Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

From 27 August, drivers caught committing road offences by the ACT road safety camera network will also have their vehicle checked to see if registration is current.

The entire road safety camera network will check registrations. This includes:

• speed cameras
• mobile device detection cameras
• red-light cameras.

Vehicle registration is a legal requirement and crucial for maintaining road safety. Without registration and insurance, the driver of the vehicle may be personally liable for any injuries caused to themselves and others.

Access Canberra will check registration details when processing other traffic infringements caught on camera.

The fine for driving an unregistered vehicle is $700.

You can renew the registration of most vehicles online, if it has been unregistered for less than 12 months.

If your vehicle has been unregistered for more than 12 months, it will require a roadworthy inspection. You will also need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre to register the vehicle.

To check your registration status, renew your registration online, or to find out more about what to do if your registration expired more than 12 months ago, visit www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au.

From the homepage, choose ‘Renew rego’ under ‘Popular pages’.

The key focus of infringements in the first few months will be for driving unregistered, with additional infringements for also driving uninsured to then be implemented.

Road safety camera relocation

The existing fixed camera on the Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit intersection was relocated in June due to construction activity in the area.

It is now located at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Bunda Street and will continue monitoring for speed and red-light offences heading south.

The location was chosen for several reasons, including its closeness to the bus interchange and light rail stop, where there is more vehicle and pedestrian movement.

ACT Government-operated cameras operate in addition to police. ACT Policing will continue to target those who choose to speed and put road users at risk.

For more information on the ACT Road Safety Camera program visit the Access Canberra website.

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Two popular cafés are among the four recipients of the Nature in the City: Cooling Your Suburb grants.

Each receives a share of $150,000 for projects that protect against climate change.

The four projects aim to show how living infrastructure can improve Canberra’s resilience to the heat impacts of climate change.

Healthy living infrastructure includes trees, plants, soils, and water systems. These are essential to a city’s success in adapting to the risks of a changing climate.

The four funded projects will tackle the ‘heat island effect’. Heat islands are a result of too much concrete and not enough plant life, bushland and tree canopy coverage in an urban area.

This year’s successful recipients are:

• Three Mills Bakery – Will transform an urban heat island in Woden from an expanse of concrete into an urban oasis near their new café.
• The Climate Factory – Will grow a native micro-forest in an urban heat island in Dunlop using the Miyawaki method of dense planting to ensure rapid growth.
• The Woodlands and Wetlands Trust – Will install native species trellis walls, a rainwater irrigation system for an existing green wall, and permeable paving to increase water retention on site.
• Café Stepping Stone, Dickson – Will conduct a feasibility study to gather valuable insights and data to inform the long-term sustainability and maintenance of a green wall and assess how well such a project might mitigate urban heat.

From trees to planter boxes to garden beds, simple projects can cool the local climate and make the most of rainwater, also reducing the risk of flooding.

As well as being great for the natural environment, projects like this can help reinvigorate public spaces.

“Stepping Stone Social Enterprise aims to create a welcoming and inclusive community space for our employees and customers,” Café Stepping Stone CEO and Founder Vanessa Brettell said.

“This grant will enable us to improve the comfort of our space, especially in the heat of the afternoon sun and make the most of our Dickson cafe space, both indoors and outdoors through sustainable and green building methods.”

All grant recipients engaged with the local community and stakeholders to inform their projects.

Find out more about the Nature in the City: Cooling Your Suburb grants on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

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Calwell High School student Amelia Kolano has always been inspired by her building certifier dad.

She knew she wanted to follow in his footsteps, and now, thanks to her school’s involvement in a groundbreaking program, the year 10 student has sampled a career in construction.

The Understanding Building and Construction Program (UBCP) is designed to remove barriers preventing young women and gender-diverse students from safely, equitably and fully participating in the building and construction industry.

The program does this through targeted, careers-focused learning in schools, to help students discover this career pathway.

A rewarding work experience placement

As part of the program, Amelia completed a week’s work experience with commercial construction company Kane Constructions.

There, she was mentored by ACT Operations Manager Philippa Seldon.

Amelia says the experience – and Philippa’s guidance – has filled her with knowledge and confidence.

“Before, I didn’t know about all the opportunities in the industry. I thought it would be very difficult to get into the industry as a woman,” she said.

“Just from watching and observing I have been able to absorb a lot of information. Even little things such as the names of construction tools, how they are used and the different jobs and roles involved in a project, such as site manager.

