Tuggeranong Community Council Newsletter Issue 1: February 2011 New supermarket plan raises concerns The Community Council (TCC) has raised concern over plans for a new supermarket at Chisholm.

Aldi proposes to build a new store on land behind the existing Chisholm shop- ping centre. The proposed development is part of the ACT Government‟s push for more players in ‟s food retail market. The plans were discussed at the TCC‟s February meeting which was ad- dressed by representatives of the ACT Government‟s Land and Property Ser- vices (LAPS).

TCC members said while they welcomed competition in the food retail market they had a number of concerns relating to traffic and questions about the sale and use of the land. Members questioned if a supermarket was the best use of the Chisholm site. If it was sold would the community get the best price for it?, what other supermarket chains had been given an opportunity to bid for the site? The public is invited to comment on plans for an Aldi supermarket at Chisholm and what else had been considered for the site? They are also concerned about competi- CONTENTS PAGE tion for parking between shoppers and “They are also concerned commuters,” Mr Johnston said. New supermarket plan about competition for parking raises concerns 1 between shoppers and “LAPS is seeking public com- Leaders address combined commuters,” ment on plans for the Aldi Councils‟ meeting 2 supermarket.” TCC Vice President and Planning and Canberra‟s light rail, is it on track? 3 Development Committee Chairman, Dug LAPS Director of Project Facilitation, Development to include Holmes, said he was concerned that in Ross McKay, said the site is currently the past ACT land had been sold to de- lake front housing 4 zoned Commercial CZ3 under the Terri- velopers at far lower than normal market tory Plan. He said the Plan restricts the Community farewells a value and ACT ratepayers had been the size of a supermarket on this site to less tireless worker 5 losers. He pointed to the example of the than 300 square metres. land for the proposed Hume Data Cen- Experts recommend more housing tre. A variation to the Territory Plan is re- In Tuggeranong and Erindale plan 6 quired in order to allow for an increase of TCC joins the Festival spirit 6 TCC President and Chisholm resident, gross floor area required for the pro- Darryl Johnston, said residents were posed Aldi supermarket. He said LAPS Park and ride gaining support 7 also concerned the development will is seeking public comment on plans for lead to an increase in truck movements the Aldi supermarket. Health centre revamp 7 as they make deliveries to Coles and Aldi and an overall increase in general African Love Grass not so lovable 7 traffic on Benham and Proctor Streets. Continued on page 2 Flood works 7

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 1 Leaders address combined Councils’ meeting

The Combined Community Councils are greatly concerned by;

the fragmentation of planning in the ACT and the absence of an over-arching plan for the ACT and nearby region which results in an ad hoc approach to development; the lack of transparency and ac- countability of the planning and development process in the ACT; and the inadequacies of the current system of community engage- ment.

The Combined Councils call upon the ACT Legislative Assembly to conduct an independent and thorough review of the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA), Land Development Agency (LDA) and other relevant agencies with a view to the ACT Government establish- ing an independent integrated and stra- tegic planning and development system that contributes to the orderly and sus- tainable development in the ACT with consideration to bordering regions, and consistent with the social, environmental and economic aspirations of the people of the ACT, a key objective in the ACT Planning and Development Act (2007). ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, officially opens the Combined Community Councils’ Meeting hosted by the TCC in Tuggeranong. Community Council was not represented at the meeting but has sub- The TCC hosted a meeting of all ACT However, he also recognised Canberra‟s sequently endorsed the motion. Community Councils and the Jer- projected future growth and the increas- rabomberra Residents Association (JRA) ing demand for affordable housing and Leader of the Opposition, Zed Seselja, in November 2010. services in the territory. and Greens Planning and Development spokesperson, Caroline Le Couteur also TCC President Darryl Johnston said the At the conclusion of his opening address addressed the meeting and outlined their meeting was an opportunity for Commu- the Chief Minister took questions from planning concerns and each of their nity Councils and the JRA to discuss the floor, the majority of which related to Party‟s planning policies. issues of common concern. planning and community consultation. The next Combined Community Coun- Representatives of Tuggeranong, Bel- cil‟s meeting is scheduled to be held in connen, , , Each Council presented on issues of March. , Inner major impact to their communities. Community Councils and the JRA met at Woden Valley Community Council gave the Tuggeranong Community Centre. an extensive presentation on their con- cerns over the Woden Green develop- From page 1 The meeting was officially opened by ment. ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope. Mr McKay told the meeting that all com- TCC Vice President and Planning Com- ments received will be directed to the mittee Chairman, Dug Holmes outlined developer for consideration as part of “These issues also impact the TCC‟s concerns over the proposed any development application and will be other areas of Canberra and Tralee residential development, the East- subject to further community consultation not just Tuggeranong.” ern Broadacre Study, the planned Hume as part of the approval process. data centre and bitumen plant.

