Tuggeranong Community Council Inc General Meeting 3 May 2011 Draft Minutes

Present: See attendance record of 3 May 2011. President Darryl Johnston welcomed our guest presenters from United Aged Care, who will later address the Meeting. Apologies: Greg Downing, Rusty Woodward, Gai Brodtmann MP, Joy Burch MLA, Amanda Bresnan MLA. Confirmation of Minutes of April 2011 Meeting: Accepted: Dugald Holmes Seconded: Matters Arising from April 2011 Meeting: No matters were raised by members. Glenys Patulny made reference to the allocation of funding in the ACT Budget for the new Centennial Walking Trail project mentioned in an earlier report from the Planning and Environment Sub-Committee. Darryl mentioned that a media release had recently been issued by the Chief Minister regarding this matter. Minute Secretary, Albert Orszaczky, informed members that completion of the Minutes of the Special Meeting on 12 April had been delayed due to problems with the microphone used on the night. The document should be completed for distribution shortly, and will also be included on the TCC website course. Presidents Report (Mr Darryl Johnston): President, Darryl Johnston presented the following Report: Welcome members and friends to another meeting of the Tuggeranong Community Council. TCC Vice President, Colin Petrie and I recently met with ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope. This was the third in what have become regular discussions between the TCC and the Chief Minister. Prior to the official meeting I thanked the Chief Minister for the successful negotiations with our Federal members and Government that secured funding for duplication of the Monaro Highway over Canberra Avenue and the Canberra Rail Line. I reminded him that this was one of the issues the TCC raised in early 2010 in its Talking Tuggeranong submission. I also thanked him for the trial introduction of a large waste collection service announced only days earlier and pointed out that was an issue recently covered in a Motion adopted at the last TCC meeting. Mr Petrie also noted that there had been successes on removing earth mounds and long grass that obstructed the view of motorists while negotiating roundabouts in Tuggeranong. In opening the talks Mr Petrie and I referred the Chief Minister to a recent TCC Motion calling on the ACT Government to begin planning for the introduction of a rail based mass public transport system linking Tuggeranong to other Canberra town centres and Queanbeyan by 2030. We said the TCC believed the Canberra/Queanbeyan region cannot rely on buses alone for its future public transport needs and planning must begin now for the introduction of a mass public transport system to meet Canberra and Queanbeyans forecast growth to approx 600,000 by 2030. Mr. Stanhope said initial government costings and modelling had shown that a light rail system in Canberra would cost $3billion. He said it also showed that unlike other cities that had developed light rail systems, Canberra did not have the population mass to warrant one at this point. However he conceded that his government kept an open mind and he believed that a light rail system for Canberra was inevitable, possibly developed in stages over a number of years. We also raised the issue of the proposed location of the new Southern Cemetery at Hume. We told the Chief Minister that while the TCC supported the concept for a cemetery in Southern Canberra,
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Alison Ryan

