Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Drones and wildlife may seem like an odd coupling, but for conservation ecologist Dr Debbie Saunders, it has proven to be a real winner.

Debbie is the founder and CEO of Wildlife Drones, a local Canberra company established in 2016 that is doing something no one else in the world is doing – tracking wildlife with drone technology.

Her efforts to improve conservation management practices around the world has earnt her a number of accolades, the latest being 2023 Canberra Businesswoman of the Year at the recent Canberra Women in Business Awards.

“Winning this award is pretty amazing, a real highpoint in my career. It’s nice to be recognised,” she said.

But for Debbie, it wasn’t always easy.

“There were a lot of naysayers over the years. People who didn’t really believe in what I was doing. But you can’t worry about that,” she said.

“I have amazing mentors, and a support network in Canberra. You just need to surround yourself with people who lift you up and believe in you.”

Wildlife Drones came about after a struggle to track the humble swift parrot.

“It’s a small animal that moves dynamically across massive landscapes – it’s also critically endangered,” Debbie said.

“My colleagues had tried to track them before. They would catch them, which is a feat in of itself, put a tag on them but when they released them, they never found them again. All of that effort, and they would just fly away.

“So if we wanted to track them, we really needed to find a different way.”

Debbie received an ICON grant to help develop her product (which enabled her to buy her first drone), and took advantage of the many programs and events offered by the Canberra Innovation Network.

Now, Wildlife Drones is the only company in the world providing this kind of technology, and it’s all manufactured in Canberra.

Governments, not-for-profits, zoos, environmental consultants and researchers are using Wildlife Drones’ technology to track everything from giant hornets and Burmese pythons in the US, to koalas and bilbies in Australia.

Debbie says Canberra has been a great place to start up and grow a business, with a supportive innovation ecosystem that has helped her attract investment.

“Being from wildlife background, I wasn’t sure how to do some things, like a business pitch,” she said.

“But it’s amazing how many synergies there are between business and research. And that was the moment it clicked for me – I do this all the time, applying for grants is exactly the same thing.

“I now have an amazing team and work on amazing things. That has been the real game changer, surrounding myself with smart and creative people who are up for the challenge.”

So, what’s next for Wildlife Drones?

“So many things,” laughs Debbie.

“We’re developing a new product and it’s got nothing to do with drones.

“With the new Global Biodiversity Framework that was signed off, and a lot of countries signed up to, businesses are now required to be accountable in terms of biodiversity. There’s an immense amount of data out there that can be used to help businesses and corporations better understand biodiversity and how to monitor and track over time.

“We are developing software to help make use of all that data.

“It’s great to be in a time when biodiversity is front and centre.”

For more information about the Canberra Innovation Network go to the CBRIN website.

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Canberra’s light rail system has reached another passenger milestone with more than 15 million passenger journeys now taken since its April 2019 launch.

Future public transport journeys will be even easier to make when a new ticketing system rolls out in the second half of 2024.

The MyWay+ system will be available for both buses and light rail and will allow passengers to pay using a phone app, smartwatch, traditional travel card or credit or debit card.

Light rail offers Canberrans a convenient, sustainable and reliable form of public transport.

A light rail satisfaction survey undertaken last month found that 98 per cent of passengers reported being satisfied with the ease of using the light rail when they took public transport.

Fifty-one per cent of passengers also reported they plan to continue their journey through the city by taking advantage of light rail stage 2A in the future.

In the past three months, 22 per cent of all public transport journeys across the whole of Canberra were on the light rail.

The latest data also shows that public transport mode share in Gungahlin has increased by nearly 50 per cent since the introduction of light rail.

Private car usage has declined further with the highest drop recorded in Gungahlin and North Canberra, along the light rail alignment, reducing by 9 per cent in Gungahlin, and 13 per cent in North Canberra.

Construction on Stage 2A – which will see the line extended to Commonwealth Park – is expected to start once raising London Circuit is complete.

This work progresses, with the first temporary road and demolition of the southbound bridge over London Circuit complete.

Canberrans can expect to see substantial changes in the city centre as upgrades better connecting the city and the lake are carried out.

Planning and design continue on the further Stage 2B to Woden.

The ACT Government has also started construction on the ‘green track’ prototype at the National Arboretum. Canberrans will be able to see the design of grassed track areas through the city on the stage 2A line.

Find more information on the MyWay+ system.

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Canberra motorists will continue to have access to real-time fuel pricing at petrol stations across the ACT, following a successful trial of the FuelCheck scheme in the ACT.

