Media 2002...Media 2002...[ Up ] [ Media 2003 ] [ Media 2002 ] In this section of the website you can read selected media releases from the Gungahlin Community Council made in 2002.
Community urged to demonstrate support for a Pedestrian Precinct Town Square. December 13, 2002The Gungahlin Community Council (GCC) is urging the community to be vocal and demonstrate their support for a Pedestrian Precinct Town Square for the Gungahlin Town Centre by sending either a letter or e-mail endorsing the concept to the ACT Chief Minister – Mr Stanhope.
“The council recently undertook a Community Survey across the entire Gungahlin community. There was overwhelming support from over 90% of participants that they preferred a pedestrian precinct town square instead of a main street with through traffic”, stated the GCC ‘Town Square’ working group spokesperson Mr Lloyd Walker.
“At our October meeting, the ACT Chief Minister, gave a personal undertaking that if there were safety issues with the road plans, and the community wanted a proper pedestrian town square for the Gungahlin Town centre, then he would take the issue on board,” continued Mr Walker
The Gungahlin Development Authority (GDA) is in the final process of tendering three blocks for sale along Hibberson Street, the main road in the town centre. The GCC understands that, to date, there have been no contracts awarded, however it is feared that the signing of contracts may actually occur before Christmas, and this would totally block any chance of effecting a change to accommodate the pedestrian town square concept.
“The Council is extremely disappointed that that we have not received any formal feedback regarding the Community Survey Report outlining the support for the Town Square (and other issues) that was delivered to every member of the Legislative Assembly and the Gungahlin Development Authority” continued Mr Walker
The Gungahlin Development Authority (GDA) has repeatedly refused to take on board the notion of redesigning the town centre layout to accommodate a pedestrian precinct town square instead of a main road. They have persistently ignored and rejected representation from the GCC that the planning and consultation undertaken 5 years ago when there were only 2,000-2,500 residents in the Gungahlin District no longer represents the desires and wishes of the Gungahlin population today, a community fast approaching 25,000
The GCC has taken an unusual step in publishing an extraordinary issue of their newsletter “Gunsmoke” (this will be distributed to the 9300 households in Gungahlin this weekend). The newsletter outlines the current situation and provides a form letter that readers can post to the ACT Chief Minister a letter to demonstrate their support for stopping the dangerous through traffic situation in the town centre and replacing it with a safer pedestrian precinct town square alternative.
Alternatively the public can show their support for the concept by emailing the ACT Chief Minister (as well as the other members of the ACT Legislative Assembly, ACT Federal Government Representatives and relevant ACT Government bureaucrats) directly from the Gungahlin Community Council Web-site at www.gcc.asn.au
Call For Town Square Instead Of Main Street – 91% Can’t Be Wrong November 14, 2002Last night (Wednesday 13 November 2002) at a public meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council, a motion was passed that called for no actions to be taken within the Gungahlin Town Centre that may otherwise compromise or thwart the development of the central Gungahlin town centre area around a pedestrian precinct Town Square. Actions that the council seeks to stop include the awarding of any contracts, or the Territory entering into any arrangements that would otherwise make the development of the Town Square impossible. “The Council’s call has come after analysis of results from the Gungahlin Community Council Community Survey,” said Gungahlin Community Council Inc. President Mr Barry Dee. “91% of survey participants indicated that they did not want Hibberson Street to be a main vehicular thoroughfare through the middle of the town centre – instead they preferred an alternative where the town centre is developed around a pedestrian precinct town square,” Mr Dee continued. The outcome from the GCC survey is completely at odds with the current main street development plans for the town centre that are being advocated by the Gungahlin Development Authority. “The council received 794 responses to our survey and only 9% of participants support the current main street arrangements,” Mr Dee said “The Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope made a commitment at our October meeting to report back to the council with regard to the Town Square issue. We now want him to honour that commitment,” concluded Mr. Dee The full results of the Gungahlin Community Council Survey are available for perusal on the Council’s website www.gcc.asn.au
Reminder: Return Your Community Survey Form By 7th November 2002 November 01, 2002The Gungahlin Community Council would like to remind the Gungahlin community (and other individuals with an interest in the region) that the closing date for return of the GCC Community Survey forms is 7th November 2002.
