Category: MIL-OSI

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Released 15/04/2025 – Joint media release

The Belconnen Oval Wetland is now open for visitors to enjoy after major works to help filter stormwater flows to reduce pollution in Lake Ginninderra.

The ponds in the wetland will filter approximately 30% of nutrients and solids from water in the Emu Bank catchment that can cause toxic blue-green algae before it reaches the lake.

This is the first stormwater wetland in the ACT to include subsurface elements, in addition to a traditional wetland and ponds, meaning water flows underground through the roots of the wetland plants. The roots absorb the nutrients from the water to nourish the plants above so they can grow, while cleaning the flowing stormwater below.

Visitors should take care while exploring the area and walk only on the footpaths. The plants, reeds and grasses are part of a delicate ecosystem that are still maturing.

The Belconnen Wetland Oval project is delivered through the ACT Healthy Waterways program to help keep our waterways clean.

To learn more about the Healthy Waterways program, visit the ACT Environment website.

Quotes attributable to Suzanne Orr, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water:

“The wetland is a great example of how nature-positive outcomes can also create great places for our community.

“The Belconnen Oval Wetland is the latest in a series of Healthy Waterways infrastructure projects that include the construction of wetlands, ponds, rain gardens all to improve the quality of our waterways and stormwater systems. “

Quotes attributable to Tara Cheyne, Minister for City and Government Services:

“This new wetland offers a peaceful place for visitors to enjoy. As the reeds, grasses, and trees mature over the years, they will create a thriving, natural ecosystem.

“Centrally located on the eastern side of Belconnen Oval, I encourage the Belconnen community to explore the area via the new footpaths and take advantage of the surrounding benches.

“We built this wetland in consultation with the community, and it’s a great place for residents to explore, spend time with friends and family, or simply relax on their own.”

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) is a designated time in each Victorian municipality when fire restrictions apply due to increased fire risk. During this period, a written permit is required to burn off for farming practices, including grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation. 

While some municipalities have now exited the FDP, many areas remain under restrictions due to dry autumnal conditions and unpredictable fire behaviour.  

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said this was made evident on the weekend when CFA was called in to support the efforts of Forest Fire Management Victoria, after a planned burn jumped containment lines southwest of Daylesford, leading to a Watch and Act warning and potential impact on private properties.   

“This was a clear reminder of how quickly conditions can change and communities must not become complacent, despite temperatures starting to drop,” Jason said.  

“Conditions remain very dry in certain parts of the state, and the fire risk is certainly still present.” 

“We know that the Easter break can prompt clean-up efforts for property owners, but it’s important that people check their local fire restrictions before lighting any fire in the open air and ensure weather conditions are suitable.” 

Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire during the Fire Danger Period can include fines up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.  

“The consequences for individuals can be severe, and the impact of an escaped fire on local communities and emergency services can be devastating,” Jason added.  

Since fire restrictions began easing in some municipalities on 17 March, CFA has responded to 37 escaped burn-offs, requiring members to turnout 403 times and spend over 550 hours containing these incidents. 

“These are preventable incidents that tie up our crews, damage property, and divert resources away from other emergencies,” Jason said. 

“We need everyone to take personal responsibility and help us reduce the risk.” 

Controlled burns may be visible in parts of Victoria over the coming weeks as part of fuel reduction activities by CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic). To find out if there is a planned burn happening in your area, visit www.plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au. 

Residents are reminded that these are carefully managed and permitted operations. Seeing smoke or flames from a planned burn does not mean it is safe or acceptable to conduct your own private burn-off.  

Apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au and check if your municipality is still under the FDP at cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.  

In brief:

• The ACT Government is building a big battery in Williamsdale.
• Construction has begun, in partnership with Eku Energy.
• This project is part of larger efforts to make Canberra a cleaner, greener city.

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Construction has begun the Williamsdale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The Williamsdale BESS is part of the ACT Government’s Big Canberra Battery project.

The beginning of construction is an important milestone in the ACT’s journey toward a net-zero future.

The Williamsdale BESS sits within the Evoenergy distribution network.

