Inner South

Students going back for the first day of term four will notice some impressive changes, with more than $1 million in school upgrades completed and over $17 million worth of projects started over the school holidays.  

Together the ACT Labor Government and the Rudd Government are investing more than half a billion to upgrade every ACT school. This is delivering a wide range of projects from classrooms being repainted to new school halls, libraries and performing arts centres.

The Community Facility Zone Development Code (CFZDC) and its associated Development Table is currently being reviewed as part of the Territory Plan review.

A discussion paper has been released seeking comment from the ACT community about how the code and table might be revised.

Key questions have been identified, based on ACTPLA’s recent research and experiences. However these are intended only as a basis for discussion and suggestions about additional potential issues and policy measures are welcome.

As part of the ACT Government's development of the Sustainable Transport Action Plan 2010-2016, a review is being undertaken to improve cycling and pedestrian networks.

A contract has been awarded to a local company, Cardno Eppell Olsen, for $140,000 to undertake an extensive review of Canberra's commuter bicycle network in line with the Sustainable Transport Action Plan.

The Chief Minister and Minister for Business and Economic Development, Jon Stanhope MLA, haslaunched the first edition of Canberra Construction Snapshot, a biannual newsletter on construction works and capital projects.

Snapshot draws together in one place information about allof the major Government and private-sector infrastructure, capital works and development projects either in progress or expected to proceed in the ACT and the region and it sends a powerful message that the ACT is open for business.

Work has commenced to restore and upgrade historic glasshouses at Yarralumla Nursery.

Yarralumla Nursery's two oldest glasshouses were built 70 years ago and now require significant refurbishment. The ACT Government's $50,000 restoration project will see the glasshouses significant heritage value restored.

The glasshouses are constructed on a brick base and timber upper frame which supports glazing bars which hold glass sheets.

One of the two glasshouses being refurbished has now had its timber frame replaced by MBA carpentry apprentices. The glasshouse was carefully dismantled before the frames were replaced. The next step will see the replacement of the glass along with irrigation and other internal elements.

Three of the ACTs new Early Childhood Schools were officially opened today.  The schools at Isabella Plains, Narrabundah and Scullin have quickly flourished as early learning and development centres for children from birth to eight and their families. 

The Kingston Centre Planning Project will guide future urban planning in the Kingston centre. It will include consultation with the community, community groups, business representatives and other stakeholders to develop a vision for the future of centre.

The Kingston centre is one of the oldest centres in Canberra. It has established its own unique and valued character but the buildings and infrastructure are ageing. It is anticipated that some areas could be redeveloped in the next few years.

Planning for the future of Kingston and Dickson has commenced with the appointment today of consultants to start work on the new master plans for these centres.

Multimillion dollar restoration works to the Albert Hall, including roof repairs and exterior painting have now commenced.  The works are being jointly funded by the ACT Government ($2.7m) and the Federal Government ($500,000).

The Department of Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) are preparing for the future refurbishment of the public spaces at the Red Hill shopping centre.

A Forward Design Study is being prepared as the first step to find out what the Red Hill community wants for their shopping centre and what they consider important.

Some of the issues to consider include public safety and security, improvements that may help people move about the shops, options for traffic calming, lighting, landscape improvements, street furniture, vehicular circulation, parking and signage. You may also have some ideas for community artwork.