many TCC members and residents are concerned over its proposed location. We told the Chief Minister that members and residents were also concerned over the lack of a public transport link to the proposed site, the land was too rocky and it contained natural water springs. We also said that members and residents were concerned over emissions from a crematorium proposed for the site. Mr. Stanhope responded that he expected an announcement soon on a new Southern Cemetery. He said the site for the new cemetery would undergo an extensive geotechnical survey, planning and design work that will cover public transport issues. As you would be aware, the day following our meeting, Mr. Stanhope announced the new Southern Cemetery and Crematorium would proceed at Hume and he had allocated more than $720,000 for design works. He also announced that further consultation on the project would take place with religious groups and the community. I suggest then that the TCC and residents continue to play an active role in this project if we are to have any influence on its development. On the issue of expanding tertiary education services and facilities in Tuggeranong the Chief Minister said the TCCs call for establishing a combined technical college and university in Tuggeranong had merit. He agreed tertiary education facilities were focussed in the north and suggested the TCC play a part in discussions to amalgamate the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and the University of Canberra (UC). He said the Education Minister, Mr Barr, is due to announce the appointment of a tertiary education expert to look at the proposals from the Hawke Review on greater collaboration between the CIT and UC. He said it was worthwhile the TCC playing a part in this process. He also suggested that the TCC organise meetings with Mr Barr and UC Vice Chancellor, Prof Stephen Parker to discuss this proposal further. We also sought an update on the Tralee residential development. The Chief Minister was unable to provide us with any information because the story of Canberra Airports purchase of a share in the proposed site had only broken that day and details were still very sketchy. I sought an update on the ACT Governments review last year into the wood heater education programs and progress on a review by the Federal and State governments into wood heater standards. I am awaiting a response. As suggested by one of our members we raised the issue of the introduction of numbered bus stops. An adviser to the Chief Minister agreed that it was a good idea. He said it had been raised at the (recent) morning tea with the Ministers and was being followed up. Due to an earlier address at the National Press Club that day and back to back meetings our discussions with the Chief Minister were shorter than previous meetings and after about 35 minutes we concluded. I wish to put it on record that I believe these regular meetings with the Chief Minister are very worthwhile and valuable and I appreciate the time that he gives us. The next meeting will be held around August. Thank you. Accepted: Donna Smail Seconded: Alison Ryan

Treasurers Report (Mr Eric Traise): Current bank account balance is $13,096 comprising of our Operating Account of $2,600 and Investment Account of $10,496. Expenditure totalled $3,405, with the main items being for purchase of new office equipment for $2,354, advertising costs of $745 and the usual meeting and office expenses. Income during the period was $189 for proceeds of equipment sale ($150) and interest on the Investment Account. Accepted: Jan Petrie Seconded: Jeff Chapman

