t have to trek so far. About thirty years ago the Belconnen Interchange was so positioned to necessitate a long walk for bus users into the Mall. It seems to me that all these years later exactly the same mistake has been made with all Gungahlin routes, as just about all those buses deposit passengers on Gozzard Street. Has nothing been learned in the years since the Belconnen Interchange was built? I do hope this recommendation will be taken seriously and acted upon. Yours sincerely Jean Metters (Mrs)
Dear Editor, What you had to say about Anthony Rolfe Drive being a townhouse tunnel etc etc was somewhat harsh, in my view. They are the homes for many people and reading your article is suggesting to them that they made a mistake. For sure a couple of blocks were poorly designed and seemingly built on the cheap however with housing affordability being a major issue I bet those unable to purchase anything better jumped at the opportunity when they came on the market. Being a fairly avid watcher of the Gungahlin real estate market, I can tell you they went quickly. The overall presentation of Anthony Rolfe Drive could be considerably improved by the Government facing up to its obligations and doing something about the extraordinarily wide nature strips. Street trees with decent surrounds would be a start, with compacted gravel, using a variety of colours would add to the scene. Also it would seem that the planners did not want the residents of Gungahlin and Harrison to mix. To understand what I'm saying see how many footpaths you can find that cross the main road between the shops and Horse Park Drive. It is difficult enough making the transition from one suburb to another with a couple of dogs, as I do: it must be quite dangerous for a mother with a baby in a pram. Regards David Childs
Dear Editor, Each year Australian Black swans try to nest in Yerrabi pond. Last year juveniles smashed up the swans nest and eggs and the poor swan sat by the broken nest and eggs for days. This week a swan which was nesting in the reeds adjacent to the Yerrabi shops and before the bridge was attacked and killed by a Labrador which was not on a lead and over which the owner had no control. The surviving partner swan is now trying to hatch the eggs that should be close to hatching, and of course it cannot leave its eggs to forage for food. Perhaps you might remind people this is an “on lead” area and swans are a protected bird. These are beautiful gentle birds who have grown to trust people who feed them and it is difficult to understand how people could be so stupid and uncaring as to allow their dogs to attack them. Do you think perhaps a community council member might be able to contact the appropriate ACT Government minister and suggest that signs might be appropriately placed around the lake reminding people to keep their dogs on leash and also that the Australian black swan is a protected bird. Bruce Trousdell
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GCC Responds: Thanks for your comments. The planning issues you raised are exactly the sort of concerns we’ve been pointing out to ACTPLA and the planning minister. Yes there was always a chance our comments would upset some people in Anthony Rolfe Drive, but there are some truly horrible built-to-minimal-standards developments along that street. And we have to wonder how much the quick uptake of properties you mentioned was due to either investors snapping up rental properties or just the chronic lack of supply problems. Our key goal is to make sure Flemington Road is developed in a positive way, and we hoped that Anthony Rolfe Drive residents were understanding of that.
Dear Minister This is a widespread problem, with many people walking dogs off leash and a general lack of responsible pet management. TAMS could assist by installing signs and possibly dog bag dispensers in key parks and around ponds in Gungahlin. And it would be good to see some rangers visible around our areas at key “walking” times like before and after work. Thank you, GCC Minister Hargreaves responds: Please be aware that dogs off leash are not permitted in areas not designated as allowing off-leash activity. [Ed: that we already knew that should have been self-evident from our letter] Anyone detecting this activity should contact either Canberra Connect 13 22 81 or the Domestic Animal Services. The rangers, once in possession of evidence, will impound animals and/or prosecute offenders. The suggestion that signage can be improved will be passed on to the officers responsible for this program.
