The July 2017 BCC Newsletter and public meeting agenda can be found here.
You can subscribe to our newsletter by using the button on our website.
The July 2017 BCC Newsletter and public meeting agenda can be found here.
You can subscribe to our newsletter by using the button on our website.
It’s a big month for the Belconnen Community Council. We’re very pleased to launch our new website which you can still find at the usual address: www.belcouncil.org.au. While we’re still tinkering around the edges, we’re very proud of it and love that we’re still able to show off David Burke’s fantastic photography. Please check it out.
New contact email address for BCC
We’ve also updated the way our e-mails work. The old e-mail address belcouncil@yahoo.com.au is no longer in use. If you wish to contact us, please use hello@belcouncil.org.au or chair@belcouncil.org.au.
BCC September public meeting
The next BCC public meeting is next Tuesday, 15 September 2015 at the Community Room, upstairs from the Belconnen Library on Chandler Street.
A short agenda is:
7.30-7.35pm Welcome and apologies; Chair’s report
7.35-7.45pm Presentation and Q&A potential future uses of Fassifern
7.45-8.25pm Presentation and Q&A on CSIRO Ginninderra Field Station
8.25-8.30pm Short break
8.30-9.00pm Q&A with Minister and Ginninderra MLA Yvette Berry
CSIRO site sale
CSIRO has flagged the possible sale of its 700 hectare Ginninderra Field Station. We look forward to the presentation and learning more at the September meeting. For further information, read the Canberra Times article.
The Amazing Race!
The Belconnen Community Service Belco Amazing Race is this Saturday, 12 September. Solve clues and raise money for BCS’s 10/10 project. More info here.
Celebrate the launch of Belconnen’s 50th birthday (2016!) at the Belconnen Arts Centre at 4pm-8pm on Saturday, 19 September. Read more about the family friendly Our Place event here. Check out our community-run Belco50 Facebook page celebrating Belconnen’s past, present and future here.
SAVE THE DATE! The Kaleen Parties at the Shops will be held on Saturday, 17 October.
Sign up for the BCC Newsletter on our website!
The next Belconnen Community Council public meeting will be held on:
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
7.30pm in the Community Room
Upstairs at the Belconnen Library, Chandler Street
A short agenda is:
7.30-7.35pm Welcome and apologies; Chair’s report
7.35-7.50pm Presentation from Kasparek Architects on the proposed development on Aikman Drive (Block 18, section 87)
7.50-8.30pm Presentation from University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker AO on vision for UC
8.30-8.40pm Brief break
8.40-9.15pm Presentation from the Speaker of the Assembly and member for Ginninderra MLA Vicki Dunne on The people of Belconnen: their frustrations, needs and vision
BCC membership
Under our new constitution, our mailing lists will not change and anyone can participate in Belconnen Community Council activities or events. However, if you wish to vote in a BCC Special General Meeting or Annual General Meeting (currently scheduled for November), you are required to become a member of the BCC. Membership is free and the membership form is straightforward. Membership continues until your association with Belconnen ceases (ie there is no need for renewal). I strongly encourage anyone with a connection to Belconnen to become a member. The form can be downloaded from our website.
Belconnen in the news
Belconnen has recently had a large number of newspaper features. Among these include two articles about the future of the Department of Immigration in Belconnen, and a feature article about the growth and success of the Belconnen Town Centre.
Westfield Belconnen makes pitch for Immigration to stay
New hope Immigration department will stay in Belconnen
Belconnen: Portraits of a Place exhibition
Last week was the final week of our Belconnen: Portraits of a Place exhibition. We have been particularly grateful for the support of Westfield Belconnen in hosting the exhibition for seven months and have received excellent feedback. The photos have also been used in our updated branding and promotional material, and will feature on our new website which we expect to launch in coming weeks. You can view more of photographer David Burke’s work on Flickr.
Hockey ACT proposal
Hockey ACT is proposing the refurbishment and additional site use of its sites in Lyneham and Tuggeranong. Given a significant proportion of people who use the Lyneham facilities are Belconnen residents, this is of particular interest to the BCC. Hockey ACT is consulting with the community before submitting its development application. The proposed additional site use is the establishment of childcare centres to help make the facilities more sustainable into the future. For more information visit our website. If you have any comments or views, please contact us at hello@belcouncil.org.au.
