Hi there!
2021 has been another challenging year as Canberrans have adapted to the new COVID-19 normal. The COVID situation continues to change – sometimes rapidly. For the latest information and advice head to covid19.act.gov.au or call 6207 7244 between 8am and 8pm daily.
A lot has been happening in the ACT Legislative Assembly this year. I’m delighted to have taken on ministerial responsibilities this term – but I’m still your local member first. If you ever need to get in touch with me, please call me on
6205 0100, email [email protected], or chat to me at one of my regular mobile offices.
Place Design Brief for Belconnen
Several sites in the Town Centre will be released for development in the coming years. These include the water police site, the ‘circus site’, and several blocks of Lathlain Street.
In consultation with the community, the Suburban Land Agency has released a Place Design Brief to guide the sale and future development. It builds on the 2016 Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan and describes the overarching vision and place themes. Developers tendering for the sale and development of the sites will need to respond to the Brief. Read more at yoursay.act.gov.au/belconnen-place-planning
Food, bulky and green waste in Belconnen
At the recent election we committed to pilot a food waste collection service. This pilot will get underway before the end of the year in Belconnen and involve 5,000 households. More information, including how to participate, will be available in the coming months.
Free bulky waste collection is available to book for every Belconnen household now. Each household is eligible for one free collection per year of up to two cubic metres. Bookings can be made via the City Services website at cityservices.act.gov.au.
Belconnen residents can continue to drop off green waste at Parkwood following a temporary extension of Canberra Sand and Gravel’s licence. The licence was due to expire on 30 June 2021 to allow the West Belconnen Resource Management Centre site to be remediated for the ongoing development of Ginninderry. This temporary extension will ensure there is continuity of large-scale green waste services while a longer term solution is identified.
Happy 55th birthday Belconnen!
Belconnen turned 55 years old on 23 June! These lands are tens of thousands of years old - and they always were and always will be Aboriginal lands. It was 55 years ago that its urban identity began - with a commemorative stone laid on the Aranda Playing Fields.
There is so much to celebrate. We're a proud, inclusive and growing community. Quite simply: we live here because we love it.
Organ donation acknowledgement
Organ donation is an incredible gift – it is the gift of life. In recognition of donors’ generosity, the ACT is now the first jurisdiction in Australia where families have the option to have their loved one’s donation acknowledged in the death register and on the donor’s death certificate. Families can also request a letter from the Chief Minister acknowledging the gift.
These acknowledgements are optional, entirely up to the family and not time-limited. You can apply online: www.act.gov.au/organdonation.
Safer cycling paths
You may have noticed some improvements to the on-road cycle lane along Caswell Drive (southbound) between Belconnen Way and the Glenloch Interchange and paths in John Knight Memorial Park. These will address drainage and erosion issues and reduce hazards to cyclists.
Amp it Up!
I’m delighted that 23 live entertainment venues across the ACT will share in nearly $800,000 to support local gigs and get our night-time economy going again through Amp It Up!
Live music and performance venues are an important part of Canberra’s night-time economy and the character of our city. I look forward to seeing a diverse program of music and other live performances around Canberra, including here in Belconnen.
Venues received grants to meet up to 100% of their expected costs for engaging artists and technicians, and up to 50% of their marketing and promotion costs. Stay tuned for an exciting forward program of gigs from our fantastic local venues!
Jamison carpark trees
The trees in Jamison car park are currently growing in small, raised islands of heavily compacted soil and are generally unhealthy. Many trees have failed and the carpark is lacking shade. So, we’re doing something about it!
Jamison will be the site of a “water sensitive urban design tree pit trial” which will see the installation of a system that supports tree health and growth, provides localised stormwater treatment and reduces the need for watering. The trees will be Autumn Blazes. Works are expected to be completed in July.
I pay special tribute to the late Brian Brocklebank whose passion and persistence was instrumental in making this trial a reality.
Dog registration
The ACT Government has strengthened responsible dog ownership by requiring all dog owners to update their details annually, at no additional cost. From 1 July, annual dog registration will provide up to date information on where dogs live and who owns them.
The new requirement will allow Domestic Animal Services to return lost dogs to their owners as quickly as possible and to follow up on reports of dangerous dogs or dog attacks.
Current dog owners will receive a renewal notice on the next anniversary of their dog’s first registration date.
Until next time,