He added that any resident wishing to Mr Stanhope said he was pleased to see “These issues also impact other areas of comment on either the direct sale or the the Councils joining forces as he be- Canberra and not just Tuggeranong,” he proposed variation to the Territory Plan, lieved they had an important role to play said. can post their comment on LAPS‟ web- in the future planning and development site: of the ACT. At the conclusion of the meeting the rep- http://www.laps.act.gov.au/ resentatives of the Community Councils community_engagement/ He said he recognised the concerns of adopted the following motion: community_consultation_contact Community Councils over particular or write to; Land and Property Services planning proposals, highlighting Woden GPO Box 158 CANBERRA ACT 2601 and North Canberra.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 2 Canberra’s light rail, is it on track? system is expected to be completed in 2014. It will run from Griffith University to Broadbeach via Southport and Surfers Paradise. The project costs $949 million and is being funded by the Federal and Queensland governments and Gold Coast City Council. Meanwhile, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth are considering intro- ducing their own light rail systems while Sydney is extending its network. So why not Canberra?

“One only has to look to Sydney to get a taste of Canberra’s future.”

Unlike many other cities Canberra is ideal for a light rail network with its wide avenues and green corridors. In his origi- nal plan for Canberra Walter Burley Grif- fin outlined a route for a rail line to serve the city. One was never built. Instead Canberra has grown to become a city for A vision of the future for the Gold Coast where light rail will be a reality by 2014 cars; despite the fact Burley Griffin never That old chestnut, a future mass public 2. reduced bus operational costs planned it so. transport system for Canberra has raised 3. reduced greenhouse emissions its head again. It was one of the topics at 4. reduced medical costs from acci- The reality is that if we do not begin plan- the Combined Community Councils‟ dents ning and building a future mass public meeting hosted by the TCC in November 5. increased property sale prices - transport system in the future Canberra and was highlighted in the ACT Govern- residential and commercial will grind to a halt as cars, buses and ment‟s recently released report on its 6. increased rates along routes trucks compete for space on our roads. Time to Talk public consultation exer- One only has to look to Sydney to get a cise. So while the debate has been raging in taste of Canberra‟s future. Canberra, cities of similar size, if not bigger, have already introduced light rail So where are we at with a light rail net- “Studies have also shown work in Canberra? Well, the plans suf- that light rail will work systems and integrated them into their public transport networks. fered a major setback in 2009 when it in Canberra” failed to get backing from the Federal Government and funding under the The idea for a light rail system in Can- “Unlike many other cities Building Australia Fund. It was a kick in berra has the support of many individu- Canberra is ideal for a the stomach for Gungahlin Community als and groups including ACT politicians, light rail network” Council, Light Rail ACT and a slap in the the Conservation Council, the ACT Busi- face for Chief Minister John Stanhope ness Council and other community The Irish city of Dublin opened the first who had come out in support of the pro- groups. For many years the Gungahlin stage of its light rail system in 2004. The ject. It was one of nine projects he sub- Community Council (GCC) lobbied heav- 675 million Euros project, known as the mitted for funding. ily for a light rail link between Civic and Luas, (an Irish language word meaning their northern communities. Light Rail "speed") was the largest light rail project The submission was supported with ACT has lobbied for a network serving to be constructed at any one time any- analysis by Pricewaterhouse Coopers Canberra and Queanbeyan, linking the where in the world for many years. (PWC) that showed a light rail system in major employment, education and resi- Canberra could maximise transport ac- dential areas. Studies have also shown The first stage of the project included a cessibility, improve the efficiency of the that light rail will work in Canberra. So, 24km length of twin track over three ACT‟s transport system, and minimise why hasn‟t it been built? lines, associated light rail stops, park and the social and environmental impacts of ride interchanges, substations, roads, transport. The proponents of light rail believe a bridges, depots and control build- major hurdle to the concept is that many ings. The design provides a number of Light rail would have provided opportuni- people, particularly the politicians talk direct links with other transport links ties to make Canberra more sustainable about it in terms of the cost. - Shock, across the network and the routes ser- by increasing greener transport choices, horror, big, big dollars. They never con- vice many of the main residential, com- reducing car reliance and encouraging a sider it as an investment for the future or mercial, tourist and service centres more sustainable urban form built around look at the flow-on benefits. Proponents throughout Dublin. transit corridors. In the cost benefit say only a complete cost-benefit analysis analysis results PWC predict that for an will reveal all the offset savings and reve- Light rail networks have also opened in outlay of $1.65 billion on the entire net- nues that would spin from a light rail link, Madrid in Spain, Shanghai in China, Sin- work and its operating costs, this will such as; gapore ,and Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, produce benefits to the Territory in the Minneapolis and San Jose in the United 1. negated/deferred road building States just to mention a few. Stage one Continued on page 4 costs of Queensland‟s Gold Coast light rail