HOME and GARDEN
The mighty battle of the lawn By Lisa Kaveney, Dog Trap Design
I
n many of the briefs I have for clients, there is a request for less lawn, or no lawn. Many of us do not require lawn as a space to use in our gardens any more. Even when gardening is your thing, lawns are difficult to maintain, particularly in today’s climate. Reducing or removing lawn is also a great way to drought proof your garden. So if a cut grass lawn is not your choice, what are your options? Lawns are not just a space that fills a gap, they are often for recreation or an important part of the design function. Areas between garden beds are more than just ground planes. Creating a space within the void is pleasing for the homeowner, an area where the garden visitor enjoys the sight, sound and smell of the garden. Garden beds can be busy and a relaxed neutral, smooth textured space compliments but does not compete with them. Once the paving has been address the range of ground options is limited and there are none that provide the same basic features of a lawn. A groundcover plant is lumpy and patchy by comparison. Not many plants like foot traffic although if lawn is properly cared for it will tolerate regular foot traffic, bikes, wheelie bins and even the odd car parked on them. A backyards most common use is for child’s play, kicking a footy, cartwheels and so on. No other surface provides that sort of versatility. Artificial grass is a new option but it comes with its
own range of issues including no insect or animal habitat, energy required for manufacture and transport, installation costs, disposal at end of life and a tendency to get extremely hot in full sun. Even when the kids have grown many people feel the need for some lawn. Perhaps in our dry hot climate we feel the need to have a space a little like an oasis, and I can totally understand that. With the obvious constraints of wear with most ground covers, they do have other limitations including seasonal dormancy, just like lawn, higher maintenance especially during establishment and well as refurbishment. And weeds can be an absolute bugger between any ground growing plants. Gravel is the new lawn, it makes a smooth, colour consistent surface that enhances the surrounding green foliage. Fine gravels such as decomposed crushed granite or crushed brick can be walked on easily but needs some compactions for stability. Gravel naturally does not hold water so will be hotter than grass but this may be softened by planting as well. Beth Chatto has an amazing gravel garden in England that is worth researching if this appeals to you. Some good ground covers include: Thyme, chamomile, Ajuga, Convolvulus and Myoporum. We also have some good native grasses with many people propagating (quite difficult to do) Microlena and themeter, as an alternative to the normal European versions.
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HEALTH and FITNESS
Ten top lifting tips By Lisa Schroeter M.Phty, BSc(Ex) LIFTING is a part of everyday life for many individuals. Back injuries often occur during lifting and here are some tips to avoid injuring your back while lifting. 1) Stand close to the object you are about to lift. Centre yourself over the object with your feet shoulder width apart. 2) Tighten your abdominal muscles. Keep your back straight, bend your knees and squat down to the floor. 3) Get a good grip on the object with both hands.
6) Do not twist your body when moving the object. Take small steps with your feet turning until you are in the correct position. 7) Again bend at the knees using only your leg muscles and place the load in the appropriate spot. 8) Ensure that if an object is a strain for you to lift on your own that you ask someone to assist you. 9) Participating in regular exercise, stretching and core muscle strengthening are good ways to decrease your risk of injury. A physiotherapist can provide
advice on correct lifting technique and appropriate exercises to prevent back injuries from lifting. 10) Back injuries have the potential to become chronic problems. If you experience back pain from lifting it is essential to obtain an early diagnosis from a physiotherapist. This will help to ensure you make the quickest recovery possible. Lisa Schroeter is a physiotherapist at: Sport and Spinal Physiotherapy, Gungahlin
4). Keep the object close to your body and use your leg and buttock muscles to stand up, lifting the object off the ground. 5) Your back should remain straight throughout lifting, using only the muscles in your legs to lift the object.
Gungahlin Marketplace Dental Centre (Woolworths Building - entry next Commonwealth Bank ATMs) Dr Van Trinh (Lady Dentist, Adelaide Uni)
PH:
6242 5666
Open 6 Days
Cos metic, Te eth Wh it ening , All Ge neral Den tistry Gen tle, On ti me Appoint me nts Stri ct St eri lisation P ro cedu res High Den tal Se rvi ce Stand ards Medib ank Privat e, MBF, HC F Participating Prov ider Di rect Health Fund Rebate HI CAPS
1st Floor 33 Hibberson St, Gungahlin Marketplace, Gungahlin 2912
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HEALTH and FITNESS
Not all customers are motorists THERE are several important reasons why it makes good business sense to provide excellent bicycle access. Most shopping precincts in Australia offer a generous supply of car parking spaces. The most dramatic examples can be found in the expansive car parks surrounding suburban shopping malls. It is worth considering whether the provision of such large allotments of space dedicated entirely to car parking is economically sensible. What can retailers do to attract consumers by bicycle? Provide safe and convenient bicycle parking Promote yourself as a bicycle-friendly business Provide home delivery service
For further info see www.bfa.asn.au/bfanew/ resources/cycling_issue_and_fact_sheets.htm
Aging and fitness can go together
T
he population is ageing. Even the population of Gungahlin. The need for regular physical activity throughout the ageing process in order to maintain good health and the ability to carry out every day tasks without assistance is well known. However, less than fifty percent of older people do enough physical activity/exercise to maintain their health or manage their medical conditions. Many people don’t know how to exercise safely or find it difficult to get motivated. The YMCA of Canberra has long provided low-key exercise programs for
YMCA of Canberra Would you like to join a low-key exercise program starting soon in Gungahlin for people over 60? The program is fun, safe and effective! No special clothing required. To find out more and to register your interest please contact us at: Ph: 62810124
woden@ymca.org.au
older people and is keen to provide an opportunity to stay fit and well for the people of Gungahlin. The proposed program will be held in the Gungahlin Scout Hall, The Valley. These classes will assist people to retain their balance and their lower body strength (in order to reduce the chances of having a nasty fall), maintain muscle tone, flexibility and good lung and heart function. They are also enjoyable, social occasions. Please phone the YMCA on 62810124 if you would like to register your interest in participating in this program.