The purpose of the survey is to ensure that the council is properly informed of the true needs and concerns of the Gungahlin Community as a whole.
So far approximately 500+ responses have been received and interesting and somewhat unexpected trends are starting to appear in the data. Unfortunately the Council cannot elaborate on the nature of these trends until after the survey closing date to ensure the results remain genuine.
The Survey results will be tabled at the next public meeting of the Council on 11 November 2002. [A summary version will also be provided to the media]
The surveys forms were distributed to every household in Gungahlin as an insert within the latest edition of Gunsmoke (the official bi-monthly newsletter of the Gungahlin Community Council). Forms can be either mailed back to the council or dropped off in the collection box opposite Woolworths Register 6 in the Gungahlin Marketplace.
Individuals who did not receive Gunsmoke, but still have an interest in the Gungahlin region (for example an individual working or having an investment interest in Gungahlin) are encouraged to participate through use of the online version of the survey. This can be found on the GCC Website at WWW.GCC.ASN.AU
Public Meeting - THIS EVENING 9 OCTOBER 2002 October 09, 2002Keynote Speaker: ACT Chief Minister Mr Jon Stanhope (MLA) The next public meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council will occur this evening Wednesday 9th October 2002 between 19:30 and 21:30 Our keynote speaker this month will be the ACT Chief Minister - Mr. Jon Stanhope (MLA). Mr Stanhope will make a presentation on the Government’s commitment to the development of Gungahlin, achievements to date, and plans for the remainder of the current election term. If residents have specific concerns and issues they wish to raise concerning the Gungahlin region that they wish to take up directly with the Chief Minister they are strongly urged to attend this meeting. Date: Wednesday 9th October 2002 Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Where: Gungahlin Resources Centre, Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin Town Centre (Co-located with the Gungahlin Town Centre Library, opposite Centrelink office)
Additional information about the Gungahlin Community Council and its activities can be obtained on the Internet at the following address: www.gcc.asn.au
[Return to top]
Call to defer the tendering process on proposed “Gungahlin Boarding House” until proper community consultation undertaken. 15 August 2002At the Annual General Meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council last night (Wednesday) there was strong concern raised about the lack of proper community consultation and release of a “request for tender” for the proposed “Gungahlin Boarding House”. The “Gungahlin Boarding House” is a pilot project of supportive housing, providing 20 medium to long-term accommodation units, for single adults in need requiring low levels of support, including people with mental health conditions. Last week consultants met with the Gungahlin community council executive committee to provide an overview of what was described as “a project in the early design phase”. Input was sought from the council executive committee, but was not known by the community council at that time was that the “request for tender” documents for the project had already been released to the market. “There is no denying that a diversity of accommodation types to suit a range of social needs should be fully integrated into the Gungahlin town centre precinct”, said outgoing community council president Mr Ian Ruecroft It appears that with the “Gungahlin Boarding House” project there has been no apparent or proper consultation process with local community groups and residents in region. “There are a number of issues that need to be addressed - such as whether the density and location of the buildings is appropriate as well as other fundamental design elements. For example there are only plans for 6 car parking spots in a development of 20 units”, concluded Mr Ruecroft. A motion was passed by the AGM meeting that called for the disappointment of the Gungahlin community council to be expressed to the government over the handling of this project. Additionally the motion also called for the current tender process to be deferred until proper community consultation is undertaken.
Notice of Annual General Meeting August 5, 2002The next public meeting of the Council will also be the Annual General Meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council and will be occurring 7:30pm this coming Wednesday 7th August 2002 at the Gungahlin Resources Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre.
At the Annual General Meeting to following topics will be covered: Annual reports – an overview what the Council has undertaken and achieved over the last 12 months. Declaration of all Committee positions vacant and the election of new Executive and General Committee members.
Additional details regarding the Annual General Meeting were published in “Gunsmoke” (the news letter of the Gungahlin Community Council), which is distributed to over 9000 households and businesses in the Gungahlin region or alternatively available on the community council’s web site at: www.gcc.asn.au [Return to top]
Gungahlin Community Council - Community Survey 2002 July 31, 2002The Gungahlin Community Council will be undertaking a community survey over the next few weeks canvassing the opinions of both residents and other individuals who come to the region to work, shop, play or for other reasons.