“Everyone was friendly, supportive, and happy to answer my questions. It’s really good and they are engaging and supportive of seeing more women working with each other, advocating for equality.”

Clarifying a path forward

Philippa was keen to facilitate Amelia’s introduction to a construction career.

“Women make up more than 50 per cent of our population and to include women in construction brings diversity of thought, it brings diversity of approach to situations. It positively influences our culture,” she said.

Amelia feels the experience has helped her work out her next steps.

“I did start off with wanting to become a building certifier because of my dad, but I’ve realised I want to be more hands-on, onsite, building and creating and productive in this way,” she said.

“I’m really wanting to do more work experience in carpentry, and then do an ASbA in carpentry. I want to start my Cert III in building and construction as soon as possible, next year (year 11). My aim is by end of year 12 to have all my certificates and qualifications completed to start working in the industry full time.”

Advocating for women in construction

Alongside Philippa, the company’s ACT General Manager Joanne Farrell is a champion for women in the industry.

Joanne is the founder and Director of not-for-profit Build Like a Girl, the 2024 ACT Australian of the Year and the 2024 ACT Woman of the Year.

She regularly assists with programs, initiatives and services aimed at improving the participation rate of women in trades, which is currently just 2 per cent.

The Understanding Building and Construction Program

The ACT Government is committed to a target of 10 per cent female employment in the ACT construction industry, with the UBCP an important part of this.

Calwell High School began offering the curriculum-based UBCP in 2022 as part of a pilot program.

This was developed in a partnership between the ACT Government and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and partly funded by a National Careers Institute (NCI) Partnership Grant.

The 2024 program is offered at four ACT public schools:

• Calwell High School
• Harrison Public School
• Mount Stromlo High School
• Melba-Copland Secondary School.

Increasing women’s participation in the construction industry and other traditionally male-dominated industries is a key focus of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016–26.

It also aligns with the Future of Education Strategy in partnering with industry to bring real-life learning into the classroom and take learning into the broader community.

Learn more about the Understanding Building and Construction Program.

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A new ACT Government funding package will give a one-off financial boost to non-government health sector organisations.

This will help community organisations that face financial pressures. These may be because of increased costs or service demand.

The extra funding will support these organisations to deliver vital services over the next year.

Organisations receiving funding include:

• Arthritis ACT
• Asthma ACT
• Australian Breastfeeding organisation
• Capital Region Cancer Relief
• Companion House
• Diabetes Australia
• Directions Health Care
• Epilepsy ACT
• Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation
• Haemophilia Foundation
• Interchange Health Co-op
• KidSafe ACT
• MSI Australia
• Palliative Care ACT
• RSI Overuse Foundation
• Women’s Health Matters.

Community Assistance and Temporary Supports program

This package also includes more funding for the Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) program.

The program provides support for people experiencing difficulties with daily living. These could be due to a short-term health issue, illness or injury.

Organisations included in funding for CATS include:

• ADACAS
• Anglicare
• Capital Region Community Services
• Carers ACT
• Community Services #1
• Life without Barriers
• Northside Community Services.

Chifley Health and Wellbeing Centre

More funding will help ensure gym services to continue at the Chifley Health and Wellbeing Centre.

The gym closed in April 2024. Since then, the government has worked to find a new service provider to ensure this valued service can continue.

The government is speaking with the preferred providers and expects to announce a new service provider soon.

With this funding, the new provider will be able to re-establish the service as quickly as possible.

The ACT Government will continue to engage with the wider sector on the findings of previous reports and recommendations.

It continues to seek better understanding of community needs, the costs involved in delivering services to the community, and the cost pressures non-government organisations face in the ACT.

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Goodies Junction, the ACT’s reusable facilities formerly operated by The Green Shed, will open on 31 May 2024.

St Vincent de Paul Canberra/Goulburn (Vinnies) will operate Goodies Junction.

The two Goodies Junction locations are at the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres.

During the transition, plans are in place to minimise disruption to the community.

Between 31 May 2024 and 1 July 2024, there will be some changes to operations. This will allow Goodies Junction to prepare the facilities for the community.

Donating goods

The process for donating goods through the existing vehicle drop‑off arrangements will remain unchanged.

Goodies Junction will be open to receive donations from the community from 8am Friday 31 May 2024.