GUNGAHLIN DENTAL SURGERY Dr Vincent Trai Tran B.D.Sc (Uni Qld)
37 Anthony Rolfe Ave Gungahlin (Across from Police Station)
Hours Mon – Fri 8.00am – 6.00pm Sat 8.00am – Noon
PH (02) 6242 7288 To make an appointment
PALMERSTON MEDICAL CENTRE Palmerston Shops, Tiptree Cres Ph 6242 9464 Dr Prad Southi MBBS (Syd)
Dr Sandy Viketos MBBS (Syd)
Dr Michael Gan MB, BS (UNSW) DCH (NZ) D Obst (Otago) FRAC GP
Surgery Hours Mon – Fri 8.30am – 6.00pm Saturday 8.30am – 11.30am GunSmoke 107
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HEALTH FITNESS and BEAUTY Team Fernwood participated in the Mothers Day Classic and won the “Largest Corporate Team” award for the second year running, with over 100 members and staff 5 & 10km run and 5km walk! HAPPY SOLUTIONS Hair, Beauty Salon 6230 4949 Dickson Shopping Centre (Close to ANZ Bank and Allen's store) MEN cut $23 High Schools cut from$20 LADIES trim fr $28 LADIES Style fr $43 6 FOILS colour + cuts + Bwave from $78 REGROWTH colour + cuts from $78 WAX Lip $10 Full Leg $48 FACIAL $68
SINA Gel Nails A Lady Deserves Beautiful Hands Advertisement
Venus—supporting women in the community
By appointment only
0438 629 197 Available Mon, Tues, Wed & Thur all day Full set of permanent French Gel Nails $70 Infills $45 Plain Pink Gel $40 Coloured Gel $50 French Gel on Toes $50
Infills completed within 40 mins All work guaranteed Qualified technician with quality products Special Officer $10 discount on your first visit
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WITH the motto ‘empowering women to shine’, Fernwood Women’s Health Club Belconnen, Gungahlin & Canberra City is launching the community initiative – the Venus Program in May to help enrich the lives of women who face challenging life circumstances. The Fernwood Venus Program is a 10week program of learning and self discovery, providing women in the local community with the knowledge and support to become more self reliant and enabling them to make positive changes in their lives. Supported by the Fernwood Team and the Gungahlin Community Service, the women will be encouraged to set realistic goals, complete a 10 week exercise program, and examine areas of their lives which can be improved. The program provides practical tools
to help the women in everyday life, covering topics such as stress management, self-esteem, health & beauty, diet and exercise, managing home finances and returning to work or study. The focus in the first five weeks is on self-reflection and encouragement, with structured activities in both the workshop and training sessions, whilst the remaining five weeks covers self- management and moving forward. Participants will also have access to their local Fernwood Women’s Health Club outside of the program and will be encouraged to use their club’s facilities. The Fernwood Venus Program was rolled out in approximately 40 clubs across Australia in early 2007, with the pilot program 1st launched in Fernwood Gungahlin in late 2006.
