Report on Annual and Financial Reports 2015-2016...REPORT ON ANNUAL AND FINANCIAL REPORTS 2015- 2016...

REPORT ON ANNUAL AND FINANCIAL REPORTS 2015-2016

S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E O N E N V I R O N M E N T A N D T R A N S P O R T A N D C I T Y

S E R V I C E S

M A Y 2 0 1 7

REPORT 1

R E P O R T O N A N N U A L A N D F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T S 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

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COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Ms Suzanne Orr MLA Chair

Mr Steve Doszpot MLA Deputy Chair

Ms Tara Cheyne MLA

Mr Mark Parton MLA

SECRETARIAT

Ms Annemieke Jongsma Secretary

Ms Lydia Chung Administrative Assistant

CONTACT INFORMATION Telephone 02 6205 1253 Post GPO Box 1020, CANBERRA ACT 2601 Email [email protected] Website www.parliament.act.gov.au

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/


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RESOLUTION OF APPOINTMENT

On 13 December 2016 the ACT Legislative Assembly (the Assembly) agreed by resolution to establish legislative and general purpose standing committees to inquire into and report on matters referred to them by the Assembly or matters that are considered by the committees to be of concern to the community, including:

(e) a Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services to examine matters related to city and transport services, public infrastructure, heritage and sport and recreation and matters related to all aspects of climate change policy and programs, water and energy policy and programs, provision of water and energy services, conservation, environment and ecological sustainability.1

The Assembly agreed that each committee shall have power to consider and make use of the evidence and records of the relevant standing committees appointed during the previous Assembly.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

On 16 February 2017, the Assembly referred the annual and financial reports for the calendar years 2015 and 2016 and the financial year 2015—2016 to Assembly committees for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in May 2017, in accordance with a schedule.2 The reports were presented to the Assembly pursuant to the Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Act 2004.

The reports and parts of reports referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services were:

Capital Metro Agency;

Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate – Sport and Recreation Services, Environment Protection Authority;

Environment and Planning Directorate – Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change, Heritage, ACT Heritage Council, Conservator of Flora and Fauna, Report on the Operation and Administration of the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 for 2015-16, Land Management – Parks and Conservation and Public Land Management Plans;

Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment; and

Territory and Municipal Services Directorate - Information services; Waste and Recycling; Land Management; Regulatory Services; Capital Linen and Sustainable Transport, Roads

1 Legislative Assembly for the ACT, Minutes of Proceedings No. 2, 13 December 2016, pp. 39-43, accessible at

http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1017980/MoP002F2.pdf 2 Legislative Assembly for the ACT, Minutes of Proceedings No. 7, 16 February 2017, pp. 555-564, accessible at

http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1034225/MoP007F.pdf

http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1017980/MoP002F2.pdf

http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1034225/MoP007F.pdf

S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E O N E N V I R O N M E N T A N D T R A N S P O R T A N D C I T Y S E R V I C E S

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ACT, ACTION, ACT Public Cemeteries Authority, Animal Welfare Authority, ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board, Land Management – Urban Land Management; Design and Development and Yarralumla Nursery.


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ACRONYMS

ACSRA Aboriginal Corporation for Sport and Recreational Activities

ATSI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

CMA Capital Metro Agency

CMTEDD Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

CSE Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment

EEIS Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EPD Environment and Planning Directorate

ESA Emergency Services Authority

NGO Non-Government Organisation

TAMS Territory and Municipal Services Directorate

TCCS Transport Canberra and City Services


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Committee membership ............................................................................................... i

Secretariat ................................................................................................................... i

Contact information ..................................................................................................... i

Resolution of appointment ......................................................................................... iii

Terms of reference ..................................................................................................... iii

Acronyms .................................................................................................................... v

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I X

1 I N T R O D U C T I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Conduct of the inquiry ................................................................................................. 1

Structure of the Report ................................................................................................ 2

Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................... 2

2 A N N U A L R E P O R T I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Timing and presentation of reports .............................................................................. 4

3 C H I E F M I N I S T E R , T R E A S U R Y A N D E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T

D I R E C T O R A T E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 5

Sport and Recreation Services...................................................................................... 6

Environment Protection Authority ............................................................................. 10

4 E N V I R O N M E N T A N D P L A N N I N G D I R E C T O R A T E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3

Environment ............................................................................................................. 14

ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna .......................................................................... 19

Heritage .................................................................................................................... 20

Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment ............................................... 24

5 T E R R I T O R Y A N D M U N I C I P A L S E R V I C E S D I R E C T O R A T E . . . . . . 2 7

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 27

Roads and Public Transport ....................................................................................... 28

Land Management .................................................................................................... 31

Waste and Recycling.................................................................................................. 32

Regulatory Services ................................................................................................... 34

Yarralumla Nursery ................................................................................................... 35


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ACT Public Cemeteries Authority ............................................................................... 35

6 C A P I T A L M E T R O A G E N C Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7

7 C O N C L U S I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9

A P P E N D I X A Q U E S T I O N S T A K E N O N N O T I C E A N D Q U E S T I O N S O N

N O T I C E 4 1

Questions Taken on Notice 6 March 2017 .................................................................. 41

Questions on Notice 6 March 2017 ............................................................................ 45

Questions Taken on Notice 9 March 2017 .................................................................. 47

Questions on Notice 9 March 2017 ............................................................................ 51

A P P E N D I X B W I T N E S S E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 7

Monday 6 March 2017 ............................................................................................... 57

Thursday 9 March 2017 ............................................................................................. 58


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RECOMMENDATIONS

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N 1

3.12 The Committee recommends the Minister for Sport and Recreation report to the

Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the progress of the development of the Stromlo Pool.


3.18 The Committee recommends the ACT Government facilitate the development of

appropriate programming into existing ACT pool facilities so that all sectors of the community are able to access and utilise pools for their requirements at the most

appropriate times and locations.


3.19 The Committee recommends the ACT Government develop information material

across a variety of accessible media to increase awareness about what pool facilities are available for members of the ACT community, what programs and

activities operate at these facilities and how the community can access them.


3.20 The Committee recommends the Minister for Sport and Recreation report to the Committee during its 2016-2017 annual report hearings, on the number of outdoor and indoor community pools on both the southside and northside of

Canberra, and how many of these pools are 50m pools.


3.23 The Committee recommends the Minister for Sport and Recreation report to the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the status of the Request

for Tender process for Boomanulla Oval.


3.27 The Committee recommends the Environment Protection Authority review how it presents data on noise complaints and corresponding enforcement actions in its annual report, with a view to more clearly identifying the relevant data sets and

the relationship between them.


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3.30 The Committee recommends the Minister for Regulatory Services and the Minister for Transport and City Services ensure consultation is maintained by the

Transport and City Services Directorate and the Environment Protection Authority with the residents living along or adjacent to Northbourne Avenue,

who are subject to and impacted by noise levels between 3.00am and 7.00am that are in excess of the normal noise levels, as prescribed by the Environment

Protection Authority.


4.14 The Committee recommends the ACT Government continues to examine options that could be implemented to improve the incentive and reward framework of

Citizen Science.


4.15 The Committee recommends the ACT Government encourage community

involvement in its conservation programs, and where possible extend these programs.

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N 1 0

4.22 The Committee recommends the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability

report to the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the progress of the suite of 27 actions across the five sectors identified in the Climate

Change Adaptation Strategy, including their compliance with reporting milestones.


4.24 The Committee recommends the ACT Smart Energy Savings Guide be updated to better reflect a wider range of heavy energy user appliances in the home such as

pool and spa pumps.


4.26 The Committee recommends following the completion of the vaccine trial that an independent assessment be made of the kangaroo fertility program including its

cost, whether it is meeting its objectives and whether funding should be continued and report back to the Legislative Assembly by the end of the first sitting period in 2018.


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4.30 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government utilise a greater variety of media, in addition to radio, to advertise the wood heater replacement program

to the ACT community.


4.47 The Committee recommends the Minister for the Environment and Heritage report to the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on staffing

levels within ACT Heritage and whether they are still adequate to meet statutory requirements under the Heritage Act 2004.


4.50 The Committee recommends the Minister for the Environment and Heritage examine why it has taken 16 years to deliberate on the granting of a provisional

listing on the ACT Heritage Register, such as is the case for Oaks Estate.


4.51 The Committee recommends the Minister for the Environment and Heritage report to the Committee regarding the ACT Heritage Council decision on the

provisional listing of Oaks Estate on the ACT Heritage Register as soon as practicable after that decision has been made.


5.9 The Committee recommends the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate report to the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on

the crash statistics at the Barton Highway roundabout.


5.13 The Committee recommends the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate report to the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on

the implementation, patronage and reliability of the Airport bus route.


5.16 The Committee recommends the ACT Government update the Assembly on the acquisition of the electric buses, the estimated date for delivery of the buses and commencement date of the on-road component of the electric bus trial.


5.20 The Committee recommends the ACT Government continue to conduct

community consultation processes on the priority needs in local shopping precincts.


