Notices for the GunSmoke newsletter, GCC meetings, meeting minutes and videos of proceedings.
The deadline for GunSmokes is the 15th of each odd month, for issue in the first half of each even month.
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.
The venue is the Palmerston Community Centre, on Tiptree Crescent (off Kosciuszko Avenue - next to the Palmerston shops). You can check the venue here.
Written by Dave Bockett Saturday, 14 August 2010 11:34
17,620 copies of the latest issue of the GCC newsletter Gungahlin Smokesignals - GunSmoke - have now been delivered across Gungahlin.
Written by Alan Kerlin Tuesday, 10 August 2010 08:34
The next GCC meeting will feature:
Written by Dave Bockett Saturday, 17 July 2010 16:51
June 2010 Meeting
Written by Dave Bockett Saturday, 17 July 2010 16:38
July 2010 Meeting
Our special guest at the July Meeting was Chris Taylor who is the General Manager for Telstra CountryWide.
Written by Dave Bockett Thursday, 01 July 2010 14:45
May 2010 GCC Meeting
Written by Alan Kerlin Monday, 28 June 2010 13:55
Special guest for our 14 July 2010 meeting is Mr Chris Taylor, General Manager of Telstra Countrywide.
We have been very critical of poor broadband service and infrastructure in the Gungahlin district - particularly Telstra's infamous Crace Exchange.
Mr Taylor requested an opportunity to respond to our criticisms - and we are more than happy to give him that opportunity. We're sure that many Gungahlin residents who've been struggling for years with slow broadband service, or are even still stuck on dial-up, will want to explain their personal circumstances to Mr Taylor too.
The meeting is on Wednesday 14 July, from 7.30 pm, at the Palmerston Community Centre, Tiptree Crescent, just behind the Palmerston shops.
Written by Dave Bockett Sunday, 27 June 2010 00:00
17,620 copies of the latest issue of the GCC newsletter Gungahlin Smokesignals - GunSmoke - have now been delivered across Gungahlin.
In Issue 118:
Written by Dave Bockett Tuesday, 15 June 2010 14:56
Minutes GCC Meeting- Wednesday 9th June 2010
Apologies - Kevin Cox, Matthew Connors
Executive Meeting – 18.30
1. Finance Report
Frances provides an overview of the current finances:
- Receivables.
- Reconciliation.
- Unpaid advertising for Gunsmoke.
- Other outstanding debtors.
- Current bank balance.
2. Presidents Report
- Appeared at ACT Budget Estimates (5-6pm).
- Kenny Workshop (6-8pm).
- Gungahlin College principal phone hookup (2pm) and assess applications.
- Airport Community Forum (2-4pm).
- Gungahlin College principal short listing (8am-12pm).
- Planning and Development Forum (4-6pm).
- Gungahlin College principal interviews (8am-1pm).
- Gold Creek Homestead meeting (6-8.30pm).
- Road planning – The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin.
- Media interviews, PCC management, GCC meeting arrangements.
General Meeting - 19.30
General Business:
- Outline of issues and stories in upcoming Gunsmoke Smokesignals, Issue 118, to be distributed mid-June.
- Edwina Robinson, Urban Waterways Coordinator, Gungahlin Wetlands Park
- Section 19, Block 2, Gungahlin – near The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin.
- Valley Ponds – working with engineers , re: road works, wetlands and Gungahlin College oval.
- Wetlands - storm water harvesting opportunities, improvements in downstream water quality, trapping nutrients, provide opportunities for natural recreation experience.
- Wetlands built in David Street, O’Connor in 2001 – exhibits diverse vegetation and aquatic habitat.
- Educational opportunities through programs like Water watch & Frog watch.
- Volunteering opportunities – planting.
- Water harvesting opportunities.
- There have been visits by registered Aboriginal groups.
- Underground water studies have been conducted.
- Ecologists have looked at vegetation onsite.
- Plans include implementing drainage and diverting water.
- Plans to build three ponds on the site.
- Project has government funding so public consultations will begin in the near future.
- Plans to create an outdoor learning environment, i.e. – outdoor classroom/s.
- Wetlands Education Unit – to be launched 20 July- to go to all ACT schools – for school kids to learn more about wetlands/importance/involvement.
- Common Wetlands questions/concerns:
§ Will there be mosquitoes?
They will make sure there are constantly graded slopes so there is no stagnant water.
§ Are the wetlands safe?
Grade the slopes so they have gentle side-slopes. No sudden /steep drop off point. Thick vegetation will surround pond/s.
§ Who maintains the site?
Site to be given to Parks, Conservation & Lands in the future for mowing, maintenance.
Community will have the opportunity to maintain site; encouraging children to get out and about.
- If there are issues with snakes, signs may be erected. However, it is a natural area so care must be taken when in the area. There will also be paths surrounding the wetlands, high-vegetation.
- May implement (with engineers) to put up a small concrete wall to direct water, especially in high levels of rain/storms.
- Currently discussing wetlands vs. cycle paths – where to build/implement.
- Could the wetlands become a ‘learnscape’, including interpretive trails, outdoor classrooms, etc.
- Could exercise trails be implemented?
- Tom Elliot, Executive Director Transport and Infrastructure, TaMS
- Kuga Kugathas
- Kristin Blume, A/G Senior Manager, Transport
- Carl Dias, Manager Major Capital Works, Roads ACT
- Hibberson Street; further transport/road planning in process.
- Possible bus interchange/station in Gungahlin (like Belconnen but on smaller scale).
- REDEX is now a permanent route on ACTION bus network – there will be new stops on Flemington Road once road works are complete.
- Designs/Investigations underway for:
§ Park n Ride at Flemington Road/EPIC – may also have bike lockers;
§ Bike n Ride – bike cages/lockers – looking at surveillance/lighting and implementing Bike n Ride areas throughout ACT.
- Also looking into future Majura Parkway; funding, environmental impacts, planning, etc.
- After recent ACT Budget announcement – currently in feasibility stage.
- Bus station, potentially in 2011-12, around HIbberson Street, location TBC.
- Must balance sustainable/reasonable car-parking to encourage use of p/transport.
- New funding for ‘Major Stops’ as some stops have higher demand than others. Looking at establishing better waiting facilities for high patronage at specific stops in Gungahlin.
- ‘Real time passenger information system’ to be implemented in the next 3 years. i.e. - electronic signage at stops, on buses; $12.5million project. In late 2010, a design consultant will be engaged for this project.
- New ticketing system will be implemented late 2010.
- Will factor in ACTION iPhone application into planning.
- Corner of Marcus Clarke St and Barry Dr – will implement a large bus stop/bus lane
- Northbourne Ave study looking at potential Dickson bus station/interchange. Study just completed (ACTPLA). Looks at pedestrian link between p/transport, car parks, shops, etc.
- Previous Northbourne study (4-5 years ago) is being unearthed with talks to NCA. 10 different options found in previous studies which will be explored.
- 2010-11 – Northbourne Avenue feasibility study –will consult the community- cyclists, cars, buses, as well as environmental constraints, short-medium-long term plans. $4million allocated for study.
- Need to coordinate bus routes for express passengers from town-centre to town-centre, and those who need multi-town centre stops.
- Link to Brindabella Park – last departure form Gungahlin is 7am. Timetable changes due in November, 2010. Will this route be revised?
Meeting Closed 21.50
Written by Dave Bockett Tuesday, 15 June 2010 14:53
Minutes GCC Meeting – Wednesday 12nd May 2010
Executive Meeting – 18.30
1. Finance Report
Frances provides an overview of the current finances:
- Receivables.
- Reconciliation.
- Unpaid advertising for Gunsmoke.
- Other outstanding debtors.
- Current bank balance.
2. Presidents Report
Events:
- Unveiling heritage signs at Bonner homestead – Heritage Festival
- Speech at Gungahlin Day View Club: on GCC achievements
- NCA Forum spoke on developing internode corridors vs rapid public transport
- Groundbreaking ceremony - Harrison Childcare Centre
Media:
- Bus lanes on Northbourne – WIN TV, 2CC, CT
- Budget analysis media release, follow up media with 2CC, Mark Parton, CT, RiotACT, on website and Facebook
Executive:
- Financial Transactions with Frances
- Introduction to Gunsmoke with Sean and Damien
- Organising next meeting guests
PCC:
- Organise electrician to fix lighting inside and out
- Organise window repair
- Organise foyer floor cleaning
- Get additional keys cut for Exec and GRCS
- Liase with GRCS on cleaning problems
- Requested quote on card-based lock system
- Contract review – Matt (Vice-President)?
Web:
- Review new template launch
- Load several new articles
- Maintain facebook and respond to enquiries
- RiotACT comments on Gungahlin issues
Gunsmoke:
- Started writing articles for June issue, taking relevant photos
Planning:
- DA submission on Flemington Road development
Coming up:
- ACT Budget Estimate Inquiry appearance 13/5
- Airport community forum 27/5
- Selection Committee for Gungahlin College Principal
- Gungahlin College public meeting 13/5
- Telstra CEO at June meeting 9/6
- Urban Forest Reference Panel 17/5
- Kenny workshop – Harrison School 18/5
General Meeting - 19.30
1. Guest Speaker – Regional Development Australia – Executive Officer – Ewan Brown
RDA – An Australian Government Initiative
RDA ACT Activities:
- Provide advice to Australian & ACT Government about regional issues
- Provide strategic input into Australian & ACT Government
- Report will be provided by 30 June, 2010 – current/recent issues identified
- Stakeholder meetings when issues arise
- Reports will be sent out to stakeholders then RDS will begin lobbying local/federal government
- Provide information to ACT & regional communities on Commonwealth& ACT government initiatives
- Help to coordinate regional planning & regional development initiatives
- Establish links & cooperative alliances by working closely with other regional development organizations and neighbouring NSW RDA committees & local governments to promote regional development
Anticipated roles of the RDA ACT:
- Galvanising input from ACT stakeholders
- Identifying their issues, concerns and policies
- Providing an overlay to ACT & Commonwealth government programs & policies
- Identifying gaps in government programs and policies
- Balancing ACT & Commonwealth government views
- Applying a regional perspective, wherever relevant, to policies and programs
- Producing reports/strategic plans to highlight actions and policies necessary to achieve priorities.
- Are looking forward to establishing a working relationship with the GCC to address current and potential future regional issues.
Current issues:
- Morrisett Road/Sanford Rd, Mitchell – to be connected with Antill St – Park & Ride to be funded – provide opportunity for NSW residents
- Broadband/Telstra within Gungahlin & ACT region
- Flemington Road – roadworks/new shops/40km zone may restrict traffic flow, Redex bus service, light rail service, etc – creating problems for residents/defence housing residents
- Controlled growth, better facilities, more work in Gungahlin and keep residents in the region/community.
2. Guest Speakers – New suburb of Kenny – Concept Plan
Steve Gianakis - ACTPLA
Susan Conroy & Associates
Angus Gorman – Bill Guy & Partners – Consulting Engineers
- Suburb between Harrison and Watson
- Pedaderm – underground aqua
- Bores
- Surface water taken to below ground strata
- Past ANU/Molonglo River to Lake Burley Griffin
- 2006 – 2008 – variation to territory plan – Kenny and Throsby – proposed for Kenny – group proposal for a group centre (similar to Casey/Amaroo facilities), government primary school and high density residential area
- Gov land release 12-13 financial year with more releases in subsequent years
- Investigations in electromagnetic field and 2CA broadcasting facility
- Studies into Wells station drive extension, Flemington road/ Morrisett road
- At beginning of planning – info gathering stage
- Start of the consultation – 2-3 months to gather and report back to ACTPLA
- End of 2010 –more detailed planning
- Smell issue from Waste site/tip – winds carry smell
- Youth detention centre – concerns/escapes
- Studies into Heritage issues, Horse Park drive extension, Sullivan’s creek, environmental issues
- Landscaping and buffering required near youth detention centre
- Commercial precinct – 5000-6000m2 – supermarket/specialist supermarket (ALDI), 10,000m2 retail and similar uses – possibly similar to Mawson, Kippax, Dickson shopping centres
- Short term – no traffic lights – long term possibility
- Transport – ACTION – still discussing PT network
Angus
- Fact finding mission at this stage
- Scope of the study-6-7 specialist areas – sewer, telecoms, electricity, facilities, storm water, and other requirements needed for the new suburb
- Nature/geotechnical’s, grounds, roads, structures, any constraints? Any contamination to area? Uncontrolled fill areas- investigating – bricks, mortar, rubbish dumping, dams, farming uses, pesticides, herbicides, etc
- Traffic projection – horse park drive- sub consultants – looking at population – traffic movements from boundaries- capacity and potential road network – roundabouts, traffic lights, etc. projection 20 – 30 years out.
- Flora and fauna. Tree survey done. Protected species, lizards, moths, birds, etc. Certain areas warranting protection?
- Boarding kennels on Federal Highway – how will this go in the middle of suburbia? Noise?
- Bush fire risk assessment – influences roads/suburb layout
- Landscaping around Sullivan’s creek
- Social, recreational, community needs for the area
- Flight paths?
Susan
- First consultation with ACT Gov agencies with more meetings to come in the next few weeks
- Reports compiled and residents notified of potential plans
- 34.4% increase - Gungahlin growth in 2006
- All schools have high levels of enrolments and/or are full with new buildings to come and extend
- New Watson school being built
- Separate playing fields from school areas so residents have open access
- Intensively used – all Gungahlin facilities – Recommending Kenny have another facility to cater for high demand
- Childcare, before and after school care, schools, community halls, indoor and outdoor recreation
- Filling gaps that currently exist in Gungahlin region/facilities
- Throsby – Catholic high school, district playing fields, government school, possibly bringing one of these schools forward to cater for needs of region
- Pedestrians/cyclists across Federal Highway – what is the plan?
- Preserving of open space, certain areas with environmental importance, etc
- Too early to say if Kenny development will be private or public/government managed
- Residents/attendees to GCC meeting hoping it does not reflect Casey development and hopefully more like Forde
- Will there be on or off road cycle lanes? Need to consider danger/safety, carbon monoxide exposure, children travelling to school, etc
- School and childcare centre to be co-located to avoid double drop offs, overall inconvenience
- School facilities should be next to community facilities – design around parking and thoroughfares. Complimentary facilities not clashing facilities.
- Parking widths are very small – need to be widened
- Expand sense of community- bbq’s, play areas, etc
- Toilet facilities/fresh water tap at playing fields, parks, etc
- Sporting fields needs survey – 2006 – identified concept plans that Gungahlin is 26 hectares short in comparison to the current sporting facilities in other regions in the ACT
- Community Gardens – one coming in the Gungaderra Homestead – more required- options for community groups, women’s, men’s, children’s, family, etc
- Look at how Kenny residents will access to City
- Look at how Watson residents will access Gungahlin – is it there
- Potentially 3500 dwellings in Kenny and 4000 dwellings in Throsby
- Jacka suburb – 2500, 1500, 1100 – typography, environmental, heritage issues changed the plan
- Solar farm – buy shares in a cooperative in a medium/small sized solar farm – highly visible – possibly near EPIQ?
- Next Wednesday 19 May, 2010 – consultation – workshop themes – access, mobility, environmental, community facilities – 2 hour period – short presentation – questions and feedback to entire group
3. Guest Speaker – Caroline Le Couteur – Greens
- Active transport meeting Wednesday morning
- Heart Foundation- Healthly spaces and places project
- Budget wrap up
- $97 million into bus infrastructure
- $4million extending size of the Mugga Lane tip – instead of looking at organic waste
- $1million bulky waste –social service exercise –pensioner – ring government – pick up hard rubbish – computers, fridges, large items, etc
- Maroochy shire – 68% organic in waste
- SERROX – Geoff Pryor/Prior & RDA looking into better waste management – organic waste
- Goulburn – currently has city to soil compost system
Meeting Closed 21.15
Written by Dave Bockett Wednesday, 21 April 2010 08:41
Written by Alan Kerlin Tuesday, 13 April 2010 00:00
Our meeting on Wednesday 14th will have a transport focus, with ACTPLA, Roads ACT experts and consultants presenting:
See you at the Palmerston Community Centre, Tiptree Crescent (behind the shops), from 7.30pm.
Written by Dave Bockett Tuesday, 06 April 2010 00:00
17,620 copies of the latest issue of the GCC newsletter Gungahlin Smokesignals - GunSmoke - are now being delivered across Gungahlin.
In Issue 117: what is a "shared zone" and how would it work as a solution for Hibberson Street's growing traffic woes?
We call for the ACT Government to drop the Calvary purchase and instead build a third Canberra Hospital in the Gungahlin Town Centre.
We ask why the ACT Government wants to pack another 12,000 jobs into Civic in the next 5 years - and at what cost to Gungahlin?
We reveal plans for the Throsby District Playing fields, and give updates on the plans for a mosque in Gungahlin and the extension of WEell Station Drive in Harrison.
Delivery of Gunsmoke 117 is being partially sponsored - as always - by the Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club.
Businesses interested in advertising in Issue 118 should get in quick. The deadline is 10 May.
Written by Dave Bockett Monday, 29 March 2010 19:24
Video of GCC Meeting - 10th March 2010
Written by Dave Bockett Sunday, 07 March 2010 14:42
17,620 copies of the latest issue of the GCC newsletter Gungahlin Smokesignals - GunSmoke - are now being delivered across Gungahlin.
Issue 116 features articles on a unique wetlands park planned for the Gungahlin town centre, and unfortunately moke pokies being foisted on us by the ACT ALP Government. We also feature the regrettable decision by the ACT Government to locate an extension of Well Station Drive - four lanes with 20,000 cars per day - just 20 metres from a quiet residential street.
Delivery of Gunsmoke 116 is being sponsored - as always - by the Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club.
Businesses interested in advertising in Issue 117 should get in quick. The deadline is 10 March.
Written by Dave Bockett Thursday, 18 February 2010 15:31
Video of Meeting 10th Feb 2010
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