You can continue to drop‑off your goods for free through the existing vehicle drop off arrangements. This is available from 7:30am to 4:45pm, Monday to Sunday, at Goodies Junction located at the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres.

All donations that were accepted before can continue to be dropped off. This includes:

• furniture
• electrical equipment
• clothing
• building materials
• tools.

Shops

The Goodies Junction shops will be closed to the public from Friday 31 May 2024 and will reopen at 7:30am on Monday 1 July 2024.

This is to allow Vinnies time to fit out the buildings and prepare the retail space for the community.

From Monday 1 July 2024, the Goodies Junction shops will be open from 7:30am to 4:45pm, Monday to Sunday.

Vinnies will also have a dedicated education space. This will be made available for workshops, repair activities and structured education.

The community may consider different second-hand purchasing options while the Goodies Junction shops are closed, with other second-hand stores located throughout Canberra. Some of the choices include:

• Vinnies stores
• Anglicare stores
• Salvos stores
• Facebook buy/swap/sell and community groups
• second-hand markets.

Find out more about the ACT’s reusable facilities.

Find out more about Goodies Junction.

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Nearly 50 per cent of the ACT population live with at least one chronic condition, while one in five live with two or more chronic conditions.

For these Canberrans, living their best life can seem like a challenge. Take Control – Live Well is a free program that’s supporting adults with chronic illness to make changes and live well.

“While everyone’s journey with their long-term condition is different, many people have trouble finding, accessing, or don’t know about, supports that are available in Canberra to help them live their best life with their condition,” Community Care Health Promotion Officer Chelsea Hillenaar said.

“The program helps Canberrans to feel more in control and be able to live the life that is important to you. You also get some tools to help manage the impacts your chronic condition has on wellbeing.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the Take Control – Live Well program:

What is it?

The Take Control – Live Well program is free three-week group program.

What does it involve?

There is one session per week over the three weeks. During these sessions, participants are supported to find ways to reach their health goals and manage their chronic condition.

Topics that are discussed in the group session include:

• how to get the best out of your health appointment
• looking after your mental and physical health
• finding local support services
• how to find reliable health information.

Participants also receive a book of resources. They will write their own plan to work towards living their best life.

After the three weeks, participants have the option of receiving SMS support for up to three months.

Who is it for?

The program is for adults in the ACT who live with at least one chronic condition.

What classifies as a chronic illness?

Chronic conditions are long-term conditions which are persistent and generally do not go away over time.

They can come on suddenly or gradually, and many get worse over time.

Some examples include:

• arthritis
• asthma
• back pain
• cancer
• kidney disease
• mental health conditions
• diabetes
• heart disease.

The Take Control – Live Well program is open to anyone experiencing a health condition that has lasted for three months or longer.

Where is the program running?

• Tuggeranong Community Health Centre starting Wednesday 7 August at 1pm.
• Online starting 10 September at 4:30pm.
• Belconnen Community Health Centre starting Thursday 10 October at 1pm.

How can I participate?

You can refer yourself to the Take Control – Live Well program.

To register, call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.

Find out more about the program.

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Looking for somewhere new to exercise your dog? We’ve pulled together some of the best spots around the Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo region. There are plenty of on and off-leash spaces calling your name.

Checking out a new area has great benefits for both you and your dog. The fresh autumn air and new things to see and sniff is sure to result in a happy, tired pooch and is great for their mental stimulation.

Dog park

Duffy Dog Park – Warragamba Avenue, Duffy

This fenced dog park opened in 2022 for registered and vaccinated dogs. Remember your dog must also be desexed to enter a dog park (unless you have a permit).

You’ll find separate areas for large and small dogs, with doggie drinking water provided.

Your dog will delight in zooming around this park, which offers dirt, grass and woodchip areas to play in.

Benches, a shade sail and shady trees allow you to relax while your dog burns off energy with their pals.

Off-leash areas

There are almost 20 areas where dogs can be off-leash in the Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo region.

Here are a few good options.

Uriarra Crossing, Uriarra Road – Murrumbidgee River

This classic swimming spot is well worth the drive.

The river is split by an expansive park on the east bank. There is also a smaller, more secluded spot on the west bank.

All the beaches here are off-leash, giving your dog plenty of options to swim and socialise. But remember, not all dogs are social, so be sure to ask their owner if they can play and before patting them.

To keep your two and four-legged companions safe, ensure you always have effective control of your dog. You must be able to prevent your dog from approaching other animals or people by either restraining the dog or using commands.