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 3 Development to include lake front housing In March 2011, the LDA will host a com- munity information session where the draft masterplan will be displayed and the project team will be available to an- swer any questions. The date of this session is yet to be finalised but will be advertised on the LDA website http:// www.lda.act.gov.au/?/community/ greenway_sections_57_58_59_65_66

For further information please visit the LDA website. To register your interest in receiving further updates, you can send an email to [email protected] or telephone 02 6205 0600. An aerial view of the Greenway site Waterfront housing at Newington in Sydney Article supplied by LDA While the ACTPLA centres planning pro- an ageing community; and ject is looking at the Tuggeranong Town the importance of integrating the NOTE: Centre as a whole (see page 6), the site into transport networks in- Land Development Agency (LDA) is pre- cluding car, bus, bike and pedes- The Tuggeranong Community Council paring a masterplan for the Greenway trian networks. will host a special public meeting on site (section 57, 58, 59, 65 and 66). The Tuesday 12 April 2011 to discuss the sites are scheduled for land release in One of the key town centre issues identi- Greenway, Tuggeranong and Erindale the coming years. fied is lake access. The development of projects. The meeting will be held in the the Greenway site provides an opportu- upstairs conference room of the Tugger- The Greenway site is on the south west- nity to create a unique lakefront precinct anong South Cross Club commencing at ern side of Lake Tuggeranong, off An- that will enhance access to the lake for 7.30pm. ketell Street and opposite Bunnings. everybody and provide a special destina- tion in the Tuggeranong Town Centre. From Page 3 The LDA believes that the project can build on the existing infrastructure and Residential buildings assets and provide the catalyst for a order of $2.66 billion through increases new, sustainable and vibrant lakefront towards the lake. in amenity and significant reductions in precinct for Tuggeranong. costs the Territory would otherwise have The LDA presented possible options for to bear in to the future. The importance of maintaining the Greenway masterplan at the Tugger- anong Festival in November 2010, and Despite the case for light rail in Canberra and enhancing public access has now progressed to identifying a pre- being proven and Government and com- to the lakefront ferred development option. Some of the munity support, the proposal did not get key features include: one cent from the Federal Government‟s In preparing the masterplan, the LDA is Building Australia Fund. You can ask if consulting with key stakeholders in the Mixed use on Anketell Street in- this was a case of politics or just a lack area including TCC, Business Tugger- cluding ground floor retail on An- of foresight on the part of our political anong, Hyperdome, Communities @ ketell Street with residential leaders. Perhaps it was both. Work, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Lake above. Tuggeranong College, Bunnings and Residential buildings towards the Maybe what we need is a politician who Federal Member for Canberra, Gai lake. is prepared to make, as Sir Humphrey Brodtmann. Some of the key issues to The inclusion of aged care on the Appleby would say to Jim Hacker, “a emerge from the consultation process to courageous decision.” Failing that, the site which is anticipated to include date are: community has got to take over from a range of accommodation from where the politicians have fallen short independent living to higher levels and ensure Canberra‟s light rail stays on recognition of the need to rein- of care. vigorate the town centre and ac- track and is built. The cost will be the A lakefront activity hub or precinct knowledgement of the role of biggest hurdle and must be seen as an with cafes and restaurants. residential development as part of investment in our city. Future genera- that revitalisation; Green areas of open space pro- tions will thank us for it. viding links between Anketell the importance of maintaining and Street and the lakefront. enhancing public access to the NOTE lakefront; A new road network including a The Canberra light rail proposal will be secondary street parallel to An- discussed at the next meeting of the the potential of „activating the lake ketell and a possible new access Tuggeranong Community Council on front with several stakeholders road including a bridge across the Tuesday 1 March. The meeting will com- commenting that they would like lake linking Anketell Street to mence at 7.30pm in the upstairs confer- to see cafes, restaurants and Drakeford Drive. ence room of the Tuggeranong Southern similar active uses on the lake- Cross Club. Guest speaker will be Da- front; The preferred option will continue to be mien Haas from Light Rail ACT. the need to respond to the chang- refined over the coming weeks. ing demographics of the Tugger- By Darryl Johnston anong Valley, including ensuring that there are housing options for

