Category: MIL-OSI

It’s one thing to eat healthy when you’re at home, but it’s another when you’re out and about. That’s why the ACT Government started Healthier Choices Canberra. The program makes it easier for you to find healthier food and drinks around Canberra.

By registering with Healthier Choices Canberra, local businesses pledge to put healthier options front and centre.

Every quarter, Healthier Choices Canberra award a participating business with the Local Leader Award.

The most recent award winner is Eighty/Twenty café. The café has been serving healthy food for the past 10 years. There are eight locations across Canberra where locals can grab a healthy, fresh meal.

“Food is our fuel and we believe everyone benefits from clean, natural and unprocessed whole foods,” Eighty/Twenty owner Aakash said.

“But, sometimes in life, you deserve a treat or two. We make sure you don’t need to compromise. Our team handcrafts nutrient-boosting   smoothies, raw desserts and good coffee.”

When asked what the popular healthier choices items are on his menu, Aakash has one word: bowls.

“Our customers can’t get enough of bowls. Whether it’s our chermoula spiced lamb bowl or our green nourish bowl– they’re some of our greatest hits!

“It’s not just savoury bowls though. Our granola bowl with poached pear, berry yoghurt and house made granola or our snickers acai bowl with peanut butter and cacao hits the spot with being rich, sweet and delicious, but still healthy.”

With the temperature dropping, Aakash and his team have updated their menu with hearty options.

“We’ve added a chia spiced porridge, braised beef cheeks, basil pesto linguine and beef linguine to our winter menu to keep our customers satisfied, warm and nourished.”

While the temptation can be to stay warm on the couch and order takeaway, Aakash encourages his customers to get out and enjoy the crisp winter days.

“Rug up and enjoy the outdoors. Go on walks and enjoy the blue skies and sunny (but cold) days we’re so lucky to have. Eat lots of warm salad that have enough protein and don’t forget treats – our vegan and gluten-free raw slices are a great option.”

On the lookout for healthier food and drink options? Visit the Healthier Choices Canberra website to find a venue near you.

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More Canberrans, including those experiencing infertility and single people, can now pursue parenthood through altruistic surrogacy.

Today the ACT Government passed the Parentage (Surrogacy) Amendment Bill 2023.

This milestone in the advancement of reproductive rights better aligns the Territory’s surrogacy laws with those in other Australian jurisdictions.

The Bill includes several key amendments designed to improve access to altruistic surrogacy.

It strengthens human rights protections for intended parents, surrogates and children born through surrogacy.

Once the Bill is notified, there will no longer be a requirement that there be two intended parents to enter into a surrogacy arrangement.

This allows single people in the ACT to consider surrogacy as pathway to parenthood.

There will also no longer be a requirement for any intended parents to have a genetic connection with the child.

The changes remove the requirements that one intended parent be a genetic parent of the child.

They instead allow for traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate themselves is the genetic parent of the child.

This means that:

• couples where both parties may experience infertility can use surrogacy arrangements
• the egg and sperm can both come from donors
• there will be flexibility for an altruistic surrogate to conceive a child using their own egg.

This increases options, especially for people experiencing infertility.

In addition to expanding access, the reforms also:

• Establish a framework to ensure greater protection for everyone involved. This includes mandating that all parties seek independent legal advice and counselling before entering an into an arrangement.
• Protect the rights of a surrogate to make decisions about their body. This includes how they look after themselves during pregnancy and choices about the birth of the child.
• Make it easier for intended parents to connect with surrogates by allowing them to advertise for an altruistic surrogate.
• Ensure flexibility about how and where conception occurs, allowing parties to use assisted reproductive technology services of their choice. This includes accessing services outside the ACT.
• Support ACT Courts to continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child.

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Endorsed by Council in 2024, the review aimed to achieve consistent and improved streetscape management services across the City, with a focus on safety and sustainability. 

Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said as well as identifying efficient and cost-effective ways to increase the maintenance of all City streets, a key focus of the review was to prepare the City for reductions to groundwater allocations that will come into effect within the next five years. 