For many households the cost of fuel is a significant expense. Canberra motorists will be able to continue to find cost savings on fuel as the ACT Government continues to work with the NSW Government to provide the popular FuelCheck scheme in the ACT.

By shopping around and checking FuelCheck, Canberra motorists can enjoy savings of, on average, 11 cents per litre on standard unleaded, 15 cents per litre on premium unleaded; and 25 cents per litre on diesel and pay less than the national average for their fuel.

This means a motorist who drives an average of 12,100 kilometres per year could save around $140-$200 for a petrol car and $350 for a diesel car, annually.

Since FuelCheck’s introduction in the ACT in November 2022, the app was downloaded around 100,000 times by Canberrans.

Over 95 per cent of ACT service stations have signed up to FuelCheck and there has been a high level of retailer and consumer satisfaction with the tool.

Opting into the FuelCheck scheme has also given small and independent ACT operators the opportunity to take advantage of free price advertising and bring awareness of their location to a larger audience.

Along with giving motorists the capacity to save, FuelCheck also allows users to see information on when the best day of the week to buy, and to receive alerts on when prices drop at favourite stations.

“The NRMA is pleased to see the continuation of FuelCheck in the ACT to give motorists greater pricing transparency,” Peter Khoury, NRMA Spokesman, said.

“As fuel prices remain volatile and cost of living continues to rise, FuelCheck will continue to make a massive difference for consumers by ensuring they can always find the best price fuel near them.

“As the Christmas period approaches, real-time fuel prices will help motorists to better plan their journeys and when and where they should fill up,” he said.

More information on fuel pricing in the ACT and the FuelCheck scheme is available at https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/consumer-rights/fair-trading-and-consumer-rights#Fuel-prices.

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A three-month warning period will commence from Friday 3 November for mobile device detection cameras, as part of the next phase of making Canberra’s roads even safer.

Drivers caught using their mobile device by one of Canberra’s mobile device detection cameras will now receive a written warning.

Infringements and demerit points will then start being issued from February 2024.

Three transportable road safety cameras were introduced on Canberra’s roads in February 2023, along with a fixed camera on Hindmarsh Drive (near the Monaro Highway overpass) in June.

A second fixed camera will be installed on Gungahlin Drive (near the Barton Highway overpass) by the end of 2023.

It is hoped this warning phase will reinforce the need for behaviour change.

Since the ACT Government began collecting data, over 39,000 Canberrans have been detected using a mobile device. That number translates to cameras detecting over 150 people currently breaking the law each day.

Motorists are being asked to leave their phone alone and prioritise getting themselves and all road users home safely.

The cameras will be able to detect:

• a driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device in their hand at the ear or above the shoulder,
• a driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device by resting the device between the ear and the driver’s shoulder,
• a driver holding a mobile device in their hand or hands, including where it is held at chest level or below,
• a driver touching, but not holding, a mobile device with their hand where the device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle, and
• a mobile device that is resting on any part of the body of a driver whether or not the device is also touched or held (except where the device is in a pocket of the driver’s clothing or in a pouch that is worn by the driver).

Throughout the three-month warning period the third phase of a comprehensive road safety campaign will be undertaken. The campaign will ensure the community is aware that it is illegal to use their mobile device while driving and will provide substantial warning that infringements will commence from February 2024 for any driver who chooses to break the law.

It is important to note that ACT Policing is still issuing infringements to drivers they detect illegally using their mobile phone. The warning period only applies to mobile detection cameras.

The goal of mobile device detection cameras is to increase road safety by utilising the latest in road safety technology to deter and detect unsafe driving.

The roll out of these detection cameras is part of delivering on the ACT Government’s commitment to ‘Vision Zero’ of no deaths or serious injuries on Canberra’s roads.

For more information visit www.act.gov.au/roadsafety.

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A new $150 million office development will be built in the city centre following the sale of an ACT Government block of land to Capital Property Group.

The $17.75 million sale will see the developers of Canberra’s award-winning Constitution Place precinct – Bates Smart and Construction Control – deliver a six-level, 14,000sqm commercial building on the corner of Vernon Circle and Constitution Avenue.

Construction is set to commence in mid-2024, and be completed late 2026.

The project continues the renewal of the city centre, alongside the Canberra Theatre redevelopment and evolving Acton Waterfront.

Capital Property Group Chief Executive Officer Stephen Byron said this project would build on the success of Constitution Place.

“We are committed to setting a new standard of excellence for office development and further revitalising Canberra’s City Centre,” he said.

