Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Light Rail Stage 2A will extend the light rail network by 1.7 kilometres.
A major works contract has been signed for the delivery of Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park with long-time delivery partner Canberra Metro.
Stage 2A will extend the light rail network by 1.7 kilometres, with three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.
Not only will the light rail extension support thousands of local jobs during its construction, it will deliver improved public transport for decades in Canberra and help shape the development of Canberra’s city centre.
Work on Stage 2A is planned to commence in late 2024. Construction and testing is expected to take approximately three years, with services commencing from January 2028.
The alignment travelling along London Circuit will transform the southern part of the CBD, providing public transport to major employment and future housing precincts in City West, the ANU, City South, Acton Waterfront and Commonwealth Park.
Already, there has been significant interest in ACT Government land release along the route – similar to the experience with stage 1 of the project.
Light rail to Commonwealth Park will be delivered wire-free to support National Capital Authority requirements for a future connection through the Parliamentary Triangle.
In a Canberra first, the light rail corridor to Commonwealth Park will include sections of green track where the light rail line sits within a bed of specially selected grass or plants instead of concrete.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT governments.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The paths around Lake Burley Griffin are some of Canberra’s most popular.
Whether you are catching up with a mate, wanting to break a sweat or taking some solo time – here are some of the many tracks to explore in the ACT.
Mount Painter
Mount Painter lies in Canberra Nature Park in Belconnen and provides great views over north Canberra and the Molonglo River valley.
This walk is around 4km return.
National Arboretum
The Arboretum has many different walking and cycling tracks ranging from
2km–7km return.
You can also take guided walking tours.
Shepherds Lookout
This 1.2km return walk rewards you with amazing views over the Murrumbidgee River on the edge of Belconnen.
Gossan Hill
Gossan Hill Nature Reserve is a 47-hectare protected area located in south-eastern Belconnen.
This walk is a 2.5km loop.
Yerrabi Pond
Yerrabi Pond, located in Yerrabi District Park in Gungahlin, is an easy 4km loop walk.
Mulligans Flat
Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve is a 984-hectare woodland protected area in north-eastern Canberra.
There are a few trails you can take through the reserve, ranging from 3km–8km.
Whichever walk you take will be a scenic one – likely with glimpses of Canberra wildlife.
One Tree Hill
Experience spectacular views at One Tree Hill.
The walk is around 8.5km return, starting near Hall.
Mount Rogers
Located in the northern suburbs, this popular walk is an easy 2km loop.
Lake Ginninderra
Located in Belconnen, this is an easy flat walk – great for a catch up with friends.
The walk is a 7km loop around, with different starting points to choose from.
Lake Burley Griffin
This walk is a great way to see the city whilst getting some exercise.
Whether you take the shorter or longer route (with walks ranging between 5km–20km), Lake Burley Griffin offers views of iconic Canberra attractions all the way around.
Black Mountain
The home to iconic Telstra tower, Black Mountain has a great walking trail that ranges from 2km–5km, depending on your starting and finishing point.
This walk is a little harder as it is steep, but you will be rewarded with great views at the top.
Mount Ainslie
Most Canberrans have hiked up Mount Ainslie, or at least driven to the top to see the spectacular Canberra views.
The walk is a great introductory hike (of easy to moderate difficulty depending on your fitness level) and is around 4.5km return.
Booroomba Rocks
One of Canberra’s greatest bushwalks with stunning views at the top, Booroomba Rocks is located in Namadgi National Park.
Depending on your starting point the walk can range from 2.5km–11km.
Mount Taylor Summit
Mount Taylor Nature Reserve is a 300-hectare protected area in Canberra’s south.
The track to the summit starts from Sulwood Drive, Kambah.
The track is just over 2km return, beginning gently and gradually getting steeper.
There are benches along the way, with beautiful views of the mountain ranges to enjoy as you sit.
Lake Tuggeranong
Situated adjacent to the Tuggeranong Town Centre, this lake walk is an easy 7km loop. After your walk you can also enjoy the nearby dog park, picnic area and beach.
Distances will vary depending on your start and end point, so always research your way first – for time and safety reasons and so you know what kind of workout you’re in for.
Take a phone with you and let someone know where you’re going.
Check the weather so you can prepare properly or postpone if needed.
Pack essentials (water bottle, hat, sunscreen etc).
The Mt Buller snow season will end early on Sunday 1 September 2024. No lifts will operate after 5pm Sunday 1 September 2024. The V/Line Snow Coach will continue running one coach in each direction per day until Saturday 7 September to ensure people can vacate the snowfields.
The Melbourne – Mansfield – Mt Buller Snow Coach service will run from Friday 6 June until Sunday 5 October.
V/Line has once again teamed up with multiple partners to provide a seamless Snow Coach service for customers to enjoy the ski season.