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5.21 The Committee recommends the ACT Government fast-track upgrades to facilities in local shopping precincts where safety concerns have been identified,

and that these shopping centres and the required updates be identified and be given an indicative prioritisation.


5.27 The Committee recommends the ACT Government regularly updates the

Assembly on the progress and outcomes of the solar bin trial.


5.33 The Committee recommends the ACT Government examine as a priority, the evaluation of recent dog attacks and the methodology in place to declare a specific dog as a dangerous dog.


5.34 The Committee recommends the ACT Government continue to examine options

that could be implemented to reduce the instances of dog-on-person and dog-on-dog attacks.


6.7 The Committee recommends, in support of the ACT Government’s policy on local

participation in the workforce, the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate include the percentage of local employees working for Canberra Metro in future annual reports.

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1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 On 16 February 2017, the Assembly referred the annual and financial reports for the calendar

year 2016 and the financial year 2015—2016 to Assembly committees for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in May 2017.

1.2 The following annual reports, or sections of annual reports were referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services (the Committee):

Capital Metro Agency

Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate – Sport and Recreation Services, Environment Protection Authority;

Environment and Planning Directorate – Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change, Heritage, ACT Heritage Council, Conservator of Flora and Fauna, Report on the Operation and Administration of the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 for 2015-16, Land Management – Parks and Conservation and Public Land Management Plans;

Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment; and

Territory and Municipal Services Directorate - Information services; Waste and Recycling; Land Management; Regulatory Services; Capital Linen and Sustainable Transport, Roads ACT, ACTION, ACT Public Cemeteries Authority, Animal Welfare Authority, ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board, Land Management – Urban Land Management; Design and Development and Yarralumla Nursery.

CONDUCT OF THE INQUIRY

1.3 The Committee held two public hearings on 6 and 9 March 2017. At these hearings, the Committee heard evidence from 41 witnesses. Full details of witnesses who appeared are available in Appendix B of this report. Transcripts from the hearings are available at http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/in-committees/standing-committees-current-assembly/standing-committee-on-environment-and-transport-and-city-services/inquiry-into-annual-and-financial-reports-2015-16 .

1.4 A total of 60 questions were taken on notice during the public hearings and 115 questions were placed on notice after the hearings. Please refer to Appendix A for a list of the questions. Answers to the questions are provided on the inquiry webpage: http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/in-committees/standing-committees-current-assembly/standing-committee-on-environment-and-transport-and-city-services/inquiry-into-annual-and-financial-reports-2015-16

http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/in-committees/standing-committees-current-assembly/standing-committee-on-environment-and-transport-and-city-services/inquiry-into-annual-and-financial-reports-2015-16






2 S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E O N E N V I R O N M E N T A N D T R A N S P O R T A N D C I T Y S E R V I C E S

STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT

1.5 This report presents a summary of the Committee’s inquiry into the annual reports listed in paragraph 1.2. In developing this report, the Committee has primarily focused on the issues that were raised at public hearings although some additional material has been drawn from annual report documents.

1.6 The structure of this report is as follows:

Chapter 1: Introduction;

Chapter 2: Annual reporting requirements

Chapter 3: Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate;

Chapter 4: Environment and Planning Directorate and Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment;

Chapter 5: Territory and Municipal Services Directorate; and

Chapter 6: Capital Metro Agency.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1.7 The Committee thanks relevant ACT Government Ministers and accompanying directorate officials for providing their time and expertise as witnesses at its annual reports hearings.

1.8 The Committee notes that a substantially higher than normal number of Questions on Notice were submitted following the annual reports hearings. The Committee recognises this resulted in a significantly higher workload for the relevant directorates than in previous years. However, the Committee would like note the extensive amount of time following the hearings that it took for responses to Questions on Notice and some Questions Taken on Notice to be forwarded to the Committee. The Committee would like to see that timelines for the submission of responses to Questions on Notice and Questions Taken on Notice are adhered to in the future.

1.9 The Committee notes that at the completion of this report, responses to two Questions on Notice were still outstanding from the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate.


2 ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 2.1 The Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Act 2004 sets the framework for annual reporting

across the ACT public sector. In accordance with the Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Act 2004, the Annual Reports Directions (the Directions) are issued annually to outline agency reporting requirements.

2.2 As specified in the Directions, annual reports are ‘reports from agency heads to their responsible Minister, the Legislative Assembly and the public’. Annual reports enable agencies to provide an account of their performance, through Ministers, to the Legislative Assembly and the wider community.3

2.3 The Directions state that an effective annual report will:

provide clear information about the agency’s purpose, priorities, outputs and achievements;

focus on results and outcomes - communicate the success or shortfalls of the agency’s activities in pursuing government objectives in the reporting year, while accounting for the resources used in the process and explaining changes in performance over time;

discuss results against expectations - provide sufficient information and analysis for the Legislative Assembly and community to make a fully informed judgment on agency’s performance;

clearly identify any changes to structures or functions of the agency in the reporting period;

report on agency financial and operational performance and clearly link this with budgeted priorities and financial projections as set out in annual Budget Estimate Papers and the agency Statement of Intent and Corporate Plan;

provide performance information that is complete and informative, linking costs and results to provide evidence of value for money;

discuss risks and environmental factors affecting the agency’s ability to achieve objectives including any strategies employed to manage these factors, and forecast future needs and expectations;

recognise the diverse needs and backgrounds of stakeholder groups and present information in a manner that is useful to the maximum number of users while maintaining a suitable level of detail; and

3 Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Notice 2015 Notifiable Instrument NI2015—207, p. 6.


comply with legislative reporting requirements including the Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Act 2004 and the Annual Report Directions.4

2.4 Annual reports are public documents and available for use by stakeholders, including educational and research institutions, and the broader community. They provide a valuable tool for public reporting, accountability and transparency.

TIMING AND PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

2.5 The Directions for 2015-16 required annual reports to be presented to the responsible Minister before the close of business on 6 October 2016. Unless an extension of time was granted under section 14 of the Act, annual reports were required to be given to the Speaker’s Office by the close of business on 13 October 2016.

2.6 All reports examined by the Committee were presented to the Speaker by the required date.

4 Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Notice 2015 Notifiable Instrument NI2015—207, pp. 8-9.


3 CHIEF MINISTER, TREASURY AND

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTORATE

INTRODUCTION

3.1 The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD), as a central agency in the ACT public sector provides strategic advice and support to the Chief Minister, Ministers and Cabinet on policy, economic and financial matters, service delivery and whole of government issues. During the reporting period the directorate has focused on activities including:

facilitating business development and new investment;

tourism and events;

sport and recreation;

higher and vocational education and the arts;

land release and facilitating projects; and

procurement and capital works.5

3.2 The directorate also facilitated the services provided by Access Canberra and provided advice on racing and gaming activities.6

3.3 The Committee held a public hearing with Ms Yvette Berry MLA, Minister for Sport and Recreation on 6 March 2017 to examine the following areas of CMTEDD’s 2015-16 Annual Report:

Sport and recreation services.

3.4 The Committee held a public hearing with Mr Gordon Ramsay MLA, Minister for Regulatory Services on 6 March 2017 to examine the following areas of CMTEDD’s 2015-16 Annual Report:

The annexed report of the Environment Protection Authority and areas of Access Canberra related to environmental protection.

3.5 Other areas of the CMTEDD report were considered by other committees.

5 Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, Annual Report 2015-16, p. 13. 6 Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, Annual Report 2015-16, p. 13.


SPORT AND RECREATION SERVICES

3.6 Sport and Recreation Services (SRS) is responsible for the management and planning of ACT Government sporting facilities and the delivery of targeted programs and professional development training for the ACT community. SRS also supports local athletes through the ACT Academy of Sport.7 The Committee discussed the following issues:

Nature Play Canberra;8

international sporting events;9

maintenance and watering of ACT Sportsgrounds;10

synthetic surfaces;11

demand for ACT sportsgrounds;12

hire rates for ACT Sportsgrounds;13

availability of ACT sportsgrounds taken offline;14

Stromlo pool proposal;15

ACT pool availability and accessibility;16

Canberra Olympic Pool leak;17

women and girls in sport policy;18

Canberra Sports Awards;19

beach volleyball;20

ATSI Employment;21and

Boomanulla Oval.22

7 Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, Annual Report 2015-16, p. 63. 8 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 110-111. 9 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 111-112; 120. 10 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 113-115. 11 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 115-116; 118-119. 12 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 114. 13 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 112. 14 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 116-118; 120. 15 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 120-122. 16 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 122-126. 17 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 123-124. 18 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 126-127. 19 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 129-131. 20 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 131-132. 21 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 132. 22 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 127-129.