HEALTH FITNESS and BEAUTY
Accessibility flaws equate to discrimination
G
ungahlin should be a model town with regard to access. The ACT government had an opportunity to show Australia how to design for an inclusive community. It’s a huge shame that money will now have to be spent to make changes when this could have been fixed at design stage. In this age, we design buildings that are more that 2000ft tall, buildings with double-decker lifts and that have fully integrated building management system to deliver comfort, control and energy efficiency – the list goes on. BUT we still don’t see that disabled persons including persons with walking frames and wheelchairs and persons with motorised chairs as needing the same access and facilities as ‘able-bodied’ people. The legislation stands that access to a building needs only be 30% for disabled persons therefore discriminating against access to the other 70%. Some of the decision for exclusion is left up to the client and you have to ask yourself what qualification they have to determine that need for access. We moved to a new suburb in Gungahlin for the purpose of giving our
daughter a home and local community that wouldn’t discriminate against her. We were wrong. It would appear that even if a building is new, it is treated as though it has all the limitations of a one hundred year old building. I am concerned over the new renovations of the Gungahlin Raiders Club where once you were able to sit and have a drink. My daughter, 18, is now forced to purchase a drink from the bar, leave the building push round the corner, go down the street to the emergency exit and re-enter the building. This is also outside the legal requirements as liquor licensing states removing alcohol from the premises is illegal. When she wishes to use the toilet she is forced to leave the building via the emergency exit, push up the road, go round the corner re-enter the building. The new Marketplace shopping centre in Gungahlin also has grave design/ building flaws. When you park under the building in a disabled park you access the lift to go to the shops only to find yourself on the street. Then you have to push up the road in the weather to enter the shopping centre. Once you have
completed the shopping on that level and you need to go to the upper level to visit the businesses on that level you are forced to leave the building go down the road and take the lift to the upper level. However if you were ambulant you could park under the shops, use the internal escalator to arrive directly in the shopping centre and once finished you could use the internal escalator to visit the upper level. There is a huge discrimination for persons requiring lift access to the shops. The discrimination is in the huge difference of expectations for persons requiring lift access and those that don’t. My daughter wishes to visit the Fernwood gym after shopping hours. The step from the car park doesn't allow access. She has to ask someone going in to get someone to go through the upper level shopping centre and open the main shop doors. Two steps! Why at design stage and approval stage didn’t someone say this needs to be a ramp not only for my daughter but also for the mothers and their prams? We haven’t come very far have we? By Gillian Coady
Counselling & Therapy Services individual couple family stress anger sex depression grief Caring Confidential Affordable Adrian Adair QMACA Gungahlin 0414 813 461
61 A Nellie Hamilton Ave Stockist of all Indian, Pakistani, Fijian and Sri Lankan groceries, Frozen foods, Sweets, Snacks, Pickles, Chutneys and Bread/Milk, Phone cards, Latest Bollywood DVDs and CDs Indian cooking demo last Sunday of every month. We now also stock Indian cloths, handicrafts and jewellery. We offer quality products, friendly service and the best prices in town. Open 7 days Mon-Fri: 4.30pm- 9pm Sat/Sun: 8am-9pm
Phone/Fax: 62624819
Palmerston Community Centre Weekday afternoon timeslots available To hire the facilities, everything you need to know is on www.gcc.asn.au Meeting Room 1 Casual $25.00 p/h Perm $17.50 p/h Meeting Room 2 Casual $15.00 p/h Perm $12.00 p/h Function rates $300 for 9 hours Deposit for key is required All users $150 per key GunSmoke 107
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GUNGAHLIN ENVIRONMENT
ACT Budget – high on emissions, low on spending By Genevieve Wauchope Climate Campaigner, Conservation Council of the South East Region and Canberra
C
limate change is the greatest challenge facing us today, and is happening much faster than predicted. We hear of extinction threatening animals such as polar bears, and the loss of the Great Barrier Reef, but the effects of climate change will also be felt right here in Canberra. Rising temperatures, stronger winds and less rainfall will lead to heatwaves, fires and a decrease in both the quality, and the availability, of water. It is clear that we must start acting now if we are to address this challenge. Short-term strategies are necessary if we are to reduce our emissions to the level that will keep us from hitting the tipping point into runaway climate change.
The Government must act if we are to achieve deep cuts in emissions. The ACT Government has responded to this challenge by providing $100 million for climate change in the budget…or has it? Less than $10 million of the $100 million announced as Climate Change spending in the ACT Budget will actually fund measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the short term. The Budget cycle runs over four years. $68 million of that $100 million has been left to a ‘fifth year’, which is out of the control of the current Government. Within the budget cycle, $8 million has been allocated to water sports fields, $0.73 million to replace drought affected trees, $10.6 million for the arboretum and $4.4 million for tree planting have been earmarked. Planting trees is important for biodiversity and urban amenity, but will
not deliver an immediate reduction in greenhouse emissions. Energy efficiency, renewable energy and better public transport can reduce emissions, short term, in the ACT. A light rail system can get people where they need to go, on time, and without the hassle of petrol prices, parking, and traffic congestion, at the same time reducing emissions. Ensuring houses reach the 5Star energy efficiency rating they are required to by adequate auditing will save on energy bills as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Introducing a mandatory energy efficiency target for commercial buildings will also see big emissions cuts. We must see money on climate change directed towards achieving immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. More roads and an ‘arboretum offset’ will not tackle dangerous climate change.