In a first for ACT Community Councils, the survey will be conducted both “in person” outside the Town Centre Marketplace and Magnet Mart complexes in Gungahlin and “online” via the Gungahlin community council’s internet web site.
“We believe that we have put together a survey that will assist the incoming council committee focus on the topical issues that are of the greatest concern to residents and frequent visitors to the region alike”, said Gungahlin Community Council President Ian Ruecroft.
The survey, that has been designed to allow participants to respond completely in less than a minute, asks five key questions: Does the participant work or live in the Gungahlin area?
From a pick list - what does the participant believe to be the most important issues at this stage of the regions development? (There is also an option for an “other” response)
Does the participant support the proposal of a light rail link between Civic and Gungahlin?
From a comprehensive pick list - what does the participant believe to be the most important areas needing road works in and around the region? (There is an option for an “other” response)
And finally would the participant prefer to see the Gungahlin town centre developed along a main street or around a pedestrian precinct town square? (A diagram showing both options is presented to the participant)
"We are hoping to survey no less than a thousand participants and the results will be published in the October edition of Gunsmoke ”, concluded Mr Ruecroft.
[Note: Gunsmoke is the newsletter of the Gungahlin Community Council, published 8 times a year, with a distribution to over 9000 households and businesses in the Gungahlin region]
Participants can complete the survey either on-line via the Gungahlin Community Council web site at www.gcc.asn.au or in person when volunteers are available outside the Marketplace and Magnet Mart in the town centre over the next few weeks. [Return to top]
Gungahlin Community Council President To Address Weston Creek Community On Gungahlin to Civic Light Rail Proposal July 24, 2002TONIGHT the president of the Gungahlin Community Council, Mr. Ian Ruecroft will address the Weston Creek Community Council public meeting on the subject of the proposal to initially link Gungahlin and Civic by light rail. The Weston Creek Community Council does not support light rail and has recently published a discussion paper that calls for alternative public transport options other than light rail to be considered. Mr. Ruecroft will put the case in favour of light rail and discuss this option in the context of holistic transport solutions for the Gungahlin region. The Weston Creek Community Council meets tonight: Date: Wednesday 24th July 2002 Time: 7:45pm Where: Royals Football Club Liardet Street, Weston [Return to top]
Vicki Dunne Assertions Incorrect July 13, 2002“The Gungahlin Community Council supports the construction of the GDE, regardless of alignment, for the betterment of Gungahlin residents as a whole”, said Community Council Vice President Julie Brodrick The assertions made by Vicki Dunne in her press release 13th July 2002, that the Community Council is “more interested in cosying up to Labor than pressing for a proper road to be built” are patently false. The community council is on public record as repeatedly saying that a road is an integral portion of the transport solutions for Gungahlin. The council would be equally supportive of a government of either political persuasion, so long as its position was the construction of the Gungahlin Drive Extension. The meeting held on Wednesday 10th July 2002 was an information session for residents, where they could hear the Minister (Simon Corbell) present the government policy and plans in person and ask questions where they had concern. Whilst at the meeting several members of the audience did voice concern that initially only two lanes would be constructed, at no time did the meeting vote to endorse any particular construction proposal. In fact the Council actively encouraged the residents to attend the official public consultation sessions where their opinions would be fed directly into the proper consultation process. “We are deeply disappointed that Mrs Dunne has formed opinions on the position Council Executive regarding the road, especially where she is making public statements to the media given that she has never sought or asked for our position directly”, concluded Mrs Brodrick.
Public Meeting - 10 July 2002 - UPDATE July 10, 2002The Gungahlin Community Council will be holding their July public meeting on Wednesday 10 July 2002 at the Gungahlin Resources Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre between 19:30 and 21:30. The Gungahlin Community Council was advised late yesterday afternoon that our guest speakers will now be: - Mr Simon Corbell MLA (ACT Minister for Planning)
Explanation and discussion regarding the current ACT Government plans for the Gungahlin Drive Extension - Ms Ann McGrath (CEO, Gungahlin Development Authority)
Presenting information about the residential development at Yerribi Estate 2
Other topics to be discussed at the meeting include: - The proposed GCC survey related to Gungahlin and the Gungahlin Town Centre. i.e: The town square proposal
- Social capital projects including the proposal to develop a community garden on the area opposite the Gungahlin Marketplace
We welcome all members of the public to attend the meeting and raise any topic of concern.