“This new development will provide high-quality, centrally located office accommodation to meet the city’s growing needs.”

The new development will place a strong emphasis on sustainability, targeting a WELL Gold-rated Shell and Core, and aiming for a 5-star NABERS energy rating.

It will also feature a 99kw roof-mounted solar array and have no gas plant allowing for the building to be 100% carbon neutral in operation.

The building is also proposed to have a hybrid timber construction where part of the building structure and fabric will be built from sustainable timber, further reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

“We are passionate about Canberra and continuing to make it Australia’s most vibrant, liveable city,” Mr Byron said.

“Our experience in award-winning precinct design, honed over 25 years at Canberra Airport, positions us well to harness the full potential of the opportunity with this project.”

The sale was completed through a competitive tender process with the ACT Government via the City Renewal Authority. The land sale was managed by JLL ACT.

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Canberra businesses looking to support their employees’ health and wellbeing can join the ACT Government Healthier Work program.

The free program helps businesses to support, protect and improve the wellbeing of their employees.

This is done through implementing new strategies and activities that focus on improving both physical and mental health.

Leadership advice, networking opportunities and access to experienced Healthier Work advisors – who meet with businesses in person or online – are also key to the program.

The National Zoo and Aquarium are part of the program and actively work towards ensuring all employees are healthy and happy at work.

“We joined the Healthier Work program to become part of a community of like-minded employers who were looking to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff,” the National Zoo and Aquarium’s WHS Coordinator, Julie, said.

The program can be adapted for any business or industry.

For Parbery Consulting, it was the program’s holistic approach to wellbeing that drew them in.

“We’re always looking at new ways to improve our wellbeing supports, and the Healthier Work program helps us achieve that goal,” Parbery Consulting Managing Partner Kylie Burnett said.

“The Healthier Work action plan keeps us all accountable and motivates us to improve and grow our wellbeing initiatives.”

“Everyone goes through ups and downs. Being a Healthier Work workplace doesn’t mean those ups and downs don’t happen, it just means that we can bounce back quicker,” Kylie said.

Along with helpful resources, the program offers:

• information and support for managers and leaders
• a tiered recognition scheme with promotional benefits
• regular up-to-date news and ideas about workplace health and wellbeing initiatives
• networking opportunities
• events and seminars.

To join the Healthier Work program, Canberra businesses can visit the Healthier Work website: healthierwork.act.gov.au.

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The ACT Government has taken the next step in its harm minimisation approach to the use of illicit drugs with new laws coming into effect this week.

From 28 October, the personal possession of small amounts of the most commonly used illicit drugs will be decriminalised in the ACT.

People will no longer be exposed to potential prison sentences and instead may be issued a caution, a $100 fine or referred to a diversion program.

While penalties have been reduced, illicit drugs are still illegal and will be confiscated.

The changes will mean drug use is treated as a health issue and not a criminal one.

These changes will help to reduce the stigma experienced by people who use illicit drugs and encourage more people to come forward and receive support.

Drug counselling and other treatment services will be offered to people referred to the diversion program. This provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the services available to them and to access supports they may not have considered before.

The ACT Government has worked closely with the drug and alcohol sector, service providers and ACT Policing over the last twelve months to prepare for these changes.

A targeted information campaign has begun to provide people with relevant information about the law reforms. This includes businesses and venues, medical professionals, and community-based support services.

The ACT Government will continue working with the alcohol and other drug sector to deliver evidence-based and practice-informed policy that leads to better outcomes for individuals, their families, and the broader community.

Chris Gough, Executive Director from the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA), said this legislation is important for people who use drugs because it switches the focus from criminalisation to health and support.

“Drug criminalisation has serious and profound harms associated with it for people who use drugs and their families, and this legislation acknowledges these harms and takes a major step towards preventing them.”

“By allowing people who use drugs to be referred to a health service instead of being given a criminal conviction people are encouraged to seek help and treatment and also, importantly, showing that society hasn’t given up on them, but instead is understanding and supporting them to do better.”

“The ACT is signalling very clearly here that we are a progressive and forward thinking society and we expect people who have health issues to be treated with dignity and respect and not like criminals.”

While these are incremental policy changes that are not expected to lead to significant changes in patterns of drug use, the ACT Government will undertake an independent review in two years to assess the implementation and success of these new laws.

It is still illegal for a person to drive with any level of illegal substances in their system. Penalties for the supply and manufacture of illicit drugs are also not changing and ACT Policing will continue to target drug dealing and trafficking.