AVAILABIL ITY OF ACT SPORTSGROUNDS TAKEN OFFLINE

3.7 The Committee inquired about the grounds that had been taken offline due to drought and deterioration and were informed there were 33 informal and partially informal use ovals across the ACT. The Committee was informed these ovals are for informal recreation use, such as walking the dog or kicking a football. The ovals are mown but not irrigated and are situated throughout the whole of the ACT.23

3.8 The Committee queried what the ACT Government’s intention was for the ovals that had been taken offline and were advised under the revised sportsground provision model there was no guarantee that they would be turned back on and irrigated as a formal sportsground.24

3.9 The Committee were also informed that under the sportsground provision model the existence of hybridised informal play spaces, co-location of ovals with schools, maintenance costs and requirements, and the practicality of holding weekend sporting events at a single oval rather than a district playing field (multi-oval) arrangement are considered when making a determination about turning and oval back on.25

STROMLO POOL PROPOSAL

3.10 The Committee inquired about the progress and funding of the construction of a pool at Stromlo. The Committee were advised $33 million had been committed to the project which includes a 50-metre pool with associated facilities in a design that does not preclude additional indoor, gym and dive pool facilities in the future.26

3.11 The Committee was also advised, following community consultation, a tendering process for the design and construction of the Stromlo pool was about to commence. It was also indicated that the anticipated completion date would be in 2019.27

Recommendation 1 3.12 The Committee recommends the Minister for Sport and Recreation report to the Committee

during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the progress of the development of the Stromlo Pool.

23 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 116-118; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 26, received 23 March 2017. 24 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 116-118. 25 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 116-118. 26 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 120-122. 27 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 120.


CANBERRA OLYMPIC POOL LEAK

3.13 The Committee inquired about the persistent leaking of the Canberra Olympic Pool and was advised that the pool has leaked since the day the pool was constructed and still does. However, the Committee was advised that maintenance efforts over the years have reduced the amount of water lost per day by nearly 50%.28

3.14 The Committee was also informed that despite the extensive cost to keep the Canberra Olympic Pool operational there are no plans to close the facility at this time.29

ACT POOL AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

3.15 The Committee asked about the availability of information for members of the community about how to access ACT pool facilities, including the location of facilities, public transport routes to facilities and accessibility options. The Committee were informed that currently the information provided on the Directorate website only provided information about what facilities there were, and that there was no current information that informed the general public about how to best access the facilities.30

3.16 The Committee expressed concerns about the ‘fewer’ number of pools on the North side of Canberra as compared to the South side of Canberra and how the reduced availability of pool facilities was impacting on the community. In response the Directorate indicated that efforts were being made to utilise other facilities to ‘accommodate the community as much as possible,’31 including the possibility of increased access to pool facilities at the Australian Institute of Sport.

3.17 The Committee inquired further into whether there was adequate communication about what programs and activities the current ACT pool facilities offered, particularly in regards to programs and access times for seniors. The Committee were informed that this was something the Directorate acknowledged that it could ‘look to do better’32 and that ‘better programming’33 in existing facilities was something that was needed in order to meet the needs of particular sections of the community.

28 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 123-124. 29 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 124. 30 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 122-123. 31 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 125. 32 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 125. 33 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 125.


Recommendation 2 3.18 The Committee recommends the ACT Government facilitate the development of

appropriate programming into existing ACT pool facilities so that all sectors of the community are able to access and utilise pools for their requirements at the most appropriate times and locations.

Recommendation 3 3.19 The Committee recommends the ACT Government develop information material across a

variety of accessible media to increase awareness about what pool facilities are available for members of the ACT community, what programs and activities operate at these facilities and how the community can access them.


during its 2016-2017 annual report hearings, on the number of outdoor and indoor community pools on both the southside and northside of Canberra, and how many of these pools are 50m pools.

BOOMANULLA OVAL

3.21 The Committee asked about the current status of Boomanulla Oval and the impact of the liquidation of the Aboriginal Corporation for Sport and Recreational Activities (ACSRA). The Committee were informed following the ‘wind-up’ of ACSRA by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC), Boomanulla Oval was surrendered to the ACT, who is currently acting as temporary custodian. Prior to and during this process a working/advisory group worked in collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to explore all viable options.34

3.22 The Committee was informed that in line with the government’s intention to return the oval to sustainable Indigenous management, an Expression of Interest (EOI) process was initiated with Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service (Winnunga) the successful respondent. Winnunga has now moved through to the next stage of the process where they have been

34 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 127-129; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 32, received 23 March 2017.

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invited to prepare a response to a Request for Tender (RFT). This response is anticipated to be forthcoming in late 2017.35


during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the status of the Request for Tender process for Boomanulla Oval.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

3.24 Access Canberra, is a one-stop shop which brings together key ACT Government customer and regulatory services to make it easier, simpler and faster for businesses, community groups and individuals to interact with the ACT Government.36 The Committee has responsibility for the environmental protection areas of Access Canberra’s operations. The Committee discussed:

noise complaints, regulations and enforcement;37

representation of data in the annual report;38

staff levels at the EPA;39

Northbourne Avenue light rail construction noise;40

environmental authorisations;41and

lake quality.42

REPRESENTATION OF DATA IN THE ANNUAL REPORT

3.25 The Committee queried the representation of ‘noise complaints’ and ‘noise complaint actions taken’ data in the 2015-16 ACT Environment and Protection Authority Annual Report. The Committee indicated the tables and data sets as they are currently represented on pages 286 and 287 of the annual report are confusing.43

35 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 127-129; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 32, received 23 March 2017. 36 Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, Annual Report 2015-16, p. 186. 37 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 42-50. 38 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 42-43. 39 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 50. 40 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 46-47. 41 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 50-52 42 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 52-53 43 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 42-43.

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3.26 The Committee suggested there could be changes made to the table entitled Noise Complaints Action Taken on page 286 of the annual report to reflect the ‘enforcement action taken by noise type’.44

Recommendation 6 3.27 The Committee recommends the Environment Protection Authority review how it presents

data on noise complaints and corresponding enforcement actions in its annual report, with a view to more clearly identifying the relevant data sets and the relationship between them.

NORTHBOURNE AVENUE LIGHT RAIL CONSTRUCTION NOISE

3.28 The Committee queried the noise levels that were being reported by residents in relation to construction related activity for the light rail on Northbourne Avenue. The Committee were informed that:

...there is a provision under the environment protection regulation which exempted noise from the construction of light rail or a train. There are no noise provisions which apply for the construction of a major road or the light rail.45

...there is still a general environmental duty which applies to all businesses or all people within the ACT. They have to take all reasonable practical steps to minimise the harm...For night works I know they have to go through a very systematic approval process to approve all their night works so that they are not unduly impacting on residents.46

3.29 The Committee then queried as to what a member of the community could do in relation to any concerns that they may have in relation to noise levels and were informed that:

Canberra Metro has in place quite a tight alignment between their construction operations and our contact centre such that if people do find concerns with construction – be it noise, be it impact on amenity or be it impact on their own property – they are able to talk to the folks in our contact centre and get a direct line to quite senior people as part of that construction team...ideally to have that [matter] resolved.47

44 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 42-43. 45 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 46-47. 46 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 47. 47 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 47.


Recommendation 7 3.30 The Committee recommends the Minister for Regulatory Services and the Minister for

Transport and City Services ensure consultation is maintained by the Transport and City Services Directorate and the Environment Protection Authority with the residents living along or adjacent to Northbourne Avenue, who are subject to and impacted by noise levels between 3.00am and 7.00am that are in excess of the normal noise levels, as prescribed by the Environment Protection Authority.


4 ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING

DIRECTORATE 4.1 The Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD) has a continuum of responsibilities that

integrates strategic planning functions with the Government’s environmental, cultural and heritage maintenance and protection functions, including a strong commitment to address and respond to climate change.48

4.2 Sections of the EPD 2015-16 Annual Report were referred to the Committee for inquiry and report as well as the annexed reports of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna, the ACT Heritage Council and the EEIS Report on the Operation and Administration of the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012.

4.3 Following the reallocation of responsibilities between directorates the following sections of the TAMS 2015-16 Annual Report were also referred to the Committee for inquiry and report:

Parks and Conservation

Public Land Management Plans

4.4 The Committee held a public hearing with Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability on 6 March 2017 to examine the following areas of the EPD’s 2015-16 Annual Report:

Sustainability and Climate Change.