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 4 Community farewells a tireless worker

services for school-aged children. En- And to all our sponsors, donors, col- hancing volunteering through Super- leagues in government departments, grands. Starting the Tuggeranong business and community partners, sup- 55+Club in 2008 for seniors with the porters and friends, a heartfelt thank you motto „Be Active, Feel Great‟. Contribut- for your inspiring encouragement. ing to Australia‟s training effort through our Registered Training Organisation, I am delighted to now pass on my good NuSkills Learning and Development. fortune through leaving this rich legacy Getting the Tuggeranong Men‟s Shed for others to inherit. For certain, an excit- going. The launch of OzHarvest Can- ing next decade of positive contribution berra in 2008, with its bright yellow vans and service beckons for all who are as- rescuing food so charities and refuges sociated with Communities@Work. across the ACT can better assist people in need. Opening our new dining room Maureen Cane and food service at Appletree House Child Care and Education Centre in 2009. The promise of new energy and A welcome voice opportunity coming with the amalgama- tion of Galilee Inc with Communi- ties@Work in 2010. Welcome to the first issue of Valley Voice, Tuggeranong Community Coun- “What an honour cil‟s newsletter. Retiring Communities@Work CEO, and privilege it has been for Maureen Cane. Valley Voice is designed to inform Valley me to be involved residents of issues that impact on them After almost a decade, Maureen Cane in all this positive and to act as a vehicle for other commu- has announced her retirement as effort.” nity groups and organisations to commu- Chief Executive Officer of one of the nicate with residents. largest and most diverse community And then of course there were the many based organisations in the ACT. She public events, such as Celebration of Valley Voice will be produced on a regu- reflects on her term at the helm of Families and the Weston Creek Spring lar basis and will be circulated amongst Communities@Work. Festival, and conferences, with topics TCC members and beyond. If you wish ranging from children‟s services to cor- to receive copies of Valley Voice in the When I became the CEO of the then porate development, and fundraising future please email [email protected]. Tuggeranong Community Service nearly efforts, such as the Food for Thought ten years ago I swiftly realised my good functions for OzHarvest Canberra. Meanwhile if you have articles or images fortune. I had been handed a rich inheri- Business Tuggeranong, started in 2001, you wish to contribute to Valley Voice tance – an organisation with amazingly brings businesses and employers to- please email them to [email protected]. creative and dedicated staff, a supportive gether to promote the region as a great Board of Management, and opportunity place to do business, and is going Please feel free to pass Valley Voice on to try new things. stronger than ever. to those who you think will be interested in its contents. “Looking back In 2007, Communities@Work‟s thirtieth there are many anniversary, our celebrations were made ______highlights.” more special by being State Winners of

