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August / September 2003

Town Centre Planning Concerns.

At a recent public meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council (GCC), concerns were identified relating to the proposed development within the Gungahlin Town Centre. A motion was passed to the effect: "The Gungahlin community has concerns about future development issues within the Gungahlin Town Centre. The meeting requests the GCC Executive to identify possible issues within the area bounded by Gundaroo Rd (to the north and west); the Gungahlin grasslands (to the south) and the Flemington Rd alignment (to the east). This area should be considered as being within walking distance of the Town Centre and any development (commercial and/or domestic) should have adequate parking, recreation and public facilities". The meeting requested the GCC Executive to promote awareness of the community's concerns to the relevant authority/s and to take other appropriate action where required.

Due to the fact that the Gungahlin community has been excluded from the Government's current model of establishing "Community Planning Forums" and the disbanding of the Gungahlin Development Authority, there appears to be very few options open to the Council. Currently the Council has identified two major issues of concern. One is the possible impact of traffic flow through Hibberson St (see article on page 6). The other is related to concerns about parking issues for several residential developments proposed for the Town Centre. Our concern is that unless these developments include adequate parking, a situation will evolve where residents will be forced to park in the streets, which will eventually cause friction between shoppers and people living in the Gungahlin Town Centre district. The Council is currently pursuing a case before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal challenging a development application where it is believed that there will be inadequate provision of car parking for residents and visitors.

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The Positive Side of Life

Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.

How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.

Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.

Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?

Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person

If K-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet?

Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.

We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colours....but they all exist very nicely in the same box.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

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Nicholls Sports Precinct Community Centre

The Nicholls Sports Precinct Community Centre is available for hire, located at Clarrie Hermes Drive Nicholls, adjacent to the Nicholls enclosed oval. The centre's facilities include a hall (capacity of 80), one meeting room (seats 20) and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a disabled toilet and handicap ramp. The Centre is ideal of playgroups, classes, meetings, rehearsals and parties. Vacancies exist from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Permanent and occasional bookings are available to the community and businesses. If you are interested in hiring the centre or would like more information, please contact the centre manager on 0410 649 463.

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Pedestrian safety and traffic levels on Hibberson Street still a concern for the Gungahlin Town Centre.
Barry Dee - President Gungahlin Community Council

One of the ongoing concerns that the Gungahlin Community Council has held for a considerable amount of time is the high level of through traffic using Hibberson Street and the negative effect this has on overall pedestrian safety. Before the opening of the new Anthony Rolfe Extension, the community council received a government-initiated report that stated Anthony Rolfe Extension (and construction of adjoining street Kate Grace through to Flemington Road Extension) would alleviate the traffic concerns on Hibberson Street, especially outside the Gungahlin Marketplace where the majority of pedestrian activity occurs. Unfortunately it appears that several months after the opening of this bypass road the results are somewhat mixed:

Encouragingly, traffic heading from Gozzard Street (passing in front of the Marketplace, on Hibberson) heading east towards Flemington Road Extension/Mitchell has DECREASED by approximately 65% weekdays and also DECREASED by approximately 20% weekends.
However the effect on traffic heading from Flemington Road Extension/Mitchell (passing in front of the Marketplace) heading west to Gozzard Street has only DECREASED by approximately 5% on weekdays and actually INCREASED by approximately 30% on weekends.

The Council maintains that during community consultation that occurred in the planning of the Gungahlin Town Centre and reconfirmed in Territory Plan Variation No 53 - "Gungahlin Town Centre and Central Area", Hibberson Street was only ever proposed to be a distributor (minor road) and never proposed to become a sub-arterial (major road). By linking directly to Flemington Road Extension there has been a significant change from the original variation to the Territory Plan. The net result is that Hibberson Street is perceived as being dangerous to pedestrians because it takes high volumes of through traffic directly past the front of the Gungahlin Marketplace. By the simple law of averages it is just a matter of time until a serious pedestrian injury or fatality will inevitably occur.

The Territory Plan Variation 53 also makes the following revealing statements about what should have occurred in the development of the Gungahlin Town Centre road network. Refer to the diagrams below which compare what is in the Territory Plan and what has actually occurred. It can be clearly seen that the planners responsible have conveniently chosen to ignore the following guidelines with regard to the road network as was clearly set out in writing:

When attempting to define the concept of an Urban Village for Gungahlin Town Centre (in the explanatory statement): "It must have a pedestrian friendly environment and must cater for the car without encouraging its use or allowing it to dominate the street environment",
In reference to social aspects concerning access: "Discourage through traffic where it provides a barrier to pedestrians, by the provision of convenient alternatives and by street design that calms traffic."
In reference to transport aspects concerning streets: "Provide slow speed street environments, where necessary, to ensure a high level of pedestrian amenity" and "Discourage unnecessary through traffic in the Central Area"."
And finally in reference to transport aspects concerning pedestrians: "Ensure that pedestrian routes are safe for all users."