4.5 The Committee held a public hearing with Mr Mick Gentleman MLA, Minister for Environment and Heritage on 6 March 2017 to examine the following areas of EPD’s 2015-16 Annual Report:

Environment and Heritage

4.6 The Committee held a public hearing with Mr Mick Gentleman MLA, Minister for Environment and Heritage on 6 March 2017 to examine the following areas of the TAMS 2015-16 Annual Report:

Parks and Conservation

Public Land Management Plans

4.7 Other areas of the EPD and TAMS annual reports were considered by other committees.

48 Environment and Planning Directorate Annual Report 2015-16, p. 6.


ENVIRONMENT

4.8 The Committee discussed the following environment issues;

citizen science;49

Canberra Nature Map;50

grasslands;51

lake and catchment water quality;52

carp in waterways;53

weed management;54

kangaroo cull;55

Climate Change Adaptation Strategy;56

ACTsmart program;57

wood heater replacement program;58

energy efficiency improvement scheme;59

low income home energy efficiency program;60

recycling practices and education;61

carbon neutral government framework;62

greenhouse gas emissions target;63

battery storage grant;64

transport emissions;65

electric and hybrid vehicles;66

electric car charging stations;67

49 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 58-62. 50 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 58-62. 51 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 55-57. 52 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 65-67. 53 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 64-65. 54 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 74-76. 55 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 57-58; 62-64. 56 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 15-18. 57 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 4-5; 9; 28-30. 58 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 18-20. 59 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 3-4. 60 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 20-23. 61 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 6-9. 62 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 10. 63 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 10-13. 64 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 11-12. 65 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 13. 66 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 24-26.


high resolution vegetation mapping;68and

waste processing.69

CITIZEN SCIENCE

4.9 The Committee inquired about the involvement of the ACT community in citizen science and how individuals and groups were encouraged to be a part of conservation initiatives, such as the Canberra Nature Map.70 The Committee was informed that the Canberra Nature Map now had over a million records with over 100 people involved in providing information. During the collection of this information populations of rare plants had been discovered; procedures had been identified to conserve species of orchids in bushfire prone areas; and the scarlet robin was identified as a vulnerable species.71

4.10 The Committee also queried the reward/award strategies in place for expert and non-expert volunteers and volunteer groups, who had made extraordinary contributions to initiatives such as the Canberra Nature map.72 The Committee was advised that the annual Landcare awards73 recognised many volunteer groups but it was also suggested:

...that people do not necessarily need a printed certificate to hang on the wall anymore, that helping build their credibility in their professional and social circles is potentially more valuable and builds loyalty in the relationship...74

4.11 In this context it was suggested to the Committee that an approach, using apps and knowledge management services, similar to that of Trip Advisor with their status updates on public profiles, could be one way of recognising people who make large contributions to initiatives such as the Canberra Nature Map.75 A member of the Committee subsequently noted that many volunteers would also feel that it was reward in and of itself to be granted access to areas of Canberra that they would not normally have access to.76

4.12 The Committee also expressed concerns about the safety of those engaging in citizen science. The Committee was informed that when the directorate works with groups of volunteers, such as ParkCare and Waterwatch, the directorate undertakes to look after the volunteers’ welfare,

67 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 13-15; 26. 68 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 78-79. 69 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 27-28; 76-77. 70 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 58. 71 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 58 -61. 72 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p.p. 59-61. 73 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 59-61. 74 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 61. 75 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 61. 76 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 59.


undertaking risk assessments and ensuring the use of protective equipment, access to first aid and training where required.77

4.13 The Committee also asked about the interaction between citizen science and education, particularly how the ACT Government encouraged schools to take initiatives in this area. The Committee was informed that the directorate worked with partners such as Junior Landcare, the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and Greening Australia when going into schools and working with at-risk Aboriginal youth, getting them connected to country.78

Recommendation 8 4.14 The Committee recommends the ACT Government continues to examine options that could

be implemented to improve the incentive and reward framework of Citizen Science.

Recommendation 9 4.15 The Committee recommends the ACT Government encourage community involvement in its

conservation programs, and where possible extend these programs.

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY

4.16 The Committee inquired about community involvement in the development of the Climate Adaptation Strategy (the strategy). The Committee was informed the development of the strategy began in 2014 and involved community workshops, community briefings and the opportunity for members of the community to prepare and contribute submissions as part of the engagement process.79

4.17 The Committee also inquired as to the current progress of actions within the strategy and were advised an adaptation steering committee and an implementation group had been established to cover the set of 27 actions across different directorates.80

4.18 The Committee in its questioning sought particular detail on the actions for monitoring and evaluation, particularly the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure resilience as an outcome of successful adaptation.81

77 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 62. 78 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 63. 79 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 15-16. 80 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 16. 81 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 16.


4.19 The Committee sought to ascertain the progress of the establishment of a longitudinal community survey and whether the indicators to evaluate the resilience across community sectors had been developed.82 The Committee were advised that work on this action was underway and the indicators were currently being developed in consultation with the different directorates, and with the assistance of the national climate change adaptation research facility.83

4.20 The Directorate further informed the Committee the indicators would be then gauged through a longitudinal survey in the community, the results of which would be available on the directorate website. The website would also enable the community to log in and not only see their level of resilience to the impacts of climate change but also see progress on all the actions within the strategy.84

4.21 The Committee also inquired about programs that were being implemented to reach stakeholders and look at the impacts of climate change. In response the Directorate informed the Committee of presentations and consultations with the Chief Health Officer and the ESA on health messaging and bushfire areas; the work that is being done with TCCS on the urban forest and canopy; and the consultations with NGOs and business groups, as part of the net zero emissions strategy, which are now incorporating an adaptation and mitigation perspective.

Recommendation 10 4.22 The Committee recommends the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability report to

the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the progress of the suite of 27 actions across the five sectors identified in the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, including their compliance with reporting milestones.

ACTSMART PROGRAM

4.23 The Committee noted suggestions have been made in the ACTsmart Energy Savings Guide about how households can reduce their power bills and queried why heavy energy user appliances such as swimming pools and spa baths were not included on the list. In response the Directorate acknowledged that such ‘appliances, particularly pool pumps, are a bit of a hidden consumer of energy’ and could be a valid addition to the list.85

82 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 16-17. 83 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 16. 84 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 17. 85 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 4.


Recommendation 11 4.24 The Committee recommends the ACT Smart Energy Savings Guide be updated to better

reflect a wider range of heavy energy user appliances in the home such as pool and spa pumps.

KANGAROO CULL

4.25 The Committee inquired about the new approach to kangaroo population control via the trial of a kangaroo fertility program, which involved the use of a fertility control vaccine.86

Recommendation 12 4.26 The Committee recommends following the completion of the vaccine trial that an

independent assessment be made of the kangaroo fertility program including its cost, whether it is meeting its objectives and whether funding should be continued and report back to the Legislative Assembly by the end of the first sitting period in 2018.

WOOD HEATER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

4.27 The Committee inquired about the uptake of the wood heater replacement program and was informed that there had been a progressive decline in the take-up rate for the replacement systems.87 Despite this the Committee was informed that in line with the aim of the program to reduce particulate matter in the air, air quality monitoring had shown:

...clear patterns of reductions in particulate pollutant loadings in our atmosphere.88

4.28 The Committee was informed that 1114 wood heaters had been removed since the program began and government rebates for people to replace their inefficient existing wood fired heaters with gas or electric heaters had been granted for thirty systems within the reporting period; with gas systems more popular.89

4.29 The Committee was also informed an annual education campaign on radio, in the period leading into winter, continued to raise awareness of the wood heater replacement program,

86 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 57. 87 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 18. 88 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 18. 89 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 18-19; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 2, received 23 March 2017; Answer

to Question Taken on Notice 3, received 23 March 2017.


with $18,808 being spent on advertising and promotion of the program in the reporting period.90

Recommendation 13 4.30 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government utilise a greater variety of media, in

addition to radio, to advertise the wood heater replacement program to the ACT community.

PARKS AND CONSERVATION

4.31 The Committee discussed the following matters with the Minister and directorate officials:

transfer of parks and conservation responsibilities from TAMS to EPD;91

reserve management plans;92

management and staffing;93

budget allocation;94

pest control program;95and

educational programs.96

PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT PLANS


reserve management plans;97

ACT CONSERVATOR OF FLORA AND FAUNA


dangerous trees;98

90 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 19-20; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 4, received 23 March 2017. 91 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 100-101. 92 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 101-102. 93 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 103; 104-105. 94 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 104. 95 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 105-108. 96 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 103. 97 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 101-102. 98 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 67.


tree removal and replacement on Northbourne Avenue;99and

investigations under the Nature Conservation Act.100

HERITAGE

4.34 The Committee discussed the following heritage issues;

Canberra Tracks;101

ACT Heritage Grants Program;102

Canberra and Region Heritage Festival;103

ACAT appeals;104and

the review of Heritage Act 2004;105

ACT HERITAGE COUNCIL

4.35 The Committee discussed the role and actions of the ACT Heritage Council in the following matters:

ACT Heritage Register backlog;106

heritage trees;107

conservation management plans;108

National Heritage List109

ACT Heritage Grants Program;110

Canberra and Region Heritage Festival;111and

ACAT appeals;112

99 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 69-73. 100 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 73-74. 101 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 89-94. 102 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 85-86. 103 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 96-99. 104 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 99. 105 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 94-95. 106 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 80-83. 107 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 83-85. 108 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 87-89. 109 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 99-100. 110 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 85-86. 111 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 96-99. 112 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 99.


ACT HERITAGE REGISTER BACKLOG

4.36 The Committee inquired about the slow progress in clearing the backlog of nominations to the ACT Heritage Register (the register) and the extensive amount of time some nominations to the register have been pending.113

4.37 The Committee were advised ACT Heritage was unable to easily provide data on the ‘oldest’ nomination to the register as these would include items nominated prior to the year 2000 and ACT Heritage do not have local access to the files concerned.