the 2007 NAB Volunteer Award in the Valley Voice is published by the Tugger- And then there was that wonderful Tug- Large Organisation Category. Even bet- anong Community Council (TCC). Mate- geranong community spirit, on display ter, in the same year, two of our volun- rial in this publication comes from a vari- everywhere and in everything. An army teers, John and Beryl Fillery, were ACT ety of community and government based of volunteers always there to lend a Volunteers of the Year – and later to be sources and therefore does not neces- hand, businesses willing to donate goods receiving the Order of Australia Medals sarily reflect the views of the TCC. and services and people happy to share in the 2010 Queen‟s Birthday honours. their knowledge and expertise. Material submitted to the TCC for inclu- “I am delighted to now pass sion in Valley Voice may be subject to Looking back there are many highlights. on my good fortune editorial changes. Material that includes Tuggeranong amalgamating with Weston through leaving dates, times and contact details is cor- Creek Community Service in 2002 to this rich legacy for rect at the time of publishing. Therefore, form Communities@Work. the TCC cannot be held responsible if it others to inherit.” is not informed of any changes to that The opening of Abacus Early Childhood information prior to publication. Centre in the Treasury Building in Parkes What an honour and privilege it has been later the same year. Participation in the for me to be involved in all this positive Darryl Johnston Bushfire Recovery Taskforce in 2003. effort for our community and to lead our President Spreading our wings through manage- wonderful staff – now numbering well Tuggeranong Community Council. ment of ACT-wide inclusion and profes- over 400 - and to observe the excellent E: [email protected] sional support in children‟s services. contribution of over 200 volunteers and W: www.tuggcc.com New programs in respite care, disability 150 home-based family day carers. I services and for families and youth at thank them all for their tremendous risk. New before and after school care achievements over the last ten years.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 5 The community has raised the following Experts recommend more housing in issues:

Tuggeranong and Erindale plan There are car-parking issues in both centres Traffic congestion in Erindale Tuggeranong needs to develop more attractions and vibrancy such as a more active waterfront Resolve car-parking and traffic is- sues in Gartside Street, Erindale More residential development in Tuggeranong Keep Erindale convenient and friendly Provide more friendly pedestrian and vehicle access in Erindale Improve the streetscape and envi- ronment in both centres

Community workshops are planned for April 2011 to discuss some planning scenarios for the centres. Please regis- ter via the email address below so we can inform you of the dates and locations of these meetings.

ACTPLA is running a schools consulta- A map showing the area to be covered by the Tuggeranong Erindale Planning Project tion program for the project, including a planning design competition. Students in The Tuggeranong Erindale Group Cen- More residential development in the area are being asked to produce tres Planning Project is on track to de- Tuggeranong and Erindale, espe- their vision for Tuggeranong and Erin- liver a draft plan by October 2011. cially Tuggeranong dale. Make Tuggeranong more self suffi- The ACT Planning and Land Authority cient using principles of sustainabil- Entries close at the end of March 2011. (ACTPLA) has completed the first phase ity The community is invited to provide feed- of community consultation, and expert Improve the amenity of the public back via email: TuggeranongErin- assessments. spaces in both centres by landscap- [email protected] or through the website: ing www.actpla.act.gov.au/ ACTPLA is now developing planning Increase employment in Tugger- tuggeranongerindale scenarios for the study area. Once anong these are drafted it will be moving to the More cycling and pedestrian access Article supplied by ACTPLA next phase of community consultation A new bus interchange in Erindale and expert review, which includes plan- Slow traffic and manage car-parking ning workshops in each centre and a in Erindale community survey. Explore the use of renewable en- TCC joins the

ergy sources in any new develop- festival spirit More ment residential Connect Tuggeranong to the sur- development in rounding natural landscape and Tuggeranong recreation areas Investigate improvements to the

The project is being informed by a range management of water quality in the of experts who have produced report on: Tuggeranong Catchment

Infrastructure – power, gas, sewer- age Community workshops Transport – roads, pedestrian path- are planned for ways, public transport April 2011 Environment – plants and animals, scenery, heritage values The first phase of community consulta- Economics – commercial viability, tion included a community workshop retail, population growth held at Erindale in November 2010. Social infrastructure and demo- graphics – community facilities, ACTPLA planners have conducted inter- sport facilities, population growth views with key stakeholders including local businesses. L to R: Darryl Johnston, Albert Orszaczky and The panel of experts has also recom- Alison Ryan man the TCC information booth mended: There is also a project webpage where at the Tuggeranong Festival. This was the people can comment at any stage. first time the TCC was represented at the Festival.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 6 Park and ride gaining support Health centre

