Weston Creek

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 7 September, 2010 - 13:12

Today I joined the Catholic Education Office and the Association of Independent Schools to launch a new plan and partnership to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities in all ACT schools.

The strategic plans launched this morning will guide us as we take on the most important of challenges, making sure every young Canberran gets an education that helps them reach their potential.

If an education system is working properly every student will find education a challenge. But some kids face special challenges when it comes to education and none more so than those with disabilities.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 1 September, 2010 - 16:00

Today I launched the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Matters – Strategic Plan 2010-2013.

The strategy, aimed at closing the education gap experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students has been developed by the ACT Department of Education and Training in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Consultative Group, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, the Australian Education Union, the Network Principals’ Reference Group, the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services and ACT Health.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 31 August, 2010 - 17:41

Canberrans are more water-wise, less wasteful and more satisfied with the quality of the ACT's public schools and services at The Canberra Hospital, according the ACT's Government latest report card on life in Canberra.

The Measuring Our Progress report, which now has a dedicated website, was released by the Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope.

Measuring Our Progress provides a snap-shot of life in Canberra against 28 indicators in areas including health, safety, sustainability, and education. It aims to provide a complete picture of our progress, as a community and as a Government, towards a healthy, safer and more prosperous city.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 29 August, 2010 - 06:00

I have asked the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) to establish an expert reference group made of community and industry members as well as professional associations to work with ACTPLA in considering issues raised in submissions received so far on draft variations to the Territory Plan 303 and 301.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 26 August, 2010 - 10:31

The ACT Labor Government will set targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020, and 80% by 2050, based on 1990 levels, Minister for the Environment Climate Change and Water, Simon Corbell, announced today.

Mr Corbell will today table the milestone targets with the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bill 2010.

Last year the ACT Government announced its commitment to make Canberra carbon neutral by 2060 and these targets set important milestones towards implementation of that long term goal.

The ACT Government has consulted widely on potential targets for greenhouse gas reduction in the Territory, and has analysed evidence based arguments on human caused global warming.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 25 August, 2010 - 11:32

The new community park in Rivett includes a double swing, slide, climbing equipment, three fitness stations a petanque court and a covered BBQ.

The new facilities were part of a $2.4 million investment in eight community parks across the ACT that were designed in consultation with the community.

The new community parks are designed to cater for children of all ages while also providing a space for families to gather for picnics, walks and exercise.

The parks also feature shaded picnic tables, seats and new shrubs and plants.

The Government is investing $2.4 million to build eight community parks across the ACT and create new places for families to gather and seek out for recreation in their neighbourhood.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 19 August, 2010 - 17:34

New laws passed by the Legislative Assembly today will help ensure new homes in Canberra are more environmentally friendly by setting higher standards for energy assessors.

Climate change is the biggest challenge the Canberra community and all Australians face.

That’s why ACT Labor is working with industry and the community to ensure Canberra continues to develop in a more sustainable way.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 6 August, 2010 - 20:43

The ACT Government is reminding Canberrans to comment on proposed planning changes, one designed to encourage more housing to be developed in existing suburbs and another aimed at maximising solar access of new homes and developments.

Draft Variation No. 303 to the Territory Plan includes:

a change to the minimum block size for dual occupancy development; and
new rules for secondary residences, sometimes referred to as "granny flats" that will provide greater opportunities for small additional dwellings suitable for our ageing and changing population.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 3 August, 2010 - 11:53

Evatt Primary School today officially became the first ACT public school to start generating its own solar electricity under the ACT Labor Government’s Solar Schools Program.

I officially ‘flicked the switch’ on Evatt Primary School’s 10 kilowatt array of solar panels this morning. Along with Kingsford Smith School, Evatt Primary is one of the first public schools to install a solar power system and is already feeding energy back into the grid saving the school up to $7,000 per year.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 20 July, 2010 - 12:39

ACT school students will have the chance to learn more about the environmental, historical, and water supply significance of the Cotter Dam through a new education program.

This morning I launched the Cotter Dam Education Kit at Duffy Primary School, one of the first ACT schools to implement the new education resource.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 17 July, 2010 - 07:32

The ACT Government is supporting a national move to help minimise the impact of noise on people who live in areas where external noise may affect their quality of life.

The ACT has joined with other states and the Northern Territory at the recent Building Ministers’ Forum to support the development of a construction standard to ensure residential buildings in busy areas are constructed in a way that helps to minimise noise from external sources.

As we move towards having more infill development and more buildings are built in parts of our cities where external noise is greater, we need to introduce measures that will limit the potential for this to become a source of irritation to residents.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 7 May, 2010 - 13:18

Kids across the ACT have hit the footpath instead of the road today to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day.

Students from Condor Primary, Kingsford Smith School, Amaroo School and St John Vianney Primary School took part in the initiative which aims to reduce childhood obesity, increase awareness about road safety, improve air quality and reduce dangerous traffic jams around schools.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 8 April, 2010 - 11:59

I have announced the continued roll-out of accessible and free early childhood education of 15 hours per week in the ACT, which is in line with a national agreement for all states and territories to provide universal access to early childhood education for all children in the year prior to formal schooling by 2013.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 31 March, 2010 - 12:01

ACT public schools have recorded strong growth in the number of enrolments for the second consecutive year, with a large increase in enrolments in the new Early Childhood Schools the 2010 ACT School Census reveals.

There are now 38,853 students enrolled in ACT public schools, up 573 students on 2009.

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 18 February, 2010 - 20:47

This morning I officially opened the new $3.5 million Stromlo High School gymnasium.

The gymnasium was funded by the ACT Government as part of a commitment to provide all high schools with a gym to ensure students have the opportunity to increase physical activity.

This gym is part of the $496 million investment that the ACT Government is making in upgrading every ACT public school, and building new schools where they are needed most.