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.
- Guest Speaker
- 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?
- Guest Speakers
- 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
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