He said a park and ride facility at Calwell revamp will operate 7-days a week, help reduce traffic congestion on the Monaro High- As a part of the ACT Government‟s Capi- way, parking in Civic and the Tugger- tal Asset Development Program, ACT anong Town Centre and operate as a Health is expanding and refurbishing the new hub for tourist coaches that already existing health centre at Tuggeranong. depart from Calwell to the snow and South Coast. The preliminary sketch plans

“If we can get a park and ride facility in for the new health centre Calwell it will act as a feeder system for are being finalised. other park and ride facilities. The expanded Tuggeranong Community People will change their habits if the in- Health Centre will continue to be located The push for a commuter park and ride frastructure is in place,” he said. at the corner of Anketell & Pitman facility at Calwell has gained momentum. Streets, Greenway and will be designed Calwell Park and Ride Project Commit- “We already have commuters who ride to include services such as: tee Chairman and local businessman, their bikes from Gordon, Theodore and Nick Tsoulias, said the proposed park other suburbs to Calwell, lock up their Aged Care and Rehabilitation and ride facility would service suburbs in bikes and catch a bus to work. They can- services southern Tuggeranong and be ideally not wait for a new park and ride facility at Alcohol and Drug Counselling; located for people travelling to Canberra Calwell,” Mr. Tsoulias said. Home-based and clinic-based from regional centres such as Cooma. Community Nursing services; For more information on the Calwell Park Mr. Tsoulias has discussed the plans and Ride project email Nick Tsoulias: Allied Health services such as with ACT politicians and said the Greens [email protected]. nutrition, physiotherapy, podiatry have submitted a bid for funding under and social work; the next ACT Budget. Child, Youth and Women‟s ser- vices; Dental services for children, youth African Lovegrass not so lovable and adults; Diabetes services; African Lovegrass (ALG) is a highly inva- Mental Health services for adults, sive environmental and agricultural weed adolescents and young adults; in the ACT and Southern NSW region. Primary care services The Southern ACT Catchment Group is Antenatal and other clinics; carrying out a federally funded project Renal medicine services including aimed at improved education and control satellite dialysis and clinics; of ALG infestations across the ACT and Self Management Programs to parts of southern NSW. The project is manage conditions such as arthri- funded under the Federal Government‟s tis; Community Action Grant program. Pathology Collection services; and Part of the project involves conducting a GP services. detailed survey on African Love Grass distribution. The Southern ACT Catch- African Lovegrass infestation The preliminary sketch plans for the new ment Group will conduct surveys from health centre are being finalised, with our major arterial roads, but is calling for Flood works community consultation on the design of public assistance. the expanded building expected to begin

The ACT Government will undertake in March 2011. The community is being engaged to as- flood prevention works in Banks and sist in mapping the location of ALG in West Kambah. Construction is sched- ACT Health will present the preliminary their neighbourhoods, suburbs, nature uled to begin in April and be completed sketch plans at an upcoming Tugger- reserves and parks and across the rural by June. anong Community Council meeting and area of the ACT. will display the plans at a community

Major construction activity will be under- consultation session in Tuggeranong and Although the primary aim of this survey taken along the fire trail of Rob Roy Na- on the ACT Health website. is to map the distribution of ALG in the ture Park, behind Crespin Place and ACT, details of infestations in surround- Wittunga Crescent in Banks. Meanwhile Construction on the expanded health ing NSW areas will provide valuable in- similar work will be undertaken north and centre is expected to begin in the second formation on rate/method/direction of west of the West Kambah residential half of 2011. spread. area.

More information including an ALG fact Territory and Municipal Services advises Article supplied by ACT Health sheet can be found at http:// there may be some disruption to traffic in sactcg.org.au/taxonomy/term/22. the construction areas. A plan of the works can be viewed at Article supplied by SACTCG www.tams.act.gov.au.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 7