4.38 The Directorate also indicated that it is difficult to provide an estimate of the average length of time before a nomination in considered as the following factors impact upon the assessment and reassessment of its priorities for assessing nominated places and objects:

...resourcing, community expectations, and land development pressures and threat to a heritage place or object.114

4.39 Further to this the Committee were informed that under the Heritage Act 2004 (the Act) anyone in the community may make application for the ACT Heritage Council (the Council) to urgently assess a nomination. These urgent applications require a diversion of resources from the backlog of nominations as under the Act a decision needs to be made within 30 days for an individual place and 60 working days for a Precinct.115 It is also of note that applications can be made for the Council to cancel or amend an existing registration.116

4.40 The Committee were advised the Council under the auspices of ACT Heritage were the body that makes the final determination on which items (places and objects) from those nominated would be place on the register. The Council is supported by ACT Heritage staff allocated to the heritage assessment function.

4.41 The Committee made further inquiries into the time it would take to clear the backlog of 131 nominations.117 The Directorate indicated that significant work had been done on standardising the provision of advice to the Council and this had contributed to the reduction from 320 on the heritage nomination backlog in 2008 to the current level of 131. The Committee, however, were advised it was not possible to provide estimations on the timeframe for assessment of the list of nominations awaiting assessment as the nomination list was ‘dynamic’,118 with anyone at anytime able to nominate a place or object to the

113 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 80-81. 114 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 17, received 21 March 2017. 115 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 17; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 18, received 21 March 2017. 116 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 18, received 21 March 2017. 117 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 81-83. 118 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 18, received 21 March 2017.


register.119 It was also indicated nominations can be very straightforward, taking hours or days to assess; or very complex, taking many months to assess.

4.42 The Committee was further advised that the Council needs to balance its heritage assessment role with its other statutory and advisory requirements, including the provision of conservation advice regarding development proposals involving nominated heritage places.120

4.43 In response the Committee queried the staffing levels within ACT Heritage that have been assigned to deal with assessing nominations to the register.121 The Committee were advised current staffing levels within ACT Heritage were 11.34 FTE with 1.6 FTE allocated to heritage assessments.122

4.44 The Directorate indicated to the Committee the staff of ACT Heritage perform the following functions:

Administration of the provisions of the Act;123

Support to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage;124

Coordination of the annual Canberra and Region Heritage Festival;125

Coordination of the Canberra Tracks heritage interpretive signage;126

Administration of the annual funding of the ACT Heritage Grants Program;127 and

Secretariat function for the ACT Heritage Council – including delegations under the ACT in relation to the heritage registration process, Heritage Guidelines, providing advice about the effect of development on heritage significance and conservation management plans, restricted information and public consultation, including consultation with Representative Aboriginal Organisations (RAO).128

4.45 The Committee were also advised staff allocated to heritage assessments can also be diverted from these duties, when necessary, to handle appeals to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) and the Supreme Court on registration decisions.129

4.46 The Directorate indicated to the Committee they believed that they had adequate resources allocated to the heritage assessment function and it was the complexity of matters not the

119 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 18, received 21 March 2017. 120 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 17; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 18, received 21 March 2017. 121 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 82. 122 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 82; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 17, received 21 March 2017.; Answer to

Question Taken on Notice 19, received 21 March 2017. 123 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 19, received 21 March 2017. 124 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 19, received 21 March 2017. 125 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 19, received 21 March 2017. 126 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 19, received 21 March 2017. 127 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 19, received 21 March 2017. 128 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 19, received 21 March 2017. 129 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 82-83; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 17, received 21 March 2017.


amount of resources that were the issue when it came to clearing the backlog.130 It was indicated transferring some staff or gaining additional staff to clear the backlog was not considered necessary:

It is one of our options if we believed that that would be the limiting factor, but it is more around the complexity than the arms and legs.131

Recommendation 14 4.47 The Committee recommends the Minister for the Environment and Heritage report to the

Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on staffing levels within ACT Heritage and whether they are still adequate to meet statutory requirements under the Heritage Act 2004.

4.48 The Committee also expressed specific concern about the existence of a nomination to the register that was alleged to have been pending for 16 years.132 During the discussion it was proposed, by the Directorate, that this specific nomination related to Oaks Estate and was a:

...complex nomination in terms of the parties that are interested, the potential coverage of privately held land, publicly held land, public infrastructure, relationship to different elements of the history of the place, the heritage of Canberra and the region.133

4.49 The Committee then queried when some of the older nominations to the register would be progressed and was informed that:

The Heritage Council continues to give particular attention to some of the longer standing and more complex assessments.134

Recommendation 15 4.50 The Committee recommends the Minister for the Environment and Heritage examine why it

has taken 16 years to deliberate on the granting of a provisional listing on the ACT Heritage Register, such as is the case for Oaks Estate.

130 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 80; 82-83. 131 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 83. 132 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 80-81. 133 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 81. 134 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 81.


Recommendation 16 4.51 The Committee recommends the Minister for the Environment and Heritage report to the

Committee regarding the ACT Heritage Council decision on the provisional listing of Oaks Estate on the ACT Heritage Register as soon as practicable after that decision has been made.

COMMISSIONER FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

4.52 The Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment is a statutory office holder under the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment Act 1993 (the CSE Act). In accordance with the CSE Act, the Commissioner shall:

produce ‘State of the Environment’ reports for the ACT;

investigate complaints about the management of the environment by the Territory or a territory authority, and issues relating to ecologically sustainable development;

conduct investigations as directed by the Minister;

initiate investigations into action of an agency where those actions would have a substantial impact on the environment of the ACT; and

make recommendations for consideration by government. 135

4.53 The Committee discussed the following issues with the Commissioner:

environmental accounting and biophysical modelling framework;136

The State of the Environment Report;137

office structure, budget, staffing and expenditure matters;138

use of contractors;139

responses to community complaints;140

collaboration with similar offices in other jurisdictions;141and

measures to enhance the ACT’s role in addressing climate change and utilising renewable energy.142

135 Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment Annual Report 2015-16, p. 1. 136 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 31-32. 137 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 32-33. 138 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 33-35. 139 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 36. 140 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 36-38; 40. 141 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 38-39. 142 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, pp. 39-40.


4.54 The Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment indicated to the Committee that they would supply the Committee with a copy of the report on Experimental Ecosystem Accounts for the Central Highlands of Victoria 2016.143

143 Transcript of Evidence, 6 March 2017, p. 41. This report was received by the Committee on 15 March 2017.


5 TERRITORY AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES

DIRECTORATE

INTRODUCTION

5.1 The Territory and Municipal Services Directorate (TAMS) was replaced by the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate (TCCS) on 1 July 2016. All functions of TAMS, aside from Parks and Conservation Services and some land management functions, were brought together with the Capital Metro Authority (CMA) to form the new Directorate. During the reporting period the Directorate was responsible for the delivery of a range of services including:

Planning, building and maintaining roads, bridges, cycling and community paths and the streetlight network;

Public transport;

Public libraries;

Waste and recycling; and

Domestic animal control and welfare. 144

5.2 The Directorate also managed the following ACT Government businesses

Capital Linen Services;

ACT NOWaste; and

Yarralumla Nursery.145

and provided administrative oversight to the

ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board;

Animal Welfare Authority; and

ACT Public Cemeteries Authority.146

5.3 The Committee held a public hearing with Ms Meegan Fitzharris MLA, Minister for Transport and City Services on 9 March 2017.

5.4 The following issues were discussed by the Committee: 144 Territory and Municipal Services Annual Report 2015-2016—Volume 1, p. 2. 145 Territory and Municipal Services Annual Report 2015-2016—Volume 1, p. 2. 146 Territory and Municipal Services Annual Report 2015-2016—Volume 1, p. 2.


internal audit practices;147

suspected fraudulent activity;148

fraud awareness and prevention measures;149

active travel upgrades in Woden;150

pedestrian crossings;151

cycle network upgrades;152and

footpath repair.153

ROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT

ROADS ACT

5.5 The Committee heard evidence on the following issues:

Barton Highway Roundabout;154

duplication of feeder roads;155

road maintenance;156and

black spot program.157

BARTON HIGHWAY ROUNDABOUT

5.6 The Committee asked questions in relation to the construction and effectiveness of the new Barton Highway roundabout, with a particular focus on the use of traffic lights to improve the intersection. The Committee were informed during the planning phase consideration was given to the installation of traffic signals or the construction of a fly-over. The Committee was informed due to the geographical and physical constraints surrounding the site, the significant costs and infrastructure to overcome these constraints and the need for traffic signals in any

147 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 147-151. 148 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 147-152. 149 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 151-153. 150 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 153-155. 151 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 155. 152 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 155-156. 153 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 156-157. 154 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 138-141. 155 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 139-140. 156 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 141-147. 157 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 147.


flyover option, the signalisation of the intersection was seen as the most appropriate option.158

5.7 The Directorate indicated the reported success of signalising roundabouts in the United Kingdom and other areas of Australia was seemingly being reflected at the Barton Highway roundabout with anecdotal evidence suggesting the roundabout was working ‘extremely well’.159