Now is the time before additional development and irrevocable planning decisions are made to revisit the planning process for our town centre - For example the recent (unsuccessful) attempt by the GDA to auction the new Harrison Estate (on the bend of the current Flemington Road Extension) may actually preclude fixing problems that have already been created. We need to ensure that the ideals and concepts that were provided in the original Territory Plan Variation 53, affecting the "Gungahlin Town Centre and Central Area" are being adhered to. Additionally proper Master Planning concepts that are used for all the other town and group centres need to be developed and implemented in Gungahlin.

The original indicative road network as proposed for the Gungahlin Town Centre in Territory Plan Variation 53 of 1995

The current and future road network for the Gungahlin Town Centre showing how Hibberson Street has been made a major through road.

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Why Puppy Classes?

While Animal Behaviour Consulting (the behaviour arm of Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital) is frequently called upon to help animals with "behaviour problems", our greatest desire is to prevent these problems from developing. The best chance to prevent all sorts of behaviour problems, from barking and biting to anxiety and compulsive disorders, is by you becoming confident in handling your puppy through understanding and practice, and by your dog developing confidence in you as "master", and in its relationships with other people, other animals and in the many experiences of life.

Just as we talk of "raising children", puppies must be "raised" in order to develop the personality we desire. Most of us want dogs who are happy and easy going, confident, who listen to you and are obedient. We want dogs whose behaviour we can predict and trust in all circumstances - when visitors come to our home, when out for a walk, when meeting children, when entering new surroundings or experiencing new things. We want a pet who will be part of the family, who can reliably participate in all sorts of family activities and who will be happy (including quiet and non-destructive) when left alone. Dogs do not raise themselves to be like this - its up to you!

But you're not in it alone - we're here to help. The six weeks of Puppy Classes are your opportunity to learn about your dog - there is lots to participate in, the opportunity to ask lots of questions, lots to practice at home, lots to read. The classes are run by highly trained and experienced behaviourists, together with veterinary nurses. You get to talk to the other puppy owners in your class - they're going through the same things you are!

A sixty six page book is provided for homework reading, but it is also meant to be a resource for you to use in the future. We also recommend ongoing classes, or an obedience club. Just like people, a dog who continues to learn is never bored, and the mental exercise of practicing what you learn in Puppy Classes is both satisfying and tiring! A tired dog doesn't bark or chew the wrong thing when you are away!

We have been running puppy classes since1996. We also run "Beyond Puppy Classes" for those who want to go further, "Pet Dog training" for dogs which missed out on Puppy Classes, and we consult on problem behaviours in dogs and cats.

Puppy Classes:

Concentrate on socialisation
Use Motivational Training (no punishment, no choker chains)
Teach basic obedience (sit, stand, down, wait)
Reinforce and extend the basic health care advice given at time of vaccination
Are run by highly trained and experienced behaviourists, together with veterinary nurses
Are great fun!

Animal Behaviour Consulting 21 Crinigan Circle, Gungahlin 02 6255 5858 contact@animalbehaviourconsulting.com.au

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GCC Community Survey 2003

It has been almost a year since the Gungahlin Community Council last surveyed the local community for their opinions with regard to the top issues affecting residents and people involved with the Gungahlin region. Last year's community survey proved extremely useful in helping guide the Council to better represent the general interests of our community. The original survey results are still available for download from the GCC website (http://www.gcc.asn.au).

This year the format of the survey is far less prescriptive. This is in direct recognition that issues affecting our region are becoming more complex as our population increases and becomes progressively more diverse.

This year the key questions are:

Which items of infrastructure [to be delivered by the ACT Government] should be built next in the Gungahlin region? (A non-exhaustive list of examples could include roads, schools, medical facilities, public buildings, sporting facilities, parks etc)
What laws affecting Gungahlin and the ACT should be introduced, revoked, strengthened or weakened?
What ACT Government programs and/or services need to be introduced, strengthened or weakened to meet the emerging needs of the Gungahlin region? (A non-exhaustive list of examples could include medical services, education, public transport, aged care, child care, planning, consultation, environmental issues, government employment through agencies relocating to the region etc)
What other comments would you like to make with regard to the other issues/topics that you feel the Council should be pursuing on behalf of the Gungahlin Community?

