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Released 17/02/2025

Canberra’s light rail is one step closer to reaching Woden, with construction beginning today on the Stage 2A extension.

Stage 2A of the Canberra Light Rail involves extending the existing rail network from Civic to Commonwealth Park to improve transport connections as the capital grows.

Canberra is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities with the population predicted to approach 750,000 by mid-century.

This $577 million joint investment by the Albanese and Barr Labor Governments will prevent future congestion and provide greater ease of movement through our capital.

The project includes the construction of 1.7 kilometres of new rail line from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park, a new bridge over Parkes Way, and three new stations for City Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.

Once complete, the new rail connection will unlock housing and commercial opportunities and bring Canberra’s CBD closer to the lake.

Construction is due to be complete in 2027. Light rail services will connect Gungahlin and North Canberra to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin.

The Stage 2A project is expected to create 1000 jobs and shape the way visitors and locals move around the city.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

‘Light rail is future-proofing Canberra with a modern public transport system, connecting residential areas with employment precincts, and recreation and lifestyle hubs.

‘This is about more than just transport, it’s about reshaping the way people move around Canberra and unlocking the growth of our nation’s capital.

‘It’s one of a number of significant projects we’re investing in to build Australia’s future, from the cities to the suburbs.’

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Finance and Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher:

‘When I was ACT Chief Minister, I saw the potential that light rail had to transform and connect our city and that’s why we started this project.

‘Stage one of light rail has proven popular and has transformed the City to Gungahlin corridor and I am excited to see the next stage of this project getting underway to extend the tracks south of the lake.

‘Only Labor delivers investments in city-changing projects like this one that build Canberra, create jobs and grow our local economy.’

Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:

‘Light rail is a long-term asset for Canberra.

‘It will service our city for decades to come.

“I’m pleased to see construction on Light Rail to Commonwealth Park in the heart of our city, connecting to the future Acton Waterfront, more homes and better commercial precincts in an underused part of our CBD.

‘This is the next stage of a long-term plan to make the Canberra we love, even better.’

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel:

‘Light rail has proven the benefits of mass transit in Canberra.

‘This next stage is critical to building out the network and delivering better public transport to the rest of the city.

‘Stage 2A is part of our wider vision of building a north-south light rail line to Woden, integrated with electric buses to our suburbs.

‘The extension of the light rail network will also support more housing, so that more people can choose to live in well-located areas close to public transport and access to services.’

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne MP:

‘Canberra’s light rail is one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in our city’s history, and this next stage will make it even easier for people to get around.

‘With construction now underway on Stage 2A, we are bringing light rail closer to the lake, unlocking new opportunities for housing and businesses, and ensuring our growing city has the modern, sustainable transport it needs.

‘This project is about making Canberra an even better place to live, work, and visit—now and for future generations.’

– Statement ends –

Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 17/02/2025

More than 560 graduate health workers will join Canberra Health Services in 2025, expanding the ACT’s dedicated public health workforce with a fresh and eager cohort.

This intake includes more than 290 nurses and midwives, 90 junior medical officers (or interns) and 40 allied health graduates who have begun their first year of supported practice in recent weeks. They will be joined by a further 140 graduate nurses and midwives in the middle of the year.

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said these graduates will be supported by experienced, senior staff and have access to great teaching and state-of-the-art infrastructure to support their transition into the ACT’s public health workforce.

‘It is always exciting to meet the new graduate health workers choosing to begin their new careers in Canberra Health Services, whether they come from the ACT, across the country or internationally,’ Minister Stephen-Smith said.

‘This new cohort of graduate nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health professionals will play a key role in ensuring our health system continues to deliver patient-centred care at a time when health services are in demand across the country.’

The graduates will gain exposure to a broad range of specialties and work rotations across Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital, in our justice health facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centres and through rural rotations in the broader NSW region.

‘The experience these graduates will get across multiple settings and specialties will be invaluable as they develop their skills and knowledge to care for Canberrans and those from the surrounding region in their time of need,’ Minister Stephen-Smith said.