5.8 The Committee noted the claim by the Directorate of a reduction in the number of collisions in the two months since the new traffic control measures had been installed at the roundabout. The Committee was advised that normally such a measure over a twelve-month period would be a more accurate reflection of the true situation, however they indicated there have been nine crashes since the changes to the intersection had been implemented compared to a average of fourteen over the same period in the last five years.160

Recommendation 17 5.9 The Committee recommends the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate report to

the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the crash statistics at the Barton Highway roundabout.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

5.10 The Committee discussed the following issues:

on-road cycle lanes;161

cycle routes and connectivity to town centres;162

conflict between cycle path users;163and

speed of cyclists.164

ACTION


158 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 138-139. 159 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 138-139. 160 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 140-414. 161 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 161. 162 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 159. 163 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 157-159. 164 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 160-161.


bus routes and timetabling;165

number of buses;166

bike racks on buses;167

disability access onto buses;168

impacts on frequency of service;169

climate control on buses;170

diesel fuel used by the ACTION fleet;171

MyWay card;172

proposed new ticketing system;173

advertising on ACTION buses;174

bus fleet replacement program;175

electric bus trials;176

NXTBUS;177

bus reliability;178and

Airport Bus.179

AIRPORT BUS

5.12 The Committee asked about plans to improve access to and from the airport terminal via the ACTION bus network. The Minster announced during the hearing that, following consultation with airport operators, a seven-day-a-week express bus route to and from the airport was to commence on 20 March 2017.

165 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 162-163; 169. 166 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 163-164. 167 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 164. 168 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 164. 169 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 164. 170 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 165; 170. 171 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 165-166. 172 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 172-175. 173 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 173-175. 174 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 179-181. 175 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 165; 171. 176 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 175-177. 177 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 177-179. 178 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 166; 171-172. 179 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 167-168.


Recommendation 18 5.13 The Committee recommends the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate report to

the Committee during its 2016-17 annual report hearings on the implementation, patronage and reliability of the Airport bus route.

ELECTRIC BUS TRIALS

5.14 The Committee inquired about the progress of the electric bus trial and were informed that following the announcement of the trial in 2016, negotiations had taken place with the selected supplier to supply electric buses to Transport Canberra within the year. Due to manufacturing issues and a small Australian market, the Committee was informed this had not occurred.180

5.15 The Committee has been informed a revised Request for Proposal (RFP) was released on 30 March 2017. Following market responses the Committee has been advised that revised dates for the trial and delivery of the buses will be forthcoming.181

Recommendation 19 5.16 The Committee recommends the ACT Government update the Assembly on the acquisition

of the electric buses, the estimated date for delivery of the buses and commencement date of the on-road component of the electric bus trial.

LAND MANAGEMENT


Evatt shops upgrade;182 and

tree management183

EVATT SHOPS UPGRADE

5.18 The Committee asked about the recent upgrades to the Evatt shops, which had involved a community consultation process to ascertain the needs of patrons. During this process

180 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 175-176. 181 Answer to Question on Notice 17, received 10 April 2017. 182 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 192. 183 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 195-196.


concerns about the path leading from the medical centre to the main shops being obstructed by cars had been raised, particularly as an issue for those with mobility issues.184

5.19 The Committee highlighted that work done as part of the upgrade had not addressed concerns regarding the path from the medical centre to the main shops.185 In response the Committee were informed certain works at the Evatt shops had been prioritised above other work and whilst some new accessible paths had been constructed the path outside the medical centre was to be included in a future upgrade program.186

Recommendation 20 5.20 The Committee recommends the ACT Government continue to conduct community

consultation processes on the priority needs in local shopping precincts.

Recommendation 21 5.21 The Committee recommends the ACT Government fast-track upgrades to facilities in local

shopping precincts where safety concerns have been identified, and that these shopping centres and the required updates be identified and be given an indicative prioritisation.

WASTE AND RECYCLING

5.22 The Committee discussed the following issues about ACT NOWaste and resource management centres:

waste feasibility study;187

emission reductions from waste;188

recycling strategies and campaigns;189

solar bin trial;190

green waste bin trial;191

184 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 192. 185 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 192. 186 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 18, 187 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 181-183. 188 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 183. 189 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 185. 190 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 184-185. 191 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 187-198.


organic waste;192

odour issues affecting Tuggeranong;193

Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre capacity;194and

shopping trolleys.195

SOLAR BIN TRIAL

5.23 The Committee inquired about the progress of the solar bin trial and was informed the trial had only recently commenced.196

5.24 The Committee was advised the trial, albeit small, was aimed as ascertaining if the solar bins work and how effective they are. Consequently a variety of target areas were selected incorporating Campbell 5, Southquay, the Kingston Foreshore and Molonglo Valley.197

5.25 The Committee was also advised the waste in the solar bins compacts to approximately 320 litres and a sensor on the bins informs the trucks when the bin is full and ready to be collected.198 It was stated:

The key success for us will be how infrequently or frequently we need to empty the bins.199

5.26 Upon further questioning on costs, it was revealed by the Directorate that the supply and installation of the bins had been funded by the Land Development Agency and the total cost of the trial, as of 28 February 2017, was $24,254.40.200

Recommendation 22 5.27 The Committee recommends the ACT Government regularly updates the Assembly on the

progress and outcomes of the solar bin trial.

192 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 190-191. 193 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 185-187. 194 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 185-187. 195 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 192-193. 196 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 184. 197 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 184-185. 198 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 184-185; Answer to Question Taken on Notice 15. 199 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 184. 200 Answer to Question Taken on Notice 15.


REGULATORY SERVICES

5.28 The Committee heard evidence on the following issues:

domestic animal services;201and

dog attacks.202

DOG ATTACKS

5.29 The Committee expressed significant concerns about the number of dog attacks during the reporting period. Noting the number of dog attacks correlated to nearly one a day, the Committee sought advice from the Minister as to whether this was too many and whether it was seen as a public health issue.203

5.30 The Minister expressed her concern at the number of attacks and informed the Committee efforts were being made in terms of encouraging responsible pet ownership including the development of a draft animal welfare strategy,

5.31 The Committee was also advised of changes to the Domestic Animals Act 2000 which now differentiate between serious dog attacks and harassment incidents204 and of improvements to the domestic animal services database which will try and identify where dog-on-dog attacks are occurring, how they can be targeted and what education measures can be taken.205

5.32 The Committee was informed following a dog attack incident, the dog or dogs are seized, and an investigation is initiated. On completion of the investigation a declaration is made about whether the dog(s) are dangerous or otherwise. If the dog is declared to be a dangerous dog and the owner wants to keep the dog, a dangerous dog licence may be issued to the owner of the dog.206

Recommendation 23 5.33 The Committee recommends the ACT Government examine as a priority, the evaluation of

recent dog attacks and the methodology in place to declare a specific dog as a dangerous dog.

201 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 193-195. 202 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 193-195. 203 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 193-194. 204 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 194. 205 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 194-195. 206 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 195.


Recommendation 24 5.34 The Committee recommends the ACT Government continue to examine options that could be

implemented to reduce the instances of dog-on-person and dog-on-dog attacks.

YARRALUMLA NURSERY


replacement trees for Northbourne Avenue;207

free plant issue scheme;208and

refurbishment of the Yarralumla Nursery.209

ACT PUBLIC CEMETERIES AUTHORITY


Woden Cemetery expansion;210 and

Southern memorial park.211

207 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 198-199. 208 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 198. 209 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 198-199. 210 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 196-197. 211 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 197-198.


6 CAPITAL METRO AGENCY 6.1 Capital Metro Agency (CMA) was established on 1 July 2013. Following the establishment of

new administrative arrangements the CMA ceased as of 1 July 2016 and was incorporated into the newly established Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate.

6.2 During the reporting period the CMA’s mission was to manage all aspects of the ongoing planning, design and delivery of the Capital Metro project, being Stage One of the Light Rail Network for the Territory.212

6.3 The Committee held a public hearing with Ms Meegan Fitzharris MLA, Minister for Transport and City Services on 9 March 2017.


construction activity and workforce numbers;213

Mitchell depot;214

personnel contract arrangements;215

personnel selection/appointments;216

tree removal and re-use;217

public–private partnership arrangement;218

independent certifier;219

community engagement and consultation;220

Canberra Business Link program;221

restructure and merger of TAMS and CMA;222

compliance with local Industry participation policy;223

collaboration with ADFA/UNSW civil engineering program;224

212 Capital Metro Annual Report 2015-2016, p.8. 213 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 211-213. 214 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 212. 215 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 207-211; 219-221. 216 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 206-207; 218-220. 217 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, p. 225. 218 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 200-201. 219 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 201-202. 220 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 202-203; 205; 213. 221 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 203-205. 222 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 205-206. 223 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 214-215. 224 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 214-215.


extension to Woden and Tuggeranong town centres;225

infrastructure sustainability measures/rating;226and

incident reporting and safety measures227

COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION POLICY

6.5 The Committee inquired about the Capital Metro project’s compliance with the ACT Government local industry participation policy and what percentage of the local workforce was involved in work on the Canberra Metro project during Stage One.