Q: What will happen to the survey results?
A: The Council will summarise the survey results and publish the information in Gunsmoke later this year. A detailed version of the report will also be available for download from the GCC website. This information will indicate the key issues that are of greatest importance and concern to the community. The information will also be used by the Council to provide elected members of the Legislative Assembly with the community's priorities for Gungahlin in the areas identified. The survey will also be the basis for the Council to focus efforts in promoting the issues that the community identifies as important.

Q: Where do I send the completed survey form?
A: Please remove this page (or make a photocopy) and either mail it to the GCC - PO Box 260, Gungahlin ACT 2912 or drop the page into the box marked "GCC Community Survey" near the Woolworths notice board at the Gungahlin marketplace.

Q: When does the survey have to be completed by?
A: Completed survey forms need to be received no later than Monday 15 September 2003.

Q: Can I complete the survey on the web/internet?
A: Yes an electronic version of the survey will be available from the GCC website (http://www.gcc.asn.au)

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Osteoporosis - Is your child at risk?
Peter Garbutt

Osteoporosis is a disease that we associate with old age, and rightly so. Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass therefore weakening the bones and making them more susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis primarily effects the elderly and is the cause of many hip fractures in the elderly. As with everything, prevention is better than cure. In fact you cannot cure osteoporosis. Exercise is widely advocated in adulthood to prevent this disease however there is little evidence to support this. Exercise may reduce the rate of bone loss, however will not restore bone mass by more than 4-5%; changes unlikely to reduce fracture risk. Bone mass is accrued up until the age of 21. The most active time of bone deposition is prior to puberty. This means that we need to get our bones as strong as possible whilst we are young. Factors that encourage strong bones are obviously a good diet rich in calcium, plenty of exercise and sunshine.

The majority of parents understand the importance of a good diet as this is an area over which they have more domain than their child's leisure time. It is the leisure time therefore that poses the greatest risk for our children. The tendency for young people to be occupied with more sedentary activities is a great concern. Hours on the internet; playing computer games; need for increased study hours to gain marks all lead to a number of health concerns. Throughout the scientific world there is an abundance of research indicating that the lack of exercise in pre-teen years increases the risk of poor bone density. As mentioned earlier, after the age of 21, you cannot appreciably increase your bone density. Therefore, the stronger your bones are at that age, the less risk you have of developing problems associated with osteoporosis such as hip fractures. This doesn't mean however that those of us that are over the age of 21 are a lost cause. Ours is the job of maintaining what we have, and the same rules about exercise, sunshine and diet apply to us too. Encourage your children to participate in outdoor activities and active sports. This is an investment in their health future.

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Gungahlin Regional Community Services

Ernest Cavanagh Street
Gungahlin Town Centre
Ph: 6228 9200
Fax: 6242 8201
Email: grcs@gungahlin.org

Tax Help

Need help with your 2002/2003 tax return? Did you earn below $30,000? If so, you could be eligible for free assistance with your 2002-2003 tax return. Contact GRCS on 6228 9200 for appointment time with the ATO Tax Help Volunteers available Mondays and Thursdays until the end of October 2003.

BOARD MEMBERS REQUIRED

Gungahlin Regional Community Service would like to invite residents and/or people with an interest in Gungahlin to volunteer for positions on the Board of Management. Enquiries to Jenny on 6228 9200.

Computer Training for Seniors

Are you aged 50 or over ? Interested in some computer training, GRCS in partnership with the ACT Library, Canberra Institute of Technology and the ACT Government will be conducting some basic computer, internet and email training sessions from the end of July on Friday mornings. To book a place, contact GRCS on 6228 9200.

Community Transport Services

Eligible Gungahlin Residents can now access two types of community transport: 1. one based locally, primarily for medical appointments; and 2. one Canberra wide for 'after hours social and education activities'.

These services are totally separate and co-ordinated by two different organisations.

Gungahlin Regional Community Service Community Transport

This transport service is funded by Home and Community Care and provides transport for eligible seniors, people with disabilities and their carers to medical appointments during business hours (i.e. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). This service is now available 5 days a week. For enquiries and to see if you are eligible, contact GRCS on 6242 6077. The cost of transport is $2 per one way trip.
Trips ACT - Across Canberra Transport

This is an 'out of hours' transport service coordinated by Belconnen Community Service (also funded by Home and Community Care) which provides transport for frail aged, people with disabilities and their carers living in the ACT, to attend social and educational activities which take place outside of normal business hours (i.e. after business hours and on weekends).

Transport can be provided for visits to hospitals and nursing homes; weekend outings; attending activity centres, the cinemas, clubs, educational facilities, shopping and social activities. For enquires contact BCS on 6251 2100 between 9.30am and 3pm, Monday to Friday. Fees range from $2.50 to $10.00.