To learn more about gorgeous local spots to take your dog, and about your responsibilities while using these spaces, visit cityservices.act.gov.au/pets-and-wildlife/domestic-animals/dogs/recreation-with-my-dog.

Holder Wetlands

Located between Dixon Drive and Cotter Road, the wetlands is a great spot for both exercise and nature watching.

The popular Centenary Trail runs through this area. There is a walking track, however, be sure to move at least 10 metres from the path if you’d like your dog to go off-leash.

Mawson Neighbourhood Oval

This partially fenced oval is a favourite with locals.

Well-socialised dogs can run, play, chase balls and generally have a blast in this grassy area.

Your dog is free to roam and play on the oval while it’s not in use, However, if it’s booked for formal sport (including training sessions), you’ll need to come back another time.

Check when the sportsground is booked for use.

You’ll need to keep your dog on-leash on all footpaths, regardless of whether you’re in an off-leash area or not.

On-leash areas

Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve

Get your nature fix on this 4.5km circuit track, as you and your dog walk or run beneath the shady pines and eucalypts.

Be sure to remain on the track as you take in views of Isaacs and neighbouring O’Malley.

It’s also worth noting you may encounter horses on the track.

Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve

With beautiful views in all directions, this protected area is popular with hikers, cyclists and dog-walkers alike.

Lace up your walking shoes, snap on your dog’s leash and set out for an on-leash sniffari.

You’ll find a combination of fire trails and single tracks, surrounded by bushland.

Other on-leash areas include all streets, verges, footpaths and cycle paths. You’ll also need to keep your dog on their leash if you’re within 10 metres either side of the path.

No matter where in the region your adventures take you, you need to pick up after your dog. Failing to pick up your dog droppings is an offence that carries a fine of $150. Failing to carry the correct equipment to collect your dog droppings carries a $75 fine.

Learn more about local spots to take your dog or view on-leash, off-leash, conditional off-leash and dog prohibited areas on ACTmapi’s dog exercise area map.

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A new round of ACT Government grants will fund the delivery of 39 more electric vehicle chargers (EV) across the city by 2025.

Installing more public chargers will support the ACT’s efforts to electrify Canberra’s transport system. It will help reach the ACT Government’s goal of 180 public EV chargers by 2025.

Providing more DC fast chargers will plug gaps in Canberra’s existing charger network. Having a good mix of DC fast chargers and slower AC chargers means that people can charge in a way that suits their needs. This includes charging quickly when needed or using an AC charger for longer visits like work, school, or sport.

The 39 chargers will be installed in places where Canberrans and visitors need them most, including:

• near tourist hot spots
• shopping centres
• high-density residential areas.

New chargers for ANU and Marketplace Gungahlin

Three new DC fast chargers have been installed at ANU and Marketplace Gungahlin respectively to help make charging more accessible.

Each set of three chargers are 150kW and can charge six vehicles at once. They are close to nearby apartments and employment hubs.

People who live in apartments and townhouses have extra barriers to installing home chargers. This is why the ACT Government is prioritising putting public chargers in areas of high-density housing.

The government will also work with grant recipients to deliver charging bays in priority locations that will be accessible to EV drivers with mobility issues.

“It’s important to place EV charging infrastructure in convenient locations where people want to go, be it a university, shopping centre, tourism destination or somewhere they visit as part of their daily routine,” Greg Schumann, ENGIE ANZ Director of Green Mobility said.

A growing network of chargers

The successful providers for the first projects to be supported by this new funding are ActewAGL, BP, ENGIE and EVIE.

“We’re committed to keeping Australian EV drivers charged up, by rolling out a national network of bp pulse charge points,” Frédéric Baudry, President bp Australia and Senior Vice President Mobility, Convenience, & Midstream, Asia Pacific said.

“We know that the ACT is home to more EV drivers than anywhere else in Australia, and with the support of the ACT Government, we’ll be bringing the best of our charging and convenience offers to these drivers on the go when they visit bp.”

There are currently 156 public EV charging stations operating across the ACT. 39 public EV chargers with 65 charging bays* have been delivered through previous government funding. A further 21 chargers are still to be delivered under the previous grant round by the end of 2024.

Find more information on the Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.

A map of public charging stations in the ACT, and across Australia, is available at www.plugshare.com.

* This figure is an indication of the number of future chargers as of May 2024. The number and location of future chargers supported by government funding is subject to change.

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