6.6 The Committee was advised the current figure was 82% which exceeds the ACT Government target of 70%. The Committee was also advised that although the figures had and would continue to fluctuate, the project had never been under the 70% target in relation to this measure.228

Recommendation 25 6.7 The Committee recommends, in support of the ACT Government’s policy on local

participation in the workforce, the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate include the percentage of local employees working for Canberra Metro in future annual reports.

225 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 216-218. 226 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 222-223. 227 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 223-224. 228 Transcript of Evidence, 9 March 2017, pp. 214-215.


7 CONCLUSION 7.1 The Committee has made 25 recommendations in this report relating to a broad range of

areas.

7.2 The Committee would like to thank ACT Government Ministers and directorate officials for their contribution to this inquiry.

Suzanne Orr MLA

Chair

4 May 2017


Appendix A QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE AND QUESTIONS ON

NOTICE

QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE 6 MARCH 2017 No. Hearing

Date Asked by Directorate Subject Transcript

Page No. Answer date

1 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Charging stations at Calwell Shopping Centre

14 24 March 2017

1a 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD How many directorates have met or exceeded reduction target of 3.2 per cent of electricity usage

10 23 March 2017

2 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Number of Wood Heaters in use and take up of replacement systems

18 23 March 2017

3 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD How many households have taken up the $600 subsidy for fixed gas systems

19 23 March 2017

4 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Percentage of budget/ monies spent on informing and advertising the wood heater to gas program.

20 23 March 2017

5 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Savings on Administration Costs for EE Low Income Program by going from Multiple Providers to St Vincent de Paul

23 23 March 2017

6 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD How many people are being assessed and how many people from those assessed are being recommended for EE Low Income Program

23 23 March 2017

7 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Uptake figures for hybrid cars

25 23 March 2017

8 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Cost to developers of high rise residential developments to install charging stations for electric cars

26 23 March 2017


No. Hearing Date

Asked by Directorate Subject Transcript Page No.

Answer date

9 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Education of small business and what percentage of small businesses as per the full number of businesses are eligible for ACTsmart program

29 23 March 2017

10 6 March 2017

Doszpot CSE Total budget allocated for office and breakdown of budget for project work

34 10 March 2017

11 6 March 2017

Doszpot CMTEDD (EPA)

How many people by classification employed in EPA

50 15 March 2017

12 6 March 2017

Parton EPSDD Cost of installing fencing to stop kangaroos getting on major roads near bush trails

63 21 March 2017

13 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Cost to remove trees and replace with other trees on Northbourne Avenue

71 21 March 2017

14 6 March 2017

Cheyne EPSDD Removal of carcass from nature park

74 21 March 2017

15 6 March 2017

Parton EPSDD Testing of soils and sand brought into the ACT for African Love Grass

74 21 March 2017

16 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD When FOY first engaged with Directorate re: their proposal

76 21 March 2017

17 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Heritage listing nomination statistics

80 21 March 2017

18 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Time required to clear backlog of heritage assessments

81 21 March 2017

19 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD Additional staffing and resources available/needed to clear backlog of heritage assessments

83 21 March 2017

20 6 March 2017

Cheyne EPSDD Savings having Canberra Tracks brochure as an app

90 21 March 2017

21 6 March 2017

Doszpot EPSDD How many surveys were returned during heritage festival; how is the survey conducted; and how are results reached

98 21 March 2017

22 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Rabbit Eradication Numbers

107 21 March 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

23 6 March 2017

Parton CMTEDD (S&R)

How many international cricket evens were held over the 15/16 summer, the costs involved and how were they funded

111 21 March 2017

24 6 March 2017

Cheyne CMTEDD (S&R)

What ovals/sportsgrounds have the most demand for use

114 21 March 2017

25 6 March 2017

Milligan CMTEDD (S&R)

The number of hectares of sportsgrounds using non-potable water and the costs compared to using potable water in the same areas

114 23 March 2017

26 6 March 2017

Doszpot CMTEDD (S&R)

How many ovals that were turned off have been turned back on and where are they

117 23 March 2017

27 6 March 2017


What are the intentions for the ovals that have not been turned back on yet and where are they

118 23 March 2017

28 6 March 2017


What is the zoning of the urban space opposite Lyons shops – has the status of the ground undergone any zoning changes

119 23 March 2017

29 Parton Parton CMTEDD (S&R)

What was the international sporting event funding used for

120 21 March 2017

30 6 March 2017


Query regarding the figures in expenditure section (p92) under ‘other expenses’

126 17 March 2017

31 6 March 2017


Cost to wind up ACSRA 128 23 March 2017

32 6 March 2017


Current status of Boomanulla Oval and proposal by Winnunga

128 23 March 2017

33 6 March 2017


Break-down of ATSI staffing in Directorate and if targets being met.

132 21 March 2017


QUESTIONS ON NOTICE 6 MARCH 2017 No. Hearing

Date Asked by Directorate Subject Transcri

pt Page No.

Answer date

1 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Kangaroo Fertility Program

n/a 6 April 2017

2 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD FOY Proposal for a plastics to fuel plant at Hume - Facility

n/a 30 March 2017

3 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD FOY Proposal for a plastics to fuel plant at Hume –Legislative Obligations and Consultation

n/a 30 March 2017

4 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD FOY Proposal for a plastics to fuel plant at Hume – Carbon footprint implications

n/a 30 March 2017

5 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD FOY Proposal for a plastics to fuel plant at Hume – Comparisons with Berkley Vale

n/a 30 March 2017

6 6 March 2017

Lee EPA Water Resources - Bores n/a 28 March 2017

7 6 March 2017

Lee EPA Complaints to EPA n/a 28 March 2017

8 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD ACTSmart Home Energy Advice and Assessment Services

n/a 29 March 2017

9 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Staffing Levels – Sustainability and Climate Change Division

n/a 29 March 2017

10 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Commercial Pine Plantation Estate

n/a 30 March 2017

11 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Fraud Prevention – Review and Action Items

n/a 30 March 2017

12 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD Engagement of External Consultants

n/a

13 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD FOY Proposal for a plastics to fuel plant at Hume – regulatory powers to ensure fuel not stored on site if project goes ahead

n/a 30 March 2017

14 6 March 2017

Lee EPSDD FOY Proposal for a plastics to fuel plant at Hume – Strategic Indicators p 41 Annual Report

n/a 30 March 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

15 6 March 2017

Le Couteur

EPSDD Funding for Local Catchment Groups

n/a 30 March 2017

16 6 March 2017

Le Couteur

EPSDD Pest Animals Declaration – Indian Myna

n/a 30 March 2017

17 6 March 2017

Le Couteur

EPSDD ACT Noise Zone Standards – Aircraft and Flight Paths

n/a 30 March 2017


QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE 9 MARCH 2017 No. Hearing



1 9 March 2017

Parton TCCS Cost of works related to 2015-16 Black Spot program

147 23 March 2017

2 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Details regarding future action regarding the staff member that was forced to leave the Directorate for disciplinary reasons

152 23 March 2017

3 9 March 2017

Parton TCCS Numbers in the Directorate who have participated in education/training on fraud and ethics awareness

153 23 March 2017

4 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (ACTION)

Frequency of data updates on ACTION dashboard and when last one was done

163 28 March 2017

5 9 March 2017

Parton TCCS (ACTION)

Impacts of different diesel grades and appropriateness for use in newer and older buses

165 29 March 2017

6 9 March 2017

Parton TCCS (ACTION)

What diesel grade FOY will be producing and appropriateness for use in ACTION buses

166 29 March 2017

7 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (ACTION)

Reliability and the cost to maintain Dennis-Dart buses (used on City Loop)

166 28 March 2017

8 9 March 2017

Cheyne TCCS (ACTION)

What is the frequency of breakdowns per week

171 29 March 2017

9 9 March 2017

Cheyne TCCS (ACTION)

What are the nature of the breakdowns – by bus type

171 29 March 2017

10 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS (ACTION)

Cost of, and cost to implement current My Way card system and when it was implemented

174 28 March 2017

11 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS (ACTION)

Clarification of NXTBUS system, particularly the distinction between SMS and Online; live and scheduled

179 28 March 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

12 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS (ACTION)

Policy re: advertising on buses and what is and isn’t allowed

180 29 March 2017

13 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (ACTION)

Policy around advertising of junk food on buses, particularly as to what happens if a junk food organisation doesn’t actually show their food, can they still advertise?