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New Home for New Life

New Life Presbyterian Church is about to enter an exciting phase. The New Life Church community, which presently meets at Ngunnawal School Library, plans to move into its own building later this year.

'It's been a long time coming', said Mark Adams, New Life's pastor.

'New Life began planning to build our own facility over 7 years ago, and it's finally happening. We started building in earnest in March and it's now on the way up for all to see. And it's just around the corner from where we meet now.'

'We are entering a new and exciting phase of our life as a church community', Mark said. 'Having our own home is a great resource for the Church and for the community in Gungahlin. This facility will open up new opportunities for expanding our activities and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with our neighbours.'

Mark is adamant that church is about people. 'Church is not a club or a Sunday-only thing. Church is about being a community that follows Jesus Christ. It's about relationships and sharing life's journey following Jesus. Our community life consists of small groups for adults, kids and youth groups, craft mornings and social events. We are just an ordinary bunch of people following an extraordinary God. Knowing Jesus Christ has changed our lives, and we want to share that good news with others so that their lives can be changed. We welcome anyone who wants to come along and check us out.' See photo below.

New Life meets each Sunday morning at 10am. Church services are family friendly. Mark says: 'When our church family meets, we pray, sing and hear from God's Word, the Bible. We have a Bible talk for kids and one for grown-ups. We also run groups for kids (3-11 years) and youth (12-14 years). Afterwards, we hang around for a cuppa and chat.'

If you want to know more about New Life, you can call Mark on 6241 9633 or visit their website: www.newlifechurch.org.au

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Please come to the AGM!

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS NEEDED TO BE FILLED IN COMMUNITY COUNCIL! Please come to the AGM!

Minute Secretary: meetings held second Wednesday of the month in the meeting room in the Gungahlin Resource Centre. Our thanks and appreciation go to Ms Wendy Waggitt who has done a great job as the minute secretary over the last few years.

Treasurer: Need to be able to attend most public meetings. Duties include banking and financial statements. Thanks and appreciation also go to Mrs Sally Ruecroft who has been our very capable treasurer over many years.
Proof Reader needed for Gunsmoke: Attendance at meetings not necessary. Heartfelt thanks to Patricia for her keen eyes and handy pencil used effectively over several years!

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Gungahlin Toastmasters

Competent Toastmaster awards were presented to David Morgan, Ron Chesham, John Jennings and Anne Brooks at the recent Tuesday, fortnightly Gungahlin Toastmasters meeting. The venue was the Gungahlin Lakes Community and Golf Club. Membership inquiries 6241 5341.

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Letter from The Hon Wilson Tuckey MP

Letter from The Hon Wilson Tuckey MP in response to a letter from Roma Hosking regarding the proposed Gungahlin Drive Extension.

'In relation to Gungahlin Drive Extension from the Barton Highway to Belconnen Way, I approved Amendment 41 to the National Capital plan on 3 March 2003. Amendment 41 confirms the alignment of the section of the road to the east of the Australian Institute of Sport. However, based on environmental grounds the Amendment has deleted the proposed link of Gungahlin Drive Extension across O'Connor Ridge connecting to Barry Drive.

My decision to approve an Amendment to the National Capital Plan is a 'disallowable instrument'. This means that the decision tabled in both Houses of Parliament may be disallowed, wholly or in part, if a motion to disallow is passed by either House. A motion to disallow Amendment 41 has been moved in the Senate and is expected to be debated on 26 June 2003. (In fact it has not been debated at the time of writing.)

In January this year the ACT Government agreed to the eastern alignment of the Gungahlin Drive Extension, and is currently in the process of developing the detailed designs for the road. The proposed work within the Designated Area (Inner Hills) of the National Capital Plan require the approval of the National Capital Authority.

The attached map identifies the Designated Areas. An application from ACT Roads for approval of the road design needs to be considered by the Authority following parliamentary consideration of Amendment 41.
I trust that this advice is of assistance.

Yours sincerely
Wilson Tuckey

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Weetangera "Wombat" Playschool

Is your 2yr old ready for some fun and excitement next year? Does your child turn 3 by 30 April 2004? If so, you may be interested in an enjoyable and stimulating program for your child. Weetangera Wombat Playschool is a program designed for the development of children in the year leading up to preschool. It is facilitated by a qualified preschool teacher. We are registering for 2004 NOW. Wombat sessions are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during school terms. For more information and enrolment details please contact the Membership Secretary: Wendy: 0411 872 994 Or email:wendysig@hotmail.com

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Gungahlin Library Opening Hours

GUNGAHLIN LIBRARY
Cnr Cavanagh Street and Gungahlin Drive.
Ph 6205 9000
Web: www.act.au/library

HOURS Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 10.00am - 6.30pm Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday: 12.30pm - 4.00pm Monday: Tuesday Closed

Free internet access Magazines Books CDs Holiday programmes Videos and DVDs Storytime CD-Roms Club Cool and more!