Proposed new childcare centre in Holt
A small block of land betwen the Kippax Fair shopping centre and Southern Cross Drive in Holt has been proposed for a 122 space childcare facility by the Krnc family company. The BCC has some concerns about parking provisions and access to the site. More information can be found on our website. Again, if you have comments or views, please contact us at hello@belcouncil.org.au.
Demolition of Higgins Primary School
Comment on the development application for the demolition of the Higgins Primary School is open until 24 July 2015. Once the demolition is approved, future uses of the site will be determined. More information can be found here.
Vale Eric Traise
The BCC Committee were very saddened to learn of the passing of Tuggeranong Community Council President Eric Traise this week. Eric was a tireless campaigner for his community and our thoughts are with his family at this time.
As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please contact me at hello@belcouncil.org.au.
Warm regards
Tara
Tara Cheyne
Chair
Belconnen Community Council
The next Belconnen Community Council public forum will be held at
7.30pm, Tuesday 16 June
Community Room, upstairs from the Belconnen Library
Chandler Street
A short agenda is:
7.30pm-7.40pm Welcome and Chair’s report, including update from Glen Hyde on the Department of Immigration potential move
7.40pm-7.50pm Update from Riverview Group (West Belconnen) on the draft variation to the Territory Plan open for comment
7.50pm-8.20pm Presentation from the National Capital Authority on the exposure draft for the National Capital Plan
8.20pm-8.30pm Short break
8.30pm-9.00pm Presentation on Project Independence in Latham by Glenn Keys
9.00pm-9.15pm Presentation by ACT bushwalking legend John Evans on walks to do in and around Belconnen
Committee vacancy – nominations sought!
The BCC Committee is currently seeking nominations to fill the vacant position on our committee. Are you interested in community issues, planning, and promoting Belconnen? Have you attended three public meetings in the past 12 months? If you’ve answered yes to both questions, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit a short paragraph about yourself to chair@belcouncil.org.au by Sunday, 14 June. In the event we receive more than one nomination, we will have a brief vote at the public meeting on Tuesday, 16 June.
Consultations and planning
Community information
As always, if you have any concerns or queries, or want more information about anything, please get in touch with us.
Tara Cheyne
Chair
Belconnen Community Council
The next Belconnen Community Council Special General Meeting and public forum will be held at
7.30pm, Tuesday 19 May
Community Room, upstairs at the Belconnen Library
Chandler Street
A short agenda is:
Special General Meeting
7.30pm Welcome; call for apologies
7.35pm Vote on proposed changes to the BCC constitution
Please note:
– All are welcome to attend the special general meeting, but only those who have attended a BCC meeting previously can vote on the resolution.
– The proposed changes to the BCC constitution are on our website.
– Voting will be by a show of hands. For the changes to the BCC constitution to be accepted, the resolution must receive the support of three-quarters of those present and eligible to vote. Proxy votes are not accepted.
Meeting
7.50pm Chair’s report
7.55pm Update on Department of Immigration’s proposed move
8pm Presentation on Smart Parking by ACT Government officers, including Q&A
8.30pm Presentation on Canberra Cat Fix by Alexandra Craig and Michelle Doherty, including Q&A
Department of Immigration proposed move
Many of you will have seen Monday’s report and the follow-up report that local impacts will be considered when the Department of Finance makes the final decision on the future site for the Department of Immigration. Our full media release can be found here. We welcome the news and it is now more important than ever that you make your views known. We will discuss what you can do to assist at the public meeting.
Consultations and planning
* In April the BCC provided a submission on the University of Canberra Public Hospital reference design. While the BCC supports this impressive facility, we have concerns with the access on Ginninderra Drive and its lack of connection to UC. Read our submission here.
* Site remediation and earthworks have begun next to the Labor Club on Block 2 Section 200 and are expected to continue until June. An auction for this land is proposed for June 2015.