The recent large intake of health professional graduates is another example of the Government’s commitment to increasing the ACT public health workforce and meeting the needs of our growing community.

‘I wish all our new graduates the very best as they start their careers in Canberra Health Services. With the mentorship, teaching, support and professional development opportunities available in our graduate programs, I am confident their journey will be both exciting and fulfilling,’ Minister Stephen-Smith said.

Quotes attributable to Taylah Moriarty, midwifery graduate:

‘I’m looking forward to being a part of a supportive, diverse, and empowering team. I can’t wait to challenge myself, expand my knowledge with new learning opportunities, and grow as a CHS registered midwife.’

Quotes attributable to Lawson Roser, medical Intern:

‘The support from the Prevocational Education & Training Team and outgoing interns has been incredible. It has really helped me navigate a challenging and exciting time.’

Quotes attributable to Dane Huston, allied health graduate in Occupational Therapy:

‘I am excited to join CHS so that I can make a change. I feel that as a CHS worker, I will be able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those using the service. Being part of a team whose main goal is working to foster wellbeing and positive change is something that I am looking forward to.’

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 14/02/2025

The ACT Government has delivered on a commitment to extend the Molonglo River Reserve in Stromlo and Denman Prospect, covering part of the area commonly referred to as ‘Bluetts Block’.

The extension of the river reserve will protect and enhance our natural environment and remove the ability to develop the land for any other purpose.

To enable this, a Minor Plan Amendment has been approved by the Territory Planning Authority to gazette Block 403 in Stromlo, and undeveloped areas of Block 12, Section 1 Denman Prospect as Nature Reserve. 

The amendment allows for the creation of the nature reserve across the two blocks, and proposes to rezone Block 12, Section 1 Denman Prospect from Residential RZ1 to Non-Urban NUZ3 to further extend the reserve.

The area has significant environment values which are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 and will be managed by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service as part of the Molonglo River Reserve.

For more information about local nature reserves, visit the ACT Parks website.

To view Minor Plan Amendments, visit the ACT Planning Website.

Quotes attributable to Chris Steel, Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development:

‘The community has expressed strong support to turn Bluett’s Block into a nature reserve because of its environmental values.

‘This change to the Territory Plan delivers on Labor’s plan to protect this area in Stromlo from future development.’

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

‘As our city grows, we will need to be more considered about how we balance our urban and natural environments to ensure our city meets our needs and keeps our much-loved nature in it.

‘That is why the Labor Government is committed to appointing a Government Landscape Architect and developing a landscape plan for the ACT and I am looking forward to progressing this work across the term.’

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

‘Bluetts Block is a beautiful area to explore, walk, hike or ride and enjoy the beautiful landscape. By formally designating the area as a nature reserve we’ll be able to protect and conserve our native and threatened animals, plants and their habitats.

‘New boundary fencing, gates, compliance signage and reserve entrances will be established to identify and secure the new nature reserve boundary.

‘Reserve infrastructure, including tracks and trails will be designed to avoid or minimise impacts to protected conservation values while providing operational suitability to protect both neighbouring suburbs and the reserve itself.’

– Statement ends –

Chris Steel, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 11/02/2025

The ACT Government is continuing to roll out suburban infrastructure upgrades across Canberra with sections of the Garden City Cycleway set to open later this week.

The ACT Government is delivering new and upgraded local infrastructure to support jobs, local businesses and communities as we grow to a city of 780,000 by 2060.

The suburban infrastructure program improves infrastructure across the city including at local shops, playgrounds and other community facilities including dog parks.

“The section of the Garden City Cycleway from Cooyong Street in Braddon to Limestone Avenue in Ainslie will open this week. This represents stages 1A and 1B of the project,” said Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne.

“Once all stages of the cycleway have been delivered, walking, cycling and scooting around the centre of Canberra will be easier and provide a safe cycle route connecting Watson, Downer, Hackett, Dickson, Ainslie and Braddon with the city.

“Work started on the cycleway last year and as sections of the path are completed, they will be progressively opened to the community. Work is also currently underway on the section between Wakefield Avenue and Angas Street which is expected to open in late February 2025.