180 29 March 2017

14 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (ACTION)

Number of times an advertising agency has come with a proposal for advertising skin for a bus that has needed to be changed

180 29 March 2017

15 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (ACT NoWaste)

Solar Bin Trial - Cost of trial; Comparison with cost collection of bins currently; increased capacity of compacted waste using green bin

184 28 March 2017

16 9 March 2017

Parton TCCS (ACT NoWaste)

Number of complaints re: bad smell in Tuggeranong believed to originate from Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre

187 28 March 2017

17 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (ACT NoWaste)

Green Waste Bin Trial – Cost efficiencies in newer suburbs with less usage

190 30 March 2017

18 9 March 2017

Orr TCCS Why has the footpath obstructions at Evatt shops not been addressed as part of the upgrade to Evatt shops

192 28 March 2017

19 9 March 2017

Cheyne TCCS Number of trolleys impounded that are collected by business owner

193 28 March 2017

20 9 March 2017

Parton TCCS (CMA) Breakdown of community engagement costs as per footnote (c) on p 65 of annual report

205 28 March 2017

21 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (CMA) Light rail government contractor arrangements re: accommodation

208 28 March 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

22 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (CMA) Contract/subcontract/procurement arrangements with landlords for the contractor accommodation and whether they satisfy procurement rules/law

210 10 April 2017

23 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (CMA) For how many of the 14 consultants has the ACT Government taken out a lease on a property?

211 28 March 2017

24 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (CMA) How many leases has the ACT Government taken out under similar arrangements for people working on Capital Metro.

219 28 March 2017

25 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (CMA) How many of the consultants are fly-in, fly-out

220 28 March 2017

26 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS (CMA) For consultants traversing from other locations - can you please provide the amount that they are paid and perhaps an annualised amount, if it is not clear. What accommodation expenses they are entitled to, and in what form, and also what travel arrangements they have got in their contracts as to perhaps the class and the expense and how many flights they are taking, and any other relevant allowances.

220 29 March 2017

27 9 March 2017

Cheyne TCCS (CMA) Details of the Accident/Incident report that was logged – as per Annual report p27

223 28 March 2017


QUESTIONS ON NOTICE 9 MARCH 2017 No. Hearing



1 9 March 2017

Kikkert TCCS Copland Drive Upgrade n/a 10 April 2017

2 9 March 2017

Lee TCCS Waste and Recycling n/a 10 April 2017

3 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Waste and Recycling – Waste Management Strategy

n/a 3 April 2017

4 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Waste and Recycling – Organic Waste Recovery

n/a 3 April 2017

5 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Waste and Recycling - Waste Streams

n/a 3 April 2017

6 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Waste and Recycling – Completion of Waste Feasibility Study

n/a 3 April 2017

7 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Land Management – Public Spaces

n/a 3 April 2017

8 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Land Management – Nature Strip Guidelines

n/a 10 April 2017

9 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Roads and Sustainable Transport – Active Travel

n/a 10 April 2017

10 9 March 2017

Le Couteur

TCCS Public Transport - ACTION n/a 10 April 2017

11 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Airport services feedback

n/a 10 April 2017

12 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Airport services n/a 19 April 2017

13 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Bus booking n/a 10 April 2017

14 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION - Bus fleet n/a 28 April 2017

15 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Data collection and access

n/a 19 April 2017

16 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Dickson bus station

n/a 28 April 2017

17 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Electric bus trial n/a 10 April 2017

18 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Free travel to events

n/a 10 April 2017

19 9 March 2017

Coe Redirected to EDT 24/3

ACTION – Free Wi-fi trial n/a n/a

20 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Gunghalin bus station

n/a 10 April 2017

21 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – MyWay n/a 10 April 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

22 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Performance targets

n/a 21 April 2017

23 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Revenue and expenditure

n/a 19 April 2017

24 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Transport Canberra branding

n/a

25 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Weston Line n/a 3 April 2017

26 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Wheelchair accessibility and bike racks

n/a 10 April 2017

27 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Woden bus station

n/a 19 April 2017

28 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS ACTION – Woden depot n/a 19 April 2017

29 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Administrative restructuring

n/a 10 April 2017

30 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Animal Welfare Authority - RSPCA

n/a 3 April 2017

31 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Additional road construction

n/a 10 April 2017

32 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Canberra Metro rent

n/a 3 April 2017

33 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Community engagement

n/a 10 April 2017

34 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Compensation to failed bid

n/a 3 April 2017

35 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Consultant accommodation and travel costs

n/a 21 April 2017

36 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro - Employees n/a 10 April 2017

37 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – External contract costs reclassified

n/a 10 April 2017

38 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Fence banners

n/a 3 April 2017

39 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Independent Certifier

n/a 10 April 2017

40 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Renewable energy

n/a 10 April 2017

41 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Renewable resources

n/a 3 April 2017

42 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Roles of consultants

n/a 21 April 2017

43 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Specific consultant costs

n/a 3 April 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

44 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Stage 2 Report and Study

n/a 3 April 2017

45 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Total paid to Canberra Metro

n/a 3 April 2017

46 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Capital Metro – Unadvertised positions

n/a 10 April 2017

47 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Care share trial n/a 10 April 2017

48 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Executive staff n/a 10 April 2017

49 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS External consultants n/a

50 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Fraud n/a 3 April 2017

51 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Income n/a 3 April 2017

52 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management - Barbeques

n/a 3 April 2017

53 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Complaints and tree management

n/a 28 April 2017

54 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management - Graffiti

n/a 10 April 2017

55 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Mowing map

n/a 3 April 2017

56 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Projects over budget

n/a 3 April 2017

57 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Sharps collection

n/a 3 April 2017

58 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Shopping centres

n/a 3 April 2017

59 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Tree assessments

n/a 10 April 2017

60 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Tree management

n/a 10 April 2017

61 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Land Management – Yarralumla Nursery

n/a 3 April 2017

62 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Australian Road Research Board

n/a 3 April 2017

63 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Copland Drive n/a 10 April 2017

64 9 March 2017

Coe Redirected to JACS

23/3

Roads – Cycling distance n/a n/a

65 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads - Cyclists n/a 10 April 2017

66 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Eco-friendly materials

n/a 19 April 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

67 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Footpath maintenance

n/a 19 April 2017

68 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Fraud awareness training

n/a 10 April 2017

69 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Resealing blitz n/a 10 April 2017

70 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Road maintenance and cycling lanes

n/a 19 April 2017

71 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Road maintenance and Fix My Street

n/a 10 April 2017

72 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Road maintenance schedule

n/a 10 April 2017

73 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Roads – Street lights n/a 10 April 2017

74 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Sustainable Transport – Age friendly travel improvements

n/a 19 April 2017

75 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Sustainable Transport – Community paths

n/a 19 April 2017

76 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS TAMS Employee Assistance Scheme

n/a 10 April 2017

77 9 March 2017

Coe TCCS Workplace accidents n/a 3 April 2017

78 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Waste and Recycling – Per capita costs of waste collection

n/a 3 April 2017

79 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Waste and Recycling – Mattress Recycling Project

n/a 3 April 2017

80 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Waste and Recycling - Get Psyched About Recycling Campaign

n/a 10 April 2017

81 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Waste and Recycling – contract costs for recycling services

n/a 3 April 2017

82 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Waste and Recycling – container deposit scheme

n/a 10 April 2017

83 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS (ACT Veterinary Surgeons

Board)

ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board - Reviews

n/a 10 April 2017

84 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board - Complaints

n/a 10 April 2017

85 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Waste and Recycling – Waste Recovery rate and Asbestos Eradication Program

n/a 3 April 2017


No. Hearing Date


Answer date

86 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Waste and Recycling – Bulky Waste Collection Service

n/a 10 April 2017

87 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Regulatory Services – Increase in Submissions for estate development plans

n/a 10 April 2017

88 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Regulatory Services –Charity Collection Bins

n/a 10 April 2017

89 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Regulatory Services – Abandoned Vehicles

n/a 10 April 2017

90 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Information Services – Visiting and Borrowing Targets - Library

n/a 10 April 2017

91 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Information Services – Heritage Library

n/a 19 April 2017

92 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Information Services – Electronic Resources at Libraries

n/a 10 April 2017

93 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Capital Linen Service – Rostering and Costing tool

n/a 10 April 2017

94 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Capital Linen Service – Ordering and billing system

n/a 3 April 2017

95 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Capital Linen Service – Higher expenses

n/a 3 April 2017

96 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Artworks n/a 10 April 2017

97 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS Regulatory Services – Streetscape guideline

n/a 10 April 2017

98 9 March 2017

Doszpot TCCS (ACT Cemeteries Authority)

ACT Public Cemeteries Authority Board

n/a 3 April 2017

99 9 March 2017


Natural Burials n/a 3 April 2017

100 9 March 2017


Woden Cemetery n/a 10 April 2017


Appendix B WITNESSES

MONDAY 6 MARCH 2017

ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING DIRECTORATE (CLIMATE CHANGE AND

SUSTAINABILITY) Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability

Ms Dorte Ekelund, Director-General, EPSDD

Mr Gary Spencer, Acting Director, Financial and Operational Support, EPSDD

Mr Stephen Bygrave, Executive Director, Sustainability and Climate Change, EPSDD

Mr Jon Sibley, Director, Energy and Waste Policy, EPSDD

Mr Antonio Mozqueira, Manager, Climate Change Policy, EPSDD

Ms Ros Malouf, Senior Manager, Sustainability Programs, EPSDD

COMMISSIONER FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Dr Kate Auty, Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the

Environment

Ms Becky Smith, Senior Manager, Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