* Community feedback is being sought on a proposed food forest in Lyneham. While this isn’t in Belconnen, we believe many Belconnen residents will find the idea interesting. The consultation closes on 8 June. If you would be interested in seeing something like this in Belconnen, please get in touch with us at hello@belcouncil.org.au.
* Consultation on improving local services in West Belconnen closes on Friday, 29 May. Key themes on which views are sought include ‘A better start for children’; ‘supporting stronger families’; ’employment pathways for young people’; and ‘connecting older people in the community’. Take the short survey – your information will help improve outcomes for people in West Belconnen.
Upcoming events
* Strathnairn Arts Centre will be holding their Open Day on 17 May where studio holders will open their studios and there will be a range of activities and food stalls. More information can be found here. The BCS shuttle bus service will also be providing transport.
* The Theatre@BCS is hosting the Tempo Theatre production of Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web from 15 May to 23 May.
Community information
* The Belconnen Arts Centre has received funding of $8000 conditional on them separately raising $8000 – essentially every donation you make as part of this Pozible campaign will be doubled. All donations above $2 are tax deductible. Everyone who contributes – no matter the amount – will be invited to a thank you party on 11 June.
* ActewAGL is holding energy saving workshops to assist customers to learn about effective and efficient ways to conserve energy in the lead up to winter. The next one is Thursday 14 May (tomorrow) from 5.30pm to 7pm at Bunnings. Workshop attendees get a gift bag. Register your interest here.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any queries or concerns. The most up to date information can be found on our website, Twitter and Facebook page.
Tara Cheyne
Chair
Belconnen Community Council
The next Belconnen Community Council public forum will be held at:
7.30pm, Tuesday 21 April
Jamison Southern Cross Club, Macquarie (*not the usual location*)
A short agenda is:
7.30-7.35pm: Welcome; Chair’s Report
7.35pm-8pm: Presentation by ACT Electoral Commissioner Mr Phillip Green on the proposed redistribution of electoral boundaries
8pm-8.25pm: Presentation by ArtsACT with an update on Stage 2 of the Belconnen Arts Centre
Short break
8.30pm-9pm: Presentation by Ginninderra Falls Association on progress for Ginninderra Falls
Each presentation will include Q&A. The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Chair Matt Watts, who will be acting Chair from 21 April to 10 May.
The presentation which was unable to be screened at our February meeting on the new emergency services building at Aranda is on our website and can be viewed here: http://www.belcouncil.org.au/sites/all/files/BCC%20meeting%2017%20Feb%202015.pdf
Consultations and planning
* Consultation on the University of Canberra Public Hospital Reference Design closes this Friday. View the design summary here. Written submissions can be provided to HIP@act.gov.au.
* Submissions on the Stage 2 consultation for Copland Drive – including traffic management treatments – closed on Monday. The BCC’s submission can be viewed here.
* On Tuesday, 7 April the BCC held a ‘kitchen table conversation’ at Theatre@BCS to provide input to the Planning Minister’s Statement of Planning Intent. Thanks to the many attendees who came on a cold, wet and windy night and participated in the lively discussion. A record of the feedback at the session was provided to Government and can be found here.
* The development application to demolish the Belconnen Police Station and Remand Centre site has been approved. The ACT Government is now calling for tenders to demolish it, with work expected to start in June 2015. The site is due for release in 2016-17. More information can be found here.
* The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is conducting an inquiry into elements impacting on the future of the ACT Clubs sector. Individuals and organisations are invited to make submissions by Wednesday 13 May 2015. More information, including the terms of reference, can be found here.
Upcoming events
* The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival has begun and is on until 26 April. Many events are free, including a bird walk at The Pinnacle in Hawker at 9am on 19 April.
* Strathnairn Arts Centre will be holding their Open Day on 17 May where studio holders will open their studios and there will be a range of activities and food stalls. More information can be found here.
Community information
* The ACT Government community noticeboard can be accessed here (one page PDF). It includes details on road closures and upgrades to roads in Gungahlin. Expressions of interest are also being sought for vacancies on the the ACT Bushfire Council.
