Dear Inner South Resident,
It’s great to see the recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and let’s hope the situation continues to improve. Maintaining physical distancing and good hand hygiene is still important to help prevent a “second wave”. Find out about COVID-19 developments and support at https://www.covid19.act.gov.au
ISCCC’s inaugural online public forum, Tuesday 26 May, 7-8pm
The Inner South Canberra Community Council invites you to our inaugural ZOOM Public Forum on Tuesday 26 May 2020 at 7-8 pm. Attendees may join from 6.30pm to 7.00pm to test their equipment. Speakers will:
- Dive deep into the findings of the ISCCC’s online survey of inner south residents
- Present and host discussion on key future priorities for the ISCCC
- Update participants on the proposed Fyshwick waste/recycling facilities
Numbers are limited to 100 so register in advance at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqce6trT8tGtcT3H8MmErcb_N3iU9UqDyx
or by contacting info@isccc.org.au. There is no physical in-person option for this meeting.
Inner South Canberra Community Council Online Survey
Thanks to the 555 residents who completed the ISCCC’s online survey. Your participation has given the ISCCC a clear idea of what you value, what you would like to be protected and to change. The final report on the survey is at:
https://www.isccc.org.au/final-report-on-isccc-online-community-survey-2019-20
Have your say by COB Friday, 22 May on proposed Land Reclamation from Lake Burley Griffin and Boardwalk at Acton waterfront (West Basin).
This development involves land reclamation of up to 80 metres of Lake Burley Griffin from the existing eastern side lake edge, removal of about 120 trees, and construction of a boardwalk that will be 8 metres wide and 500 metres long. Find out more at:
https://www.nca.gov.au/consultation/block-23-section-33-acton-acton-waterfront-phase-2-boardwalk-and-land-reclamation
Proposed “streamlining” of Development Application Processes
Many of the recommendations of a recent Legislative Assembly Inquiry into Development Application processes call for better community consultation and engagement.
https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1543994/Report-12-Inquiry-into-Engagement-with-Development-Application-Processes-in-the-ACT.pdf
At the same time, the Chief Minister is reported to be calling for streamlining of the ACT’s planning system as part of efforts to revive the ACT economy in the wake of COVID-19:
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6758670/da-reform-flagged-as-part-of-acts-covid-19-economic-recovery-plan/
It’s not clear what “streamlining” is intended. The Canberra Times quoted the ISCCC Chair as saying that “residents would be concerned if changes were made which restricted their ability to provide feedback on nearby developments, particularly on matters such as overshadowing, building heights and green space.” This was a reference to the ISCCC’s survey finding that 85 percent of respondents wanted to be consulted about nearby development, particularly impacts on access to sunlight/natural light, building height, zoning, amount of green space on the block, and protection of heritage precinct character.
A new draft Planning Bill tabled in the Assembly on 7 May 2020 by Caroline Le Couteur MLA calls for many changes to the Development Application process, including to address key concerns about building quality, environmental impacts and community input:
https://the-riotact.com/greens-to-introduce-sweeping-planning-bill/374303
Proposed waste and recycling facilities in Fyshwick
In addition to the proposed CRS waste/recycling facility in Ipswich Street, Fyshwick (Environmental Impact Statement is still being assessed by the ACT Government), another massive 1.1 million tonne per annum waste/recycling facility is being proposed for Tennant Street in Fyshwick next to Domayne and near Bunnings. Find out more at these links below. An update will be provided at the ISCCC public forum on 26 May (see details above):
https://the-riotact.com/fyshwick-waste-hub-proponent-dumps-plan-to-burn-wood/375366
https://www.isccc.org.au/have-your-say-on-proposed-1-1-million-tonne-waste-and-recycling-facility-in-fyshwick
ISCCC’s submission to Government: green space on residential blocks
Find below the link to the ISCCC’s submission in response to the ACT Government’s proposed changes to planning rules concerning green spaces on residential blocks, encapsulated in the planning authority’s Draft Variation 369 to the Territory Plan:
https://www.isccc.org.au/isccc-submission-on-dv369-green-space-on-residential-blocks
Final Report from the Assembly’s Nature in the City Inquiry
The final report of the Legislative Assembly’s Nature in the City Inquiry had many interesting recommendations, including that the ACT Government re-commit to the concept of the City in a Landscape, and develop a City in a Landscape Strategy reflecting current and future needs.
https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1480091/9th-ETCS-10-Inquiry-into-Nature-in-Our-City.pdf
Better maintenance of Melbourne Ave median and reduced speed limit in Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin
The residents groups of Forrest and Deakin have worked effectively with ACT Government officials and Canberra Girls Grammar to come up with alternative arrangements to ensure the Melbourne Avenue median and trees opposite Canberra Girls Grammar School are better maintained. Following representations from the Deakin Residents Association to the ACT Government, the speed limit on Hopetoun Circuit near Deakin shops will be reduced from 60 to 40km per hour. Find out more at https://deakinresidents.asn.au/category/current-issues/
Inner south residents groups participating in Floriade re-imagined
Given the transformation of Floriade into Floriade Reimagined, there will be flower displays across Canberra, including in the inner south, as indicated in the map below. Several residents groups have also applied successfully for allocations of bulbs/annuals to plant with volunteer assistance, including the Kingston and Barton Residents Group, Yarralumla Residents Association, and Forrest Residents Group. https://floriadeaustralia.com/floriade-reimagined-map/
How ACT Election Candidates see themselves as equipped to serve as MLAs
In the lead up to the 2020 ACT elections, the Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy plans to ask candidates to provide statements to help voters know how they see themselves as equipped to serve as MLAs and how they propose to strengthen the ACT’s democratic fabric. This is where they will post the information from candidates once it is available:
https://canberra-alliance.org.au/ag-e2020/
Thanks to all the volunteers in our community
This is National Volunteers Week (18-24 May) and it is a great opportunity to recognise the contribution of all volunteers who help our community in so many ways. Thank you, volunteers, for everything you do. Society couldn’t run effectively without you!
Finally, I wish you all the best as we continue to work together as a community to respond to, and overcome, the challenges of COVID-19.
Marea Fatseas
Chair ISCCC