“This is just one of many projects underway in each region of Canberra to improve the facilities that Canberrans rely on and enjoy for recreation.”

Central Canberra

Works to improve the public spaces around the Narrabundah shops are nearing completion. Access and safety improvements including better pedestrian connections and parking improvements are being delivered as well as a refresh of the public spaces surrounding the shops. This includes new art murals, outdoor seating areas and trees and landscaping.

Nearby, work is on track to open the new inner north destination style playground in Watson in mid-2025. The toilet block, shade structure and some play equipment have already been installed. Both projects will improve recreation opportunities in inner Canberra for people of all ages.

Tuggeranong

Local shops in Tuggeranong are getting a facelift with Lanyon Marketplace improvements well underway and completion expected in April 2025. This follows upgrades at the Norman Lindsay Street/Tharwa Drive intersection to build a roundabout which has made access to the shops safer.

Upgrades at Calwell shops to increase access and the overall look and feel of the area are expected to be complete in the next month. These works include improvements to paths, new seating, additional landscaping, more lighting and playground upgrades, with new nature play and accessible play elements.

Fur-parents and their fur-babies haven’t missed out. The new Lanyon dog park on the corner of Woodcock Drive and Jim Pike Avenue is taking shape and expected to open in winter 2025.

Belconnen

Planning is continuing to deliver a new path in the much-loved Palmerville Heritage Park. The alignment and design of the path will be finalised in March 2025 and shared with the community.

Public space upgrades are underway at the Evatt local shops on the corner of Clancy Street and Heydon Crescent. This includes a new playground and small amphitheatre, the installation of a new unisex accessible toilet, new accessible parking bays and safer crossings and paths for pedestrians.

Woden/Weston/Molonglo

New toilets are being delivered in Mawson and Coombs, helping Canberrans stay longer and enjoy the places they love. The Mawson shops toilet upgrade has commenced with demolition of the old toilets.

Once complete there will be a new female, male and unisex accessible toilet. Works are commencing this month on the new toilet at Ruth Park in Coombs. The toilets are expected to open in mid-2025 and will feature artwork on the building’s exterior.

Gungahlin

Parking improvements are underway near the commercial precinct at Yerrabi Pond. New picnic settings, furniture and paving refurbishments have been completed on Strayleaf Crescent. At the District Park on Wunderlich Street we are upgrading the existing picnic facilities on the playground side, including a refurbished shelter and new BBQ facilities. At Bizant Street, construction of the new path leading to the playground and installation of new picnic tables is complete. The new shelters and toilet will be installed shortly.

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

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Mr Mookhey will set out plans to make greater use of workplace health and safety laws to prevent psychological injuries, instead of relying solely on the state’s workers compensation system as the main response. 

In a Ministerial Statement, the Treasurer will also advise Parliament that:

• If claims continue growing at recent rates, the State insurer icare expects an additional 80,000 people will make psychological injury claims over the next five years,
• For every $1 needed to care for injured workers, the State’s main workers compensation scheme currently holds only 85 cents in assets, and
• Without reform, premiums for businesses facing no claims against them are forecast to rise by 36 per cent over the three years to 2027-28.

Mr Mookhey will outline a program of consultation with Business NSW and Unions NSW, as well as other interested parties, to create the reform. The model he will outline will see NSW:

1. Give the NSW Industrial Relation Commission a bullying & harassment jurisdiction ahead of requiring those claims to be heard there first before a claim can be pursued for compensation. This will allow the Commission to address psychological hazards, fostering a culture of prevention.
2. Define psychological injury, as well as ‘reasonable management action’, to provide workers and businesses with certainty – rather than let the definitions remain the subject of litigation.
3. Align whole-person-impairment thresholds to standards established in South Australia and Queensland.
4. Adopt some of the anti-fraud measures recently enacted by the Commonwealth to protect the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
5. Respond further to the recommendations retired Supreme Court justice Robert McDougall made in his independent review of Safe Work NSW.

The Treasurer has been working closely with Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib on the reform.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Our workers compensation system was designed at a time when most people did physical labour – on farms and building sites, in mines or in factories.