* If you are ever interested in the crime statistics in Belconnen and the rest of Canberra, these can be found on the ACT Policing website. It also provides tips on how to reduce the risk of personal harm as a result of experiencing criminal behaviour.
* We have had a number of queries about the condition of the elm trees along Benjamin Way in the Town Centre. They are affected by an elm leaf beetle infestation. More information can be found here.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any queries or concerns. The most up to date information can be found on our website, Twitter and Facebook page.
Warm regards
Tara Cheyne
Chair
Belconnen Community Council
The next Belconnen Community Council public forum will be held at:
7.30pm, Tuesday 17 March
Community Room (upstairs at the Belconnen Library), Chandler Street
A short agenda is:
7.30pm-7.35pm Welcome; Chair’s report
7.35pm-7.50pm Presentation from Purdon Associates on Canberra District Rugby League Club (Holt)
7.50pm-8.25pm Riverview Group with an update on West Belconnen rezoning
(short break)
8.30pm-9pm ACT Basin Priority Project
If you are unable to get along to this meeting but still have questions you’d like put forward, please e-mail me at chair@belcouncil.org.au
Possible relocation of Immigration staff
There has been significant media coverage that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection may relocate out of the Belconnen Town Centre. (See our website for more information.) Together with the Belconnen Community Service we will be hosting a community forum on Thursday 19 March at the Belconnen Community Centre Theatre (corner Swanson Ct and Chandler St). The purpose of the forum is to share, hear about and promote the positive contribution the Immigration Department’s presence in Belconnen has on people’s lives and businesses. Join the community at 6pm (for a 6.30pm start) to hear from local leaders – including Fraser MP Andrew Leigh and ACT Senator Zed Seselja – before there is an opportunity for you to have your say. View the flyer here.
Community
There are a number of community celebrations in March to which we’re very happy to contribute and support:
Saturday 21 March, 12-6pm: Charny Carny
Friday 27 March, 3-7pm: Scullin Parties at the Shops
Saturday 28 March, 11am-4pm: Connect and Participate Expo, Old Bus Depot Markets
Sunday 29 March, 10am-2pm: Hawker Primary School fete
We hope to see you at some of these fantastic community events. If you’d like to help by volunteering at our stall at the Charny Carny or Scullin Parties at the Shops, or if you have a community event you’d like us to promote, please e-mail me at chair@belcouncil.org.au.
Constitution update
A reminder that we are proposing to update the BCC constitution. Key proposed changes include around our membership as well as attendance requirements to nominate for an executive position. The draft of this constitution and a summary of the key proposed changes can be found here on our website. Initial feedback is due by 22 March. We’re keen to hear your thoughts!
Smart Parking submission
The BCC was pleased to provide a submission on the ACT Government’s proposed smart parking trial earlier this month. The full submission can be viewed here.
Community Consultation
There are a number of community consultations open at the moment:
– Evaluation of the Holt traffic management scheme (closes Monday, 16 March)
– Input into the Planning Minister’s Statement of Planning Intent (closes Wednesday, 8 April)
– Study of traffic conditions on Copland Drive – seeking feedback on proposed treatments to improve traffic conditions (including speed humps and improved intersections) (closes Monday, 13 April)
If you wish to discuss any of these issues with the BCC, please contact me.
Wayfarer construction and road closure
Building is expected to begin at the Wayfarer site in the Belconnen Town Centre. This could involve temporary traffic changes. Please keep an eye on the BCC website and Facebook page for information as it comes available.
Mr Fluffy
A reminder that the Asbestos Response Taskforce has a Personal Support Team located in the BCS Health Centre in Kippax. The intention is to make the Taskforce more accessible for affected homeowners, particularly senior Canberrans. More information can be found here.
ActewAGL
ActewAGL is looking for views on its Gas Network five year plan that it will be submitting to the Australian Energy Regulator. That plan is an important part of the regulatory process that will determine prices and influence service levels for the distribution of gas between 2016-17 and 2020-2021. More information can be found here.
Warm regards
Tara Cheyne
Chair
Belconnen Community Council