Date: Wednesday 10 July 2002 Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm Where: Gungahlin Resources Centre, Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin Town Centre, (Co-located with the new Gungahlin Town Centre Library, opposite Centrelink office)
Additional information about the Gungahlin Community Council and its activities can be obtained on the Internet at the following address: www.gcc.asn.au [Return to top]
Notice of June Public Meeting June 10, 2002The next public meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council will be occurring 7:30pm this coming Wednesday 12th June 2002 at the Gungahlin Resources Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre.
Topics on the agenda include the following: [Return to top]
Debate On Light Rail – Outcome May 09, 2002Gungahlin Community Council has decided to support a light rail network for the ACT.
The Council will be active in promoting the link from Civic to Gungahlin as the first stage of the network and will take all necessary actions to ensure that this issue is not allowed to stagnate.
The Gungahlin Community Council has arrived at this decision following an information session hosted by the GCC 13th February 2002, followed by a debate held 8th May 2002.
The Council supports the Civic to Gungahlin route as shown on the Territory Plan (ITP route) i.e. Northbourne Avenue to EPIC and along Flemington Road to the Gungahlin Town Centre.
The Council has also provided a communication hub via our website www.gcc.asn.au [Return to top]
“All Aboard” For Gungahlin Light Rail… Well At Least A Debate About It! May 06, 2002The Gungahlin Community Council debate on Light Rail will be occurring this Wednesday 8th May at 19:30 upstairs at the Gungahlin Town Centre. “At our February meeting Simon Corbell [the ACT Planning Minister] indicated that he would endeavour to provide the ‘terms of reference’ for the proposed light rail feasibility study in time for our debate. As of yet the Gungahlin Community Council has yet to receive such a document, even in draft form. We hope that the Minister will be in a position to provide it in time for the meeting”, Mr Ian Ruecroft president of the Gungahlin Community Council was quoted as saying. “The Gungahlin Community Council has not yet taken a formal position with regard to Light Rail transport options – at present the council is neither for nor against any proposal”, continued Mr Ruecroft, “We have also made numerous calls for interested parties to take the case both for and against light rail in the debate. No group or individual has volunteered to come forward and publicly argue against the concept. This is rather strange as we have seen media comment and heard negative statements concerning issues such as ‘prohibitive cost’ and ‘social inequity’ – could it be that such comments do not actually reflect majority community sentiment?” concluded Mr Ruecroft. In preparation for the Light Rail debate, the Gungahlin Community Council has already made a collection of public information regarding light rail and alternative transport options available via their Internet web site www.gcc.asn.au. The general public (not just Gungahlin residents) are most welcome to attend the meeting: Date: Wednesday 8th May 2002 Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm Where: Upstairs, Gungahlin Town Centre, Gungahlin Place, Gungahlin Town Centre, (Entry near Commonwealth Bank)
For further information and media comment please contact Gungahlin Community Council President Mr Ian Ruecroft (02) 6242-9444 (home) or (0417) 272-019 (mobile). [Return to top]
The Great Light Rail Debate - Many wish to argue in favour, so far none against… April 18, 2002After a highly successful Light Rail information session held in February this year, the Gungahlin Community Council will be hosting a follow-up public debate on the various issues surrounding Light Rail next month. The Gungahlin Community Council has already made a collection of public information regarding light rail and alternative options available via their Internet web site www.gcc.asn.au. The purpose of the debate to be held on Wednesday May 8th is to further stimulate public awareness and general discussion on Light Rail or alternative options. Three of the debate topics have already been confirmed, while the fourth topic is still open to suggestion and input from the general public. The terms of reference of the light rail feasibility study What are the alternatives to light rail What are the advantages/ disadvantages of the light rail link from Civic to Gungahlin Topic yet to be decided - open to public submission
“We have been absolutely inundated by individuals, business, community groups and political representatives wishing to argue in favour of Light Rail at our debate”, said Council President Ian Ruecroft, “strangely though we still lack any offers from those willing to argue against.” Individuals or Groups that wish to become involved in the actual debate on May 8th or have their opinions and/or discussion papers published via the Gungahlin Community Council web site are encouraged to contact Ian Ruecroft directly or by e-mail info@gcc.asn.au. For further information and media comment please contact Gungahlin Community Council President Mr Ian Ruecroft (02) 6242-9444 (home) or (0417) 272-019 (mobile). [Return to top]
Public Meeting - 10 April 2002 April 09, 2002The Gungahlin Community Council will be holding their April meeting on Wednesday 10 April 2002 at the Gungahlin Resources Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre between 19:30 and 21:30. The ACT Minister for Urban Services and the Arts – Mr. Bill Wood MLA will be addressing this meeting. The public are invited to attend the meeting to hear the Minister as well as have an opportunity to raise issues of concern.