“Water is a precious resource in Australia, and by introducing priority zones that align with the City’s Urban Forest Strategy, we can make sure we are prepared for these impending reductions.”

As part of the review, the City has also implemented a consistent approach to residential verge management, where residents are responsible for the maintenance of the verge adjacent to their property.

“Taking the time to care for your verge is a great way to improve the appearance of your street, contribute to a more sustainable City and get to know your neighbours,” Mayor Aitken said.

For more information about the streetscape review, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/streetscapes.
 

Health, housing and cost of living are at the forefront of the 2024-25 ACT Budget.

This year’s Budget delivers more public health services – from new health centres in the suburbs to more elective surgeries across Canberra’s public hospitals.

There is cost of living support for those who need it most, and further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.

The Budget also provides more funding for city services and local infrastructure projects across the city.

Health

The Budget is investing in a stronger health care system that is more efficient, with lower rates of avoidable hospital admissions, reduced health inequalities, and improved health outcomes.

This includes funding for work to complement the construction of the new North Canberra Hospital, as well as the second phase of the Canberra Hospital Master Plan.

Funding in the 2024-25 Budget includes:

Housing

Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government aims to increase housing access, choice and affordability.

This includes expanding the Home Buyer Concession Scheme from 1 July, so more people are eligible for a full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value.

The Government has also temporarily expanded the stamp duty concession for off-the-plan unit-titled apartments and townhouses to include properties valued up to $1 million in 2024–25. This is an increase from the previous value of $800,000.

Other initiatives funded in the Budget include:

• expanding the Affordable Housing Project Fund to $80 million to grow the number of affordable rental properties
• $108 million in extra funding for new public housing, and to improve existing public housing
• a taskforce to improve repairs and maintenance of public housing and oversee a pilot for insourcing maintenance of two large multi-unit properties.

Cost of living

Following support for all households in the Commonwealth Budget, the ACT Government is offering targeted assistance for those in the community who need it most.

This includes increasing the Electricity, Water and Gas Rebate (formerly, the Utilities Concession) for 2024-25 by $50. The increase will provide eligible households with a total rebate of $800 on their electricity bills.

The Budget also includes a $250 one-off payment for ACT apprentices and trainees to help complete their training. The payment will support about 5700 local apprentices and trainees.

The Future of Education Equity Fund has been boosted to ensure more families can access support in the 2024 school year. The Fund provides low-income families and independent students with a one-off payment to help with education costs such as music lessons or sporting equipment.

Other cost of living initiatives include:

• rebates of up to 50 per cent for pensioners on their general rates (capped at $750) and a $98 rebate for the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy
• full motor vehicle registration concessions for all eligible recipients
• extending the Rental Relief Fund to assist those experiencing rental stress or financial hardship
• increasing the value of vouchers available through the Utilities Hardship Fund.

Infrastructure

This year’s Budget invests in recreation spaces for the community and ensures Canberra is a more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.

The 2024-25 Budget includes:

• further support for upgrades to the Phillip District Enclosed Oval
• commencement of construction of Stage 1 of the Stromlo Forest Park District Playing Fields
• early design works for a new or expanded Canberra Stadium, a new Convention and Entertainment Centre, a reopened Telstra Tower, a new Manuka Oval Eastern Grandstand Project, EPIC and Canberra City Pool
• continuation of design works for the expansion of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium and redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre
• upgrades to community arts, cultural and heritage facilities.

Education

The Government is committed to ensuring that children and young people have access to a quality education close to their homes.

The 2024–25 ACT Budget funds a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives – called Strong Foundations.

This approach will ensure all students at ACT public schools have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

The 2024-25 ACT Budget also includes funding to support:

For more on the 2024-25 ACT Budget, visit the Treasury website.

What’s in it for your region?

Click on the map below to find out what’s been funded in the 2024-25 ACT Budget for your region.

2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Gungahlin

• A new North Gungahlin Health Centre
• More community facilities for the region
• Road upgrades across Gungahlin
• Path improvements
• More housing for Gungahlin

With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024–25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.

Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.

Some of the projects funded in Gungahlin include:

The new North Gungahlin Health Centre

The 2024–25 ACT Budget will include funding for the design and construction of a new health centre in North Gungahlin.

The North Gungahlin Health Centre will be built on Kingsland Parade in Casey, conveniently close to the shopping centre and other facilities.

The centre will provide more free health services closer to where people need them, with easier access to preventative health services and treatment for chronic disease.

More community facilities

The ACT Government is currently working through additional community uses for the remaining blocks on the 2.4-hectare site in Casey.

This includes:

• an indoor sports facility to provide local residents, sporting groups and organisations with access to better amenities
• a new ACTAS Ambulance and Fire Station, which will enhance response times to emergency incidents as the Gungahlin community grows.

The Government has already committed to a study on traffic and transport improvements surrounding the Casey Group Centre.

The 2024–25 ACT Budget will also support:

• design and construction of a Gungahlin Community Centre
• Yerrabi District Park upgrades
• upgrades to the Joint Emergency Services Centre
• planning and design for a new combined emergency services site in Casey
• a new community tennis facility in Gungahlin in partnership with Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT.

Road upgrades across Gungahlin

The Government will undertake planning for priority road works in the Gungahlin District identified from the Gungahlin Transport Plan.

This includes possible road widening and intersection upgrades to deliver more efficient and sustainable transport modes to manage traffic growth and to improve safety and travel times.

This initiative will be jointly funded through the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure with the Commonwealth Government.

Path improvements throughout the region

Funding received through the 2024–25 ACT Budget will see improvements made to paths across the Gungahlin.

Walkers, cyclists and those riding scooters can expect to see better line marking, completed missing links and more lighting as they exercise or head to and from work.

More housing for Gungahlin

The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.

As part of the program, 3,045 new homes are planned for the Gungahlin region.

More funding for mowing and horticulture

The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

The Budget includes funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.

In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

Support for education

The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

The Budget will also include funding to:

• deliver a second college for Gungahlin
• expand Margaret Hendry Primary School
• the development of Agnes Shea High School in Taylor, which will cater to up to 800 students.

There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.

Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.

3,045 new homes are planned for the Gungahlin region.

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2024-25 ACT Budget snapshot – Tuggeranong

• The duplication of Athllon Drive
• More housing for Tuggeranong
• Upgraded community facilities
• More funding for mowing and horticulture

With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024-25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.

Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.

Some of the projects funded in Tuggeranong include:

The duplication of Athllon Drive

Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.

The ACT Government will invest in the project through the 2024–25 ACT Budget, as part of a 50:50 funding agreement with the Australian Government.

The project will see the duplication of 2.4 kilometres of Athllon Drive between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive in Tuggeranong.

This Budget will also fund improvements to Sulwood Drive, including a new four-kilometre long and three-metre-wide off-road asphalt shared path.

More housing for Tuggeranong

The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.

As part of the program, 150 new homes are planned for Tuggeranong.

New and upgraded community facilities

The 2024-25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the city.

This includes funding for:

• the provision of sportsground lighting at Gordon District Playing Fields
• the construction of the new southside hydrotherapy pool next to the Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre
• improving safety and infrastructure at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the adjacent Woods Reserve/Gibraltar Falls precinct
• Tuggeranong foreshore improvements
• improving local shops at Calwell Group Centre, Lanyon Marketplace and the Monash commercial area
• the development of a new ice sports facility
• upgrades to Tuggeranong Arts Centre Theatre and Lanyon Homestead.

The Government will also respond to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.

More funding for mowing and horticulture

The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

Funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.

In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

More health services

The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure for Tuggeranong.

This includes investing in the Canberra Hospital and a new pathology and clinical support building on the campus.

Support for education

The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.

This Budget also includes funding for:

• roof upgrades at Calwell Primary School
• improvements at the Calwell, Fadden, Gordon, Monash and Theodore Primary Schools
• the enhancement of collaborative teaching spaces at Lake Tuggeranong College.

Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.

Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.

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