“A system that approaches all psychological workplace hazards the same way as physical dangers, needs to change.

“Allowing the system to stay on autopilot will only trap more employees, employers, and the state of NSW to a fate we can avoid.

“We must build a system that is fit for purpose – one that reflects modern workplaces and modern ways of working.”

Having taken extended leave while raising her five children, Darah was ready to resume her teaching career.

Equipped with a bachelor’s degree from the Philippines, she was excited to increase her skills, but found the costs prohibitive.

“When you have a big family, budget is always tight, and you can’t always fit in upskilling expenses,” Darah said.

A grant through the ACT Government’s Return-to-Work Program proved helpful.

Through grants of up to $1000, the program helps eligible women prepare for, obtain and maintain employment, ultimately assisting them to achieve increased financial independence.

Darah first heard about the program in her daughter’s school newsletter. Once her application was successful, she felt she was guided and mentored at every step.

She went on to use the grant for driving lessons, renewing her Ps, and booking a language proficiency test.

She now has a conditional offer letter from University of Canberra for a Master’s degree in teaching.

Return-to-Work grants are available to assist ACT women who are looking to re-enter the workplace and face additional barriers to employment and training opportunities.

As well as more formal training and education, grants can be used for related assistance such as childcare while attending interviews, appropriate clothing and even WiFi to apply for jobs.

Return-to-work grants are available to women who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• low income (based on Centrelink means testing)
• have been out of the workforce for six months or more
• not currently employed or not worked for more than four months (full-time or part-time equivalent) during the past 12 months
• not currently on maternity, or paid/unpaid leave
• plan to return to paid work within the next 12 months
• has been a resident of the ACT for more than three months; (note: residency requirements may be waived if applicant has relocated to escape domestic violence)
• has not previously received the ACT Women’s Return to Work Grant.

Darah hasn’t looked back since submitting her application.

“I encourage other women to apply for the grant as it has boosted my confidence, inspired me to have a career despite having a long career break and provided me with a support network,” Darah said.

For more information on the Return-to-Work Program or to apply for a grant, visit the ACT Government website.

^{Darah encourages other women to apply for a Return-to-Work grant.}

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Five ACT pharmacies are set to offer Canberrans a new way of accessing treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) as part of a trial.

The trial will allow pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for simple cases in individuals aged 18–65.

Participating pharmacies include:

• Capital Chemist Charnwood
• Gold Creek Discount Drug Store
• The Pharmacy on Petrie
• Life Pharmacy Group Erindale
• PharmaSave Woden Pharmacy.

The trial aims to reduce pressure on other healthcare providers and ensure greater access to treatment

Who is eligible for UTI treatment by a participating pharmacist?

You are eligible for UTI treatment at a participating pharmacy if you are:

• female or a person with a uterus
• aged between 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
• displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated UTI, which may include:
  • burning or stinging (hurting) when you urinate, or a
  • frequent or urgent need to urinate.

What is the difference between an uncomplicated and a complicated UTI?

A UTI is usually an uncomplicated UTI when you:

• are otherwise healthy
• are not pregnant
• have no abnormalities or obstructions in your urinary tract
• have an infection in the lower section of their urinary tract (bladder and urethra) indicated by symptoms including:
  • burning or stinging (hurts) when you urinate
  • frequent or urgent need to urinate.

What will the pharmacy consultation involve?

At your consultation with the pharmacist, you will be provided with an information sheet and asked some screening questions. This is to make sure you receive the right treatment and care.

You should call the pharmacy before you go to check opening hours and to ask if you need to book a consultation.

There will be a fee for both the consultation and antibiotics if required.

You may be referred to your doctor (GP) or the Emergency Department if you need additional care or urgent treatment.

You can also attend your local ACT Government Walk-in Centre for free treatment of UTIs.

Later in the year these pharmacists will also be able to resupply the contraceptive pill to eligible women.

The University of Newcastle is leading this trial in association with the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

To find out more, visit https://www.health.act.gov.au/health-professionals/pharmaceutical-services/act-pharmacy-uti-and-contraceptive-pill-trial

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