Date: Wednesday 10 April 2002 Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm Where: Gungahlin Resources Centre, Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin Town Centre (Co-located with the new Gungahlin Town Centre Library, opposite Centrelink office)
Additional information about the Gungahlin Community Council and its activities can be obtained on the Internet at the following address: www.gcc.asn.au [Return to top]
10th Birthday Celebrations - A Huge Success! April 06, 2002On Saturday April 6, 2002 approximately 1500 people came to the Historic Gold Creek Homestead to help celebrate a decade of the first urban residential development in Gungahlin.
“It [the celebration event] was a huge success and the large turnout reflects the true community spirit in the region”, said Gungahlin Community Council President Mr. Ian Ruecroft, “It is incredible when you stop to think that in ten years time - Gungahlin will have a population between 40,000 to 70,000 residents – we look forward to seeing an acceleration of the regional development in Gungahlin to match the population growth over this next decade.”
Organisers and volunteers at the event were literally inundated with queries of what was to become of the historic Gold Creek Homestead. There was tremendous enthusiasm for the retention of the homestead and surrounding grounds for future community and education uses with many of the visitors wanting to become actively involved in the process.
As the Gungahlin Community Council is a non-profit association and does not engage in fundraising activities the celebration event was only made possible by use of a portion of the Social Capital Grant given to the council by the ACT Government last year. Social Capital Grant funding may only be used for projects that will result in the direct involvement of the community for the benefit of the community.
“In these times where it is becoming increasingly difficult to arrange public and community events due to spiralling costs of public liability insurance, the 10th Birthday Celebration event has clearly demonstrated how Social Capital Grant funds can be used in a very effective manner to facilitate direct community involvement”, Mr. Ruecroft said, “it would be a pity if the Social Capital funding scheme is stopped, as many associations such as the Council would no longer be able to facilitate similar events in the future.” [Return to top]
Come To Our 10th Birthday Party This Saturday! April 04, 2002On Saturday April 6, 2002 the Gungahlin region will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its first residential development with an official ACT Heritage Week event at the Historic Gold Creek Homestead. The Gungahlin Community Council as its contribution to Canberra Heritage Week proudly presents these celebrations for the people of Canberra. Date: Saturday 6 April 2002 Time: 10:30am – 6:00pm Cost: FREE! Where: Gold Creek Homestead Gungahlin Drive, Ngunnawal There will be a wide range of activities and entertainment for all including: - Heritage and Environmental displays
- Vintage cars, Vintage Bicycles and Historic Steam Engine displays
- Art and Craft stalls
- Guided walking tours of the Gold Creek Homestead property
- Local School Student choirs and drama presentations
- “Milo the Clown” (for the little ones)
- Live bush music and bush dancing with music by Bunyip and Bluegum.