The Snow Coach consists of three connecting coach services including:
V/Line Melbourne – Mansfield coach service
Mansfield Mt Buller Bus Lines (MMBL) service Mansfield – Mt Buller Village
Mt Buller ‘Ride Share’ service between Mt Buller Village and the customer’s accommodation
Each coach service is timed to ensure all customers travelling will experience a smooth journey and connection from the city to the slopes.
Due to the popularity of the Snow Coach service, tickets must be reserved for both directions.
Please note, customers buying tickets to Mt Buller Village must transfer between the coach drop-off point at Mt Buller Village and the customer’s accommodation using their own alternative transport.
Melbourne to Mt Buller (single and return) including the coach services between Melbourne and Mt Buller (includes gate entry fee).
Return
Single
To accommodation
To Mt Buller Village
To accommodation
To Mt Buller Village
Adult
$141.20
$124.00
$88.60
$80.00
Concession
$106.20
$89.00
$69.10
$60.50
Child (4 – 18)
$89.70
$78.50
$55.60
$50.00
Mt Buller to Melbourne fares (single only) including the coach services from Mt Buller to Melbourne (gate fees not required). Tickets should be pre-purchased for this service as there is no V/Line ticket office at Mt Buller.
From accommodation
From Mt Buller Village
Adult
$66.60
$58.00
Concession
$47.10
$38.50
Child (4 – 18)
$44.10
$38.50
*Gate entry fee – all visitors to Mt Buller are required to pay a gate fee onto the mountain
Luggage
Total luggage limit is 32 kilograms per customer. Luggage is restricted to a maximum of two items per person, with no one item weighing more than 16 kilograms. One set of ski gear (boots, stocks, & skis) is considered as one luggage item. One carry-on item is also permitted.
Concession fares are available to Seniors Card holders, pensioners, students, and Victorian Health Care card holders. A valid concession card must be presented upon request.
No further discounts (including voucher or group travel tickets) apply to these fares.
Return travel can be completed anytime until the end of the snow season, Sunday 05 October 2023. As reservations are required on all services, it is recommended that both outbound and return travel are booked at the same time.
Normal refund conditions apply.
Pensioner and Seniors Free Travel Vouchers are not available on the Mansfield – Mt Buller coach. These vouchers can only be redeemed on the journey between Melbourne and Mansfield. Tickets for travel between Mansfield and Mt Buller should be booked in advance by calling MMBL on (03) 5775 2606.
myki cannot be used on the Melbourne – Mansfield and Mansfield – Mt Buller coach services. Only V/Line tickets are available for these services.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 17-year-old male in relation to multiple property offences in Karama on Saturday morning.
About 8:10am, police received reports of a robbery at a service station on the corner of Kalymnos Drive and Koolinda Crescent. It is alleged the male entered the premises armed with an edged weapon and stole food before fleeing.
A short time later, police received further reports that the alleged offender went on to damage a residence with the edged weapon on Dorrigo Crescent.
General duties located and arrested the male nearby without issue. Strike Force Trident took carriage of the investigation and has since charged him with:
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 26-year-old male after he escaped NT Corrections custody in Tennant Creek on Saturday evening.
At 7:40pm, police received a report that the male had absconded from an NT Corrections work placement on Peko Road.
All available police units responded, and the male’s electronic monitoring device was located removed at an address on Griggs Street.
The male was sighted nearby by an off-duty police officer who apprehended the offender in Boag Court after a short foot chase. He was subsequently arrested at 8:01pm by responding police.
He has since been charged with Escape custody, Trespass and Damage to property.
Superintendent Katie Hatzismalis said, “I commend the excellent work of responding Tennant Creek police, including the off-duty police member who apprehended the offender, ensuring he was returned into NT Corrections custody swiftly.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to two stolen motor vehicles that were recovered on Sunday.
About 4:10am, police received reports of two vehicles, a Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, driving erratically in Katherine CBD. Police attempted a traffic apprehension on the Ford Ranger and a pursuit ensued after the vehicle failed to stop. A short time later the vehicle stopped near the Katherine Sports grounds and all occupants fled from the scene on foot.
Police recovered the Toyota Hilux abandoned on Victoria Highway a short time later. It has since been identified that the vehicles were stolen from the yard of a business on Gillard Crescent.
This forms part of a crime series overnight targeting four Katherine commercial premises; it is unknown if the incidents are linked at this time. Strike Force Cerberus has carriage of the investigations.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage in relation to these incidents is urged to contact police on 131 444.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to two ram raids in the Greater Darwin Region overnight.
About 1:55am this morning, police received reports of a burglary at a licensed premises on Winnellie Road. It is alleged two males used a vehicle to ram the front doors of the premises before they entered and attempted to steal multiple items.