It is expected to be operational in early 2026.

A unique partnership

The ACT Government has partnered with global energy storage leader Eku Energy to deliver the project.

In a revenue-sharing model, the ACT Government will receive a portion of the revenue generated from the BESS’s participation in the National Electricity Market. This ensures financial benefits will flow back into the community.

In return, Eku Energy will receive quarterly payments from the Territory over the next 15 years.

“Our partnership with the ACT Government on the Williamsdale Battery Energy Storage System reflects Eku Energy’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions in the region,” Eku Energy CEO Daniel Burrows said.

“By bringing together the right expertise and partners, we have successfully moved from concept to construction, further strengthening Canberra’s pathway to a more sustainable energy future.”

Powerful renewable energy

The Williamsdale BESS is a large-scale 250megawatts (MW) battery.

It will store enough renewable energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand.

This provides the region with:

• long-term energy security
• improved grid stability
• more resilient infrastructure
• new local jobs
• new investment in clean technology.

The Big Canberra Battery project will extend further, with smaller batteries being delivered across the ACT.

Find more details on the Big Canberra Battery project on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

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In brief:

• A key part of the Molonglo River Bridge has been completed on the southern side of the river.
• The bridge, along with other components of the project, will better connect the Molonglo Valley region.
• This story explains the latest development in construction and provides detail on the project.

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What’s the latest development?

Why is the bridge being built?

What does this project involve?

What about the surrounding wildlife?

When is the bridge expected to be finished?

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15 April 2025

From bike rides to backyard footy, parents who exercise together with their teenagers are more likely to have kids with better physical and mental health, according to new research from the University of South Australia.

Conducted in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO RI) and a team of Canadian partners, a study showed that teenagers who exercise more frequently with their families were more likely to:

• meet physical activity guidelines of 60+ minutes per day (23%)
• meet recommended screentime guidelines of two hours or less per day (74%)
• report better mental health (81%) including higher life satisfaction (67%), and lower stress (86%), anxiety (73%) and depression (89%).

The study also showed that the more regularly the family exercises together, the better the outcomes.

Data from the World Health Organization shows that 80% of teenagers are not getting enough physical activity and that one in five teens play on digital screens for at least four hours when they engage in gaming. Additionally, one in seven teenagers experiences a mental disorder.

Dr Justin Lang, Adjunct Professor with UniSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada, says that simple, family-based interventions can make big differences to teenagers’ health and wellbeing.

“We know that regular exercise is great for both body and mind. But with more teenagers glued to screens and devices, it’s easy for sedentary habits to take hold,” Dr Lang says.

“Getting teenagers up and moving is crucial to reversing the slide into inactivity – and as our study shows, the key may be in getting the whole family involved.

“We found that teenagers who exercise daily with their families are twice as likely to meet activity and screen time guidelines – and four times more likely to report stronger mental health and greater life satisfaction.

“The message is simple: when parents get active with their teens and lead by example, everyone wins. Teens feel better, move more, and their mental health is stronger.”

The study examined the responses of 8213 Canadian teenagers aged 12-17 years, using self-reported data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth.

It found that only 11% of teenagers met national guidelines of 60 minutes of medium-to-vigorous physical activity per day; and just over half (56%) of teenagers engaged in less than two hours of recreational screen time per day.

Co-researcher, CHEO RI’s Dr. JP Chaput, says parents play a powerful role in influencing behaviours in their children.

“Exercising as a family does more than get hearts pumping – it may strengthen bonds, builds confidence, and can have a real impact on teenagers’ mental wellbeing,” Dr. Chaput says.

“When parents take an active role in their teens’ physical activity, it can build stronger emotional bonds, improves communication, and helps create a protective buffer against mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.

“So, when families prioritise being active together, they’re not only building healthy habits – they’re also investing in their teenagers’ long-term wellbeing.

“Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even small, shared moments of movement can make a big difference.”

The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.

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Contact for interview (located in Ottawa, Canada):  Dr Justin Lang E: media@hc-sc.gc.ca
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

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