“Make it a day for the entire family! Food and drink will be available on-site, or feel free to bring a picnic and relax in the surrounds of Gold Creek Homestead. If you want to know more please check out the Gungahlin Community Council website at www.gcc.asn.au”, said Mrs Julie Brodrick event organiser Please note that dogs (with the exception of guide dogs) will not be permitted on the homestead site. Disabled Parking and facilities will be available. For further information and media comment please contact event organiser Mrs Julie Brodrick (02) 6262-2095 (home) or (0414) 828-717 (mobile). [Return to top]
Gungahlin 10th Birthday Celebrations This Saturday April 02, 2002On Saturday April 6, 2002 why not come and celebrate a decade of Gungahlin's first suburban residents at the Historic Gold Creek Homestead. This is an official ACT Heritage Festival event that promises to be a day packed with fun activities for the whole family: “Let the Games Begin” - Novelty races and the best period costume competition with prizes donated by local businesses. “Milo the Clown” to entertain the young (or those that are still young at heart). Local School Student choirs and drama presentations Devonshire Teas, a Sausage sizzle and other food stalls Art and Craft stalls Heritage and Environmental displays Vintage cars, Vintage Bicycles and Historic Steam Engine displays Guided walking tours of the Gold Creek Homestead property on the hour Bush music and bush dancing with music by Bunyip and Blue gum. Official opening ceremony and birthday cake to be cut by MLAs Bill Wood and Simon Corbell Disabled Parking and facilities available.
Proudly presented for the people of Canberra by the Gungahlin Community Council as its contribution to Canberra Heritage Week Date: Saturday 6 April 2002 Time: 10:30am – 6:00pm Cost: FREE ADMISSION! Where: Gold Creek Homestead Gungahlin Drive, Ngunnawal
For further information and media comment please contact event organiser Mrs Julie Brodrick (02) 6262-2095 (home) or (0414) 828-717 (mobile). [Return to top]
Are You Ready For Our 10th Birthday? March 27, 2002On Saturday April 6, 2002 why not come and celebrate a decade of Gungahlin's first suburban residents. A day for the whole family packed with fun activities - games, a mini craft market, performers, entertainment, displays and walking tours.
“The event promises to be an excellent start to the ACT Heritage Week”, said Gungahlin Community Council (Social Capital Committee) event organiser Mrs. Julie Brodrick, “The celebrations are to be held at the historic Gold Creek Homestead and there have been many months of planning and community involvement in what we hope will be a ‘best ever’ 10th birthday party!” “Special arrangements have been made with the ACT Government to temporarily remove boards protecting the windows on the homestead so that visitors will actually be able to see in to the homestead”, continued Mrs Brodrick, “There will be lots of things to do and see, with local Gungahlin businesses kindly donating prizes for novelty events and the best period costume. Probably one of the best things about the day is admission is FREE!” The Minister for Heritage and the Arts – Mr Bill Wood MLA and Minister for Planning – Mr Simon Corbell MLA will be cutting the birthday cake at 12:30pm on the day. Food and drink will be available on-site, or feel free to bring a picnic and relax in the surrounds of Gold Creek Homestead. Date: Saturday 6 April 2002 Time: 10:30am – 6:00pm Cost: FREE!
Where: Gold Creek Homestead, Gungahlin Drive, Ngunnawal
[Return to top]
The Gungahlin Drive Extension Is Required As A Matter Of Urgency March 01, 2002 “The Gungahlin Community Council supports the construction of the extension of Gungahlin Drive as a matter of urgency”, said Ian Ruecroft Gungahlin Community Council President. At a meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council, support was given to the construction of the road by either of the proposed routes referred to as the East and West Alignments. “Naturally, the council would prefer the route which has the least impact on the environment”, concluded Mr Ruecroft. [Return to top]
Information/Discussion Session About Light Rail February 13, 2002The Gungahlin Community Council will be hosting a public information session to provide the Gungahlin community, and any other interested parties, with information about light rail (trams). This meeting will be held TONIGHT Wednesday, 13th February 2002 at the Gungahlin Resource Centre (Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin Town Centre) between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Initial discussion will be focused on a potential light rail link from Civic to Gungahlin, however future links will be also be considered which could connect to other parts of the ACT. The proposed format for the meeting will be: 19.30 to 20:00 Introduction and video information 20:00 to 21:00 Guest speakers and stakeholder representatives 21:00 to 21:30 Questions from the floor directed at the speakers
Although the Gungahlin Community Council is hosting this meeting, Council members have not discussed light rail at any other public meeting. This information session is to allow residents to become aware of information that is currently available, so that future debate and consideration of this issue can be conducted in an informed manner.
[Return to top] |