Sub-Committee Reports: - Planning and Environment Committee Darryl indicated that a meeting of the Committee is planned for next week and any interested members are welcome to attend. He mentioned that a response had been received from the Minister, Simon Corbell regarding the recent TCC Motion for introduction of a bulky waste collection and garden waste bin and it will be circulated for the information of members.
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- Transport and Community Services Committee The response from the Chief Minister regarding the recent TCC Motion on the rail network and driver training issues will also be circulated shortly for the information of members. Police Report: Sergeant Rod Anderson, OIC of Tuggeranong Police Station introduced his colleague and duty Patrol Officer, Acting Sergeant Kelly Corcoran. He proceeded to present the following brief report on crime statistics and information regarding other local Police activities during April: Burglaries have increased in April 10 more than the previous month. Reported incidents of property damage have increased by 28% over the past month. Confirmed incidents of assaults have decreased by 10 in April, with a decrease also of 5 stolen motor vehicles reported during the period. 41 arrests were affected by Police in the Tuggeranong Zone during the past month for a range of the usual type of offences. Police conducted 666 Suburban Policing Strategy patrols within the Tuggeranong patrol zone in during April. Tuggeranong Zone has continued to see a number of reported property damages to vehicles as well as theft of vehicle contents. Many of all reported thefts in April were from vehicles, although the number of thefts was down by 7 from the previous month. It continues to be visible, highly portable belongings taken such as GPS units, IPods and wallets. Insecure work vehicles allowed offenders access to work tools and equipment and the community is reminded to remain vigilant about removing items of value from vehicles to discourage opportunistic break-ins and theft. First term school holidays fell during the month of April, with Tuggeranong recording only one single property damage incident at a school premises during this time. Patrols increased their presence at schools as part of Operation School Safe, conducting proactive vehicle and foot patrols of the schools. Over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekend, Tuggeranong Patrols conducted over 600 random breath tests, detecting a total of 5 positive tests for alcohol. Canberra drivers remained safe over the long weekend, with no fatal collisions or accidents resulting in serious injury occurring. Questions from the floor: Members raised some concerns, including the following: Where have the damaged vehicles generally been parked? Various locations in public car parks around Greenway as well as local suburban streets; even one reported at cricket practice in Conder. Patrols required to identify problem of illegal parking in Clem Hill Street, Gordon. Matter to be raised with Parking Operations and suitable signage required and to be enforced. A report was detailed on recent vehicle damage and the outcome of police response and experience with an insurance claim. Relevant reference was made to the Neighbourhood Watch program, which was supported by Sergeant Anderson, who stressed the importance of reporting any such incidents. Query regarding the law regarding the parking of heavy vehicles in suburban streets. Sergeant Anderson provided suitable responses .and advice on all issues raised. Update from Local Members: Darryl invited the local Members in attendance, namely Brendan Smyth and Steve Doszpot (both Canberra Liberals) to provide a brief report on current activities and issues of interest in the political arena. Mr Smyth provided a summary of items relating to the Tuggeranong Valley in the ACT Budget announced earlier today, including: Funding allocated for various local infrastructure items, including major capital works; Reference made to excessive spending of current ACT Government with related background details; Impact of overall increases in several areas of household and general cost of living expenses. Query was raised on the proposed new change of use charge to be imposed regarding certain property development activities and a suitable explanation was provided by Mr Smyth.
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Mr Smyth mentioned the substantial funds allocated for the construction of a new building in Civic for the co-location of all ACT Government departments and the undesirable impact of the vacancy of their existing buildings. Reference was also made to the likely benefits of funding allocated for expenditure on the protection of heritage related matters. Mr Smyth indicated the importance of protecting and encouraging our limited heritage, but it certainly needs to be in balance with other more essential requirements. Mr Doszpot provided the following information: Brief reference made to the comparative increase in the number of ACT public servants under the current ACT Government; Background details of the Erindale Master Plan proposal and changes to transport arrangements - local traders are unhappy with the lack of direct consultation with them preliminary presentation earlier this year was poorly attended - ACTPLA letter box drop has apparently not reached the majority of local residents - several problems that need to be addressed at this stage including: inadequate parking facilities, problems with changes to traffic flow past nearby schools/colleges, medium density housing planned on flood plains adjacent to land owned by Trinity Christian School. A short break was taken at this stage prior to the presentation by our guest speaker(s). Guest Speakers Uniting Aged Care: President, Darryl Johnston introduced Jane Nolan and Melanie Dicks from Uniting Aged Care to provide an update and seek feedback on the proposed aged-care residential development in Gordon. They provided a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the following details and features of the $60 million project: Diagrams of Community Centre building on corner of Woodcock and Tharwa Drives; Architect plans for 3 storey building with usual facilities and amenities orientation; Apartment accommodation available above the Centre large bed-sit arrangement; 6 care houses each accommodating 12 people low care up to high level care with shared space; 86 independent living units community feel with open spaces and adequate safety considerations; Unique style development for Canberra featuring modern design with a mixture of brick styles; 3-stage DA process involved first one for the initial works already lodged; Turning of sod event planned for July this year all interested people welcome to attend.

Questions from the floor: Various queries and concerns were raised by members, including the following: Reference to previous safety concerns for residents crossing Tharwa Drive to nearby Lanyon Markets. Planned traffic lights / pedestrian crossing considered most unsuitable. Safety concerns with current underpass arrangement primary issue to be considered. Overpass option with lift or ramp facility considered a better and safer arrangement. Site is not considered entirely suitable with nearby heavy traffic flow. Allocated by ACT Government and convenience of shopping and other services is appealing. How many people expected to be living there? Planned for a total of 180-200. Clarification sought re the stages of care involved no automatic progression but suitable options to be available based on need support with community care package. Accommodation to be limited by Deed to senior residents (aged 55+) only. Query re energy rating of buildings. To meet highest level under current standards. Adequacy of internal lift access and car parking facilities to be available. Cost of entry was queried. To be determined by current market values. Other Business / General Announcements: No matters were raised by members. The next General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 7 June 2011, with guest presenter being Mr Tony Gill, Director Roads ACT. Any relevant road issues or related concerns should be provided by email prior to the Meeting. The meeting concluded at approximately 9.00 pm and members were invited to stay on for the usual light refreshments.