New trees for Wells Gardens
The GNCA has now received agreement from the ACT Government to the planting of new trees in Wells Gardens. For further details, including the species to be planted please refer to the attached flyer.
Manuka Capitol Development Plans
Plans for a five-storey hotel at the site of Manuka’s former Capitol Theatre have been released for community consultation. The Liangis Family have proposed the 120 room “Capitol Hotel” for the site of the Capitol Theatre as the second stage of the long-running development, with construction already under way next door.
A copy of the submission sent by the GNCA to ACT Planning re the Pre-DA ‘Consultation’ process can be found here.
AGM speakers
Professor Mark Howden, Director, ANU Climate Change Institute
As the keynote speaker, Professor Mark Howden gave a very powerful and thought provoking presentation on “The impact of climate change on Canberra”. A copy of the powerpoint slides can be viewed here.
Margaret Fanning
As it was almost 20 years since the GNCA was formed and as the inaugural President, Margaret gave a speech of her reminicences and reflections on the GNCA’s early years.
Draft EIS – Hi Quality Waste Proposal at Fyshwick
Members are reminded that comments on the EIS close on Thursday 17 September 2020. To assist in preparation of submissions, please find attached a summary of the draft EIS.
Representations should be addressed to the Chief Planning Executive and made in one of the following ways:
- Electronically using the Public Submission Smartform;
- Email to EPDCustomerServices@act.gov.au;
Representations should include the name and contact details of the person making the comments and the draft EIS application reference number (EIS201900001).
David Denham’s presentation at ISCCC Zoom Forum May 2020 in relation to the ACT elections in October
If you wish to see a copy of the presentation, please click here for part A and here for part B.
Bass Gardens Park
This park is located in the Blandfordia 5 heritage district and is bounded by Bass Gardens Street and Durville Crescent. It is of particular interest for its heritage status and its native flora groundcover and exotic trees which have been planted in a noticeable design. Details are available in the Conservation Management Plan which can be found here. A list of flora and fauna is available here. This list will be updated from time to time. A tree survey plan is available here.
FEED FEED- Canberrans helping Canberrans
FEED FEED is an up-to-date list of hospitality businesses adapting to the new social distancing measures. If you click on this Feed Feed link you will be able to see businesses in Griffith, Manuka, Kingston and other locations that you can support during these very difficult times.
BUSINESS CASE FOR STAGE 2 LIGHT RAIL IS OFF TRACK!!
The ACT Government has now released a Business Case for Stage 2A of the Light Rail, which is a story of a tram running from Civic to Commonwealth Park that contains no cost estimates! Click here to read GNCA’s Press Release.
TREES AND GREEN SPACE IN CANBERRA
The government’s intention to achieve 30% tree canopy cover and 30% permeable surfaces in urban areas by 2045 is unlikely to be achieved unless Draft Variation 369 -Living Infrastructure in Residential Zones is amended. Attached is a media release of 28 February that GNCA has put out regarding this Draft Variation. The time period for comments on this Draft Variation has been extended to 3rd April. Members and others are encouraged to make submissions.
GRIFFITH PARK VOLUNTEER GROUP
On Saturday 14 March, an inaugural working bee and BBQ will be held for the new Griffith Park volunteer group, funded by the Government under its “Adopt a Park” program, and with support also from Easts rugby club and LJ Hooker Manuka. Please refer to the attached flyer.
We’d like to encourage as many members as possible to come along for the launch of the new group. Even if you don’t feel up to physical work at the moment, your moral support and your ideas are very welcome. It’s our opportunity to establish a long term program to curate the park and plan for improvements over the years. If you can’t come along on 14 March but would like to be kept informed about the work of the new group, please email info@gnca.org.au
‘DEMONSTRATION HOUSING PROJECTS’ IN RZ1 ZONES
The GNCA claims in the attached Press Release that the ACT Government, has found a way to breach existing residential planning regulations to allow medium density developments throughout Canberra suburbs currently zoned for low-rise, low-density residential housing (RZ1). This is being done under the pretext of an architectural design project called the ‘Demonstration Housing Project, which selects housing designs that could be used for ‘high quality, medium density infill’ (RZ2). The Territory Plan is then varied to allow this to happen in RZ1 zones. The blocks have not been chosen for their locations; they could be anywhere in the suburbs.
BUSHFIRE FUNDRAISER
Easts Rugby club are organising a bushfire fundraiser at the Griffith oval no.1 on Saturday 18 January 2020 from 11am to 3pm. Everyone is most welcome. Please come and help raise funds for this very worthy cause.