"Books will speak plain when counsellors blanch." Bacon

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A new era in planning for the ACT

The ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) was established on 1 July.

ACTPLA looks after the Australian Capital Territory's planning, leasing, land administration, development applications and building control. This was previously done by Planning and Land Management (PALM), which no longer exists.

ACTPLA also has new responsibilities. One of the most important new responsibilities is being able to make a decision about a development application (DA) that someone lodges.

ACTPLA is now the sole organisation that is responsible for determining a DA in the first instance. Previously, DA decisions were split between PALM and the Commissioner for Land and Planning. The Commissioner's role has been abolished. This change makes the development process simpler and ensures consistent decision-making.

In addition, ACTPLA has the power to reconsider its own decisions on DAs. Applicants who are given a decision on a DA from 1 July onwards can ask ACTPLA to reconsider a part of or the whole of the decision. This is a new right for applicants. However, people who provided comment on the original DA will continue to be involved.

This new procedure encourages applicants and objectors to resolve any outstanding differences without the automatic need to seek formal review in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), thereby saving time and money.
Reconsideration does not affect the right to appeal a DA decision in the AAT. From1 July, time and money are also being saved in the appeals process because the Tribunal has an enhanced power to direct parties to seek mediation. There is a greater certainty because appeal decisions will generally be resolved within a time limit of 120 days. Previously, no time limits applied.

ACTPLA works closely with two other new bodies. One is the Planning and Land Council, which provides independent, expert advice on planning and land matters to the Minister for Planning, and to ACTPLA.

The Council consists of seven members who have a range of qualifications and expertise relevant to planning and land management.

The other new body is the commercial Land Development Agency. It undertakes public land development, major development projects, and the government's land sales. It has absorbed the Kingston Foreshore Development Authority, Gungahlin Development Authority and Land Group of the Department of Urban Services.
More information is available in a series of brochures from the ACTPLA Customer Service Centre at 16 Challis St, Dickson or from www.actpla.act.gov.au.

The brochures are:

Planning and Land Reforms in the ACT - the Main Changes and How They Work
The ACT Planning and Land Authority
The Planning and Land Council
The Land Development Agency
Development Applications, Decision Making and Review
Some Questions and Answers about the Development Application Process

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Electoral Boundaries

The ACT Redistribution Committee has proposed that the ACT's Legislative Assembly electoral boundaries should remain unchanged for the 2004 election, the ACT Electoral Commissioner Phillip Green said today. Members of the public have 28 days in which to object to the Redistribution Committee's proposal. Objections in writing may be made to the ACT Electoral Commission up to 8 August 2003. The current electorates are as follows:

BRINDABELLA, a five member electorate comprising the district of Tuggeranong (excluding the suburb of Hume), the Woden Valley suburbs of Chifley, Pearce and Torrens and the southern remainder of the ACT;

GINNINDERRA, a five member electorate comprising the districts of Belconnen and Hall (including the entire village of Hall) and the Gungahlin suburb of Nicholls; and

MOLONGLO, a seven member electorate comprising the districts of Gungahlin (excluding the suburb of Nicholls), Canberra Central, Weston Creek, Woden Valley (excluding the suburbs of Chifley, Pearce and Torrens), Jerrabomberra (including the entire suburb of Hume), Kowen, Majura, and Stromlo.

A copy of the Committee's report, including a map of the proposed boundaries from the ACT Electoral Commission's website, www.elections.act.gov.au

A notice inviting public objections and including a map of the proposed electorates was published in the Canberra Times today, 11 July 2003, and in next week's Chronicle and Valley Voice. The Committee's reasons for its proposal and copies of public suggestions and comments made to the Committee are available from the ACT Electoral Commission's office at 48-56 Allara St, Civic, and from its website.

The Redistribution Committee consists of the Electoral Commissioner, Phillip Green; the acting ACT Planning and Land Authority, Colin Adrian; the Commissioner for Surveys, David Dobson; and the Regional Director, ACT Office, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tracy Stewart.

Objections to the Redistribution Committee's proposal will be considered by the augmented ACT Electoral Commission, chaired by Mr Graham Glenn.

For more information contact Phillip Green Electoral Commissioner on phone: 6205-0236.

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