A short time later at 2:35am, police received further reports that a ram raid occurred at a licenced premises in Humpty Doo where a quantity of alcohol was stolen.
Strike Force Trident detectives reviewed CCTV and identified that the vehicle used in both ram raids was allegedly stolen from a residence in Roseberry. Police have since recovered the vehicle abandoned in Palmerston.
Investigations remain ongoing to locate the offenders and police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to make contact on 131 444.
You can anonymously report on Crimestoppers via 1800 333 000 or online at https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. Please quote reference number P25080487.
*This media release has been updated since initial release to clarify that two ram raids occurred*
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a quantity of alcohol and cannabis during a traffic and drug detection operation in Adelaide River last week.
On Thursday, 20 March, police received intelligence that a gold Toyota Prado destined for Wadeye Community was trafficking alcohol.
The vehicle was intercepted on Stuart Highway where officers conducted a lawful search and located 38 bottles of liquor and 375 grams of cannabis.
The alcohol and drugs were seized, and the 33-year-old male driver was issued a Notice to Appear in court on 6 May 2025.
Remote Sergeant Colin Schwartz said, “The impact of this seizure will have significant benefits for the community in terms of harm minimisation.
“We will continue to disrupt the flow of prohibited products entering protected areas to prevent anti-social behaviour, domestic violence incidents, and alcohol-fuelled violence, particularly when they are bound for remote communities.”
The Albanese Government continues to prioritise safety and resilience measures for natural disaster-prone communities with an additional $14 million to extend critical community Wi-Fi services at evacuation centres across Australia. The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program has already installed NBN Co. Sky Muster satellite connections to 1068 locations Australia-wide. Interactive map available here. This includes emergency sites across areas in northern New South Wales and south east Queensland which were impacted during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The additional $14 million will add community Wi-Fi capability to a further 500 emergency sites, and extend services at existing sites for an additional four years, beyond 2025. The Albanese Government will work closely with states and territories to prioritise disaster-prone areas that do not have emergency connectivity solutions to ensure this investment delivers where it is most needed. Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has committed more than $340 million to improve mobile coverage and the resilience of communications networks against natural disasters. This includes through the Mobile Network Hardening Program, the Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation Program, and the Broadcasting Resilience Program, with more than 900 resilience projects delivered this term, and many more to come. A re-elected Albanese Government will also introduce legislation for a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) in 2025. This world-leading reform will provide near continent-wide outdoor mobile coverage, essential during emergencies and natural disasters which disrupt power and land-based networks. Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP: “The safety of Australians is the number one priority of the Albanese Government – particularly during natural disasters which are becoming more frequent and severe. “Resilient communications and broadcasting networks are vital for keeping communities safe, informed, and connected during emergencies. It can be the difference between life and death. “Hundreds of thousands of people, homes and businesses in southern Queensland and northern NSW were left without power in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. “Sky Muster satellite internet services can operate off a portable generator even when local ground-based communications networks are down – keeping communities connected when they need it most.” Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Services, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister: “Whether it’s to call a loved one or get the latest information from an alert, staying connected during a disaster can be critical. “This $14 million investment to expand STAND will help more communities stay safe and informed at evacuation centres even if the main communications network goes down. “While no network is ever 100 per cent disaster-proof, the Albanese Government is determined to do what we can to improve the resilience of communications networks against natural disasters.”
The QAR recommended that superannuation fund trustees should be able to provide personal advice to their members about their interests in the fund, taking into account the member’s personal circumstances, including their family situation and social security entitlements if that is relevant to the advice. The review also recommended removing the restrictions on collective charging of fees.
In its response, the Government said it would clarify the topics for which superannuation funds can charge for advice and the circumstances they can consider in providing advice about a member’s interest in the fund, and to allow collective charging for advice on these topics. The Bill amends section 99F of the SIS Act to enable regulations to be made to specify circumstances in which advice will be taken to relate to the member’s interest in the fund.
The ‘Advice through superannuation’ document released with the draft Bill sets out proposed permitted advice topics (superannuation contributions, investment options, insurance held through superannuation, and retirement income), and permitted circumstances that may be taken into account in giving advice (household cashflow and income, household assets outside super, financial position of spouse, household debts and liabilities, and eligibility for government benefits). It also lists proposed ‘disallowed topics’ that are taken not to relate to the member’s interest in the fund (purchase or disposal of assets held outside super, ‘holistic financial planning’ and estate and tax planning).
The proposed rules broadly align with the existing position under the law, although having the topics specified in regulations might give trustees more confidence about giving intra-fund advice.
however, as is the case now, the intra-fund advice rules will continue to be a prohibition, not permission, and they will continue not to provide any relief from other obligations. Therefore, trustees will also need to continue to comply with the other charging rules, the best financial interests duty, the sole purpose test and the requirement to allocate costs in a fair and reasonable manner across members.