Star ratings win THE Gungahlin Community Council has been campaigning for adequate enforcement of ACT’s mandatory energy efficiency star ratings laws. GCC has used meetings with ACT Planning Minister Andrew Barr, with ACTPLA senior staff, and articles on its website to draw attention to the numerous breaches that are obvious in property advertising every weekend. There has been a breakthrough, with the ACT Budget announcing $476,000 in funding over four years for “A reliable Energy Efficient Rating (EER) system used for buildings in the ACT ensuring public confidence in the system.” GCC President Alan Kerlin said this was a good win for the environment, as without enforcement, the whole ACT EER system has been losing credibility. “The funding should see a dedicated staff member allocated to this important issue, with time likely to be split between enforcement and education initiatives.”
Part of Mulligans Flat nature reserve near Forde – a valuable grassy box woodland Gungahlin residents can learn how to build on the haven that these reserves present through careful design of their own gardens
COME along to the Forde Sustainable Landscaping Day at Heritage Park, 22 June 11am-3pm and get hands on experience developing your own sustainable landscaped garden – brought to you by Forde and the Conservation Council. Page 18
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Local garden experts will be on hand to provide personal advice on suitable plant species for Forde and Gungahlin, and how to create a garden that can be a haven for local wildlife. Plus there’ll be displays and presentations by local experts and a BBQ provided by MitchellGungahlin Rotary Club. And for the saplings...the Francis and Friends Field Trip will keep kids entertained, while teaching them valuable lessons on caring for the environment. A character from Mark Johnson of the Fool Factory will lead them through Mulligans Flat on this fun and educational adventure. Book now on 6230 0800 or email: community@forde.com.au For more information visit: www.ourenvironment.org.au
GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING
A cleaner Yerrabi Pond T
hanks to a group of local Rotarians, the walk around Yerrabi Pond will be a more pleasant experience. More than ten large garbage bags of rubbish were removed in two hours when members of the Rotary Club of Mitchell– Gungahlin conducted a clean up around the edge of the lake. The litter included a car wheel, assorted cans and bottles, plastic bags and a large amount of material blown from building sites. Rotary organiser Rob Brew said ‘This is a small contribution by our Club to make local areas more pleasant places for residents to visit. While development is good for the area, it would be nice if builders took a little more care to make sure that the packaging from building materials was disposed of more thoughtfully.’ ‘The majority of material collected was plastic wrapping and polystyrene foam packaging. These materials do not break down easily and can be dangerous to the water birds and other aquatic life,’ he said. Club President Rowley Tompsett was pleased to see a large group of Rotarians take part in the clean up. ‘It was most pleasing’, he said, ‘to see one member of a proposed new Club taking part’. ‘This small group has just started meeting and will make a future impact on Gungahlin’s social landscape’, he said. The Rotary Club of Mitchell– Gungahlin meets on Tuesday mornings at
Rotarians with some of the rubbish collected (From left) Harry Kraft, Vickey Hsaio, Rob Brew, Liza Chatfield, Linda Morthorpe, Jim Robinson, Rowley Tompsett and Steve Tucker Café Dalmo in Mitchell (7.30 am) while the new group meets on Monday evenings (6.30 pm) at the Canberra Raiders Sports Club in Gungahlin. Anyone interested in supporting the Gungahlin community through Rotary is most welcome. For more information, contact Robyne Jobson on 0412 788 086 or Sandra Mahlberg on 0438 426 680. CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Palmerston Community Centre Tiptree Court, Palmerston 02 6255 6087 SUNDAY: 10.00am Sunday Worship and Children’s Church
GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH Amaroo Primary School Pastor R Perkins 02 6253 8157 www.mostlovingchurch.com www.gcbc.pbwiki.com SUNDAY: 10.30am Church Service
CANBERRA CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE – GUNGAHLIN Harrison School (off Flemington Rd) Cnr. Wimmera & Nullarbor St, Harrison Pastors Sue & Syd Miller 02 6101 6933 www.canberraclc.com SUNDAY: 10.30am Church Service GunSmoke 107
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GUNGAHLIN SMOKESIGNALS Gungahlin Community Council receives financial support from: ACT Department of Health & Community Services and the ACT Planning and Land Authority
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