For more information visit www.act.gov.au/health/topics/drugs-alcohol-smoking-and-vaping/drug-law-reform

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Canberrans wishing to make use of free three-year-old preschool in 2024 can now check which services will offer the program.

Free three-year-old preschool will be offered at 130 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) locations around the ACT.

This gives families plenty of choice across a broad range of services.

Canberra three-year-olds are eligible for up to 300 hours of free preschool from the start of 2024.

This equates to about one day per week, generating an average saving of $1329 per child for eligible families.

The benefits are more than just financial. Child learning and development in the years before school are key determinants of future school achievement, social, emotional and health outcomes and, ultimately, life opportunities.

Equitable access to quality, play-based early learning is a powerful way to support children’s learning, wellbeing and development, with life-long benefits.

More than $50 million of funding over the next four years was provided in the 2023/24 ACT Budget to support equitable access to quality early learning, with more than 5,000 three-year-olds across Canberra to be eligible.

This investment will increase preschool programs delivered through ECEC centres by degree-qualified Early Childhood teachers, giving Canberra children the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.

The full list of ECEC services taking part in three-year-old preschool in 2024 can be found at https://www.education.act.gov.au/early-childhood/coming-soon-free-three-year-old-preschool

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The four winners of the 2024 ACT Australian of the Year Awards are as diverse as they are inspiring.

There’s Joanne Farrell, a champion for females working in construction; Ebenezer Banful OAM, a volunteer and multiculturalism advocate; Caitlin Figueiredo, a young political changemaker; and Selina Walker, an emerging Ngunnawal elder and leader.

The ACT winners will join the other state and territory recipients as finalists for the national awards announcement on 25 January 2024.

Take a look at the winners and find out more about their work.

2024 ACT Australian of the Year – Joanne Farrell

Joanne (Jo) Farrell is a champion for females in the construction industry.

In 2020, she founded Build Like a Girl, a not-for-profit program that supports girls and women to work in trades.

Build Like a Girl matches females with pre-apprenticeship and entry-level training, then mentors them to secure work in the construction industry.

As the general manager of Kane Constructions ACT, Jo has pushed for a better gender balance.

Jo works closely with government, peak industry bodies, unions, training organisations and building contractors to help them recruit, train and employ women in trade roles.

She also led construction of Strathnairn Charity House, a project designed and mostly built by women, which was auctioned in March 2023. Proceeds from the sale were distributed to local charities.

2024 ACT Senior Australian of the Year – Ebenezer Banful OAM

Ebenezer Banful OAM arrived in Australia over 30 years ago.

He has since dedicated himself to helping others understand Ghanaian and African values, promoting multiculturalism and helping newly arrived communities integrate into Canberra.

He helped found the Companion House community organisation that supports survivors of persecution, torture and other war-related trauma.

Ebenezer has served on numerous committees advocating for multiculturalism. He has volunteered at nearly every National Multicultural Festival and set up Radio Ghana Hour, a community station focused on Ghanaian life and culture, for which he is program coordinator and presenter.

Respected in his community, Ebenezer’s efforts have helped create harmony and understanding.

2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year – Caitlin Figueiredo

Changemaker Caitlin Figueiredo is determined to give young people a say in politics.

In 2015, she worked to bring young people’s voices into parliament through a national youth advisory council.

This led to her election to the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) board.

She revitalised and transformed AYAC, which represents 4.5 million young Australians, creating a more diverse board that better represented young people.

Empowering the next generation of female politicians, she co-founded a political leadership group called Girls Take Over Parliament. It connects with young women from all political parties and enables them to receive support and training from a bipartisan lens.

Caitlin has also addressed the United Nations about the Sustainable Development Goals; this previous work establishing youth structures on gender equality is ongoing.

^{Image courtesy of The Canberra Times}

2024 ACT Local Hero – Selina Walker

Ngunnawal woman Selina Walker is a respected emerging elder and leader whose integrity has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reconciliation across the ACT.

Selina continues her grandmother Aunty Agnes Shea’s legacy of influencing and driving change with her unwavering efforts.

Since 2018, Selina has promoted reconciliation as co-chair of the ACT Reconciliation Council.

As a founding member of Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation, she helps improve outcomes for Aboriginal families and children, especially those in out-of-home care.

Selina advocates for Indigenous people within the justice system as a member of the ACT Victims of Crime and Justice Committee and has held roles to improve all children’s educational outcomes in the Catholic school system.

A kinship carer, Selina was awarded Barnardos’ 2017 ACT Mother of the Year.

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