Minutes GCC Meeting 13 May 2009

Executive Meeting – 1830

1. Finance Report

• Michelle provided an overview of the current finances.

2. Presidents Report

• Alan provided a summary of the current activities being undertaken by the President.
• Alan indicated that response for volunteers for Gunsmoke had been strong and there were several people able to assist with GS production, editing and preparation.
• Alan indicated that he was preparing a formal response to the Airport Master Plan based on previous comments/concerns and new issues emerging from the revised plan submitted by the Canberra Airport Corporation.

General Meeting - 1930

1. Jason Forest – ACTPL – Gungahlin Town Planning Study

• Jason provided overview of previous consultation that was conducted.
• Focus on the study was Commercial and Community Space, Urban Design and Transport
• ACTPLA was seeking feedback on some of the major design considerations of Hibberson Street;
  • Car Traffic – Day (-6)
  • Car Traffic – Night (2)
  • Shelter (4)
  • Pedestrian Only Area (1)
  • Pedestrian Crossings (2)
  • On Street Parking (0)
  • Bus and Taxi Shelters (1)
  • Outdoor Areas for Café (5)
  • Wide footpaths (3)
  • Loading Zones (-2)
• ACTPLA distributed to meeting survey on Hibberson Street. ACTPLA to provide copy of survey to GCC for distribution on GCC webpage.
• Straw poll of meeting indicated that;
  • Outdoor areas for Café;
  • Shelter; and
  • Wide Footpaths for shoppers.
• Jason confirmed that ACTPLA was in discussions with various other stakeholders on wider design implication issues.
• Jason discussed the current major development activities being undertaken in the town centre: bulky goods, enclosed oval, school and aquatic centre.
• Concern raised with the development of an oval in the area. Clarification provided that the oval was intended to be an Ainslie style oval rather than Manuka.
• Question raised on the availability of culture/community based activities. Jason confirmed that the library is intended to accommodate culture/community activities.
• Question raised on the development to the ‘right’ of the. Jason confirmed land reserved for future large scale shopping (Westfield, Myer). Further up is available for large scale commercial.
• Jason opened meeting to consultation on some several issues;
  • Hibberson Street;
    • Covered walkways;
      • Bridges
      • Ground floor walkways;
      • Vergola style crossings;
      • Shade sails; 
  • Gungahlin Place;
    • Use of open space for small café;
    • Natural landscapes;
    • Micro climate;
• Suggestion raised on looking at the design of ABS buildings in Belconnen. Open mixed space between buildings that has been built in.
• Jason addressed the proposed timing for the next stages;
  • Advised that there was 3d modelling being produced of the town centre for analysis and assessment
  • Indicated that ACTPLA would return in a few months to update on progress.
    • 2nd half 2008 – approvals process (includes Cabinet)
    • Late 2009 or 2010 – Formal Territory Plan consultation.

2. Fred Kasparek – CHC Flemington Road Development

• Provided an overview of the CHC development that was being undertaken.
• Progress with installation of site office.
• CHC historically provided housing for ACT Government. Moved into the affordable housing sector with focus on those currently renting. Focus on first home buyers – ACT Government Affordable Housing Plan. 60% reserved for first home buyers.
• Fred provided an overview of the initial development for the CHC.  Fred provided overview of the current development outcome.
• Question was raised on concern the potential for vandalism. Fred indicated that the high percentage of owners increases the passive surveillance.
• CHC producing crime report and has had consultation with lighting designer on lighting for the site.

3. Caroline LeCouteur – MLA – Hot Water Bill

• Provide a presentation on a private members bill on energy efficiency of hot water systems.
• Question raised on the veracity of the climate change implications cited in the presentation. Caroline indicated that the data was sourced from the Conservation Foundation and was based on the IPCC data. Caroline indicated that viable source of information was the current hearing by the ACT Government on climate change.

4. General Business

• Accessibility to table tennis centre in the Gungahlin area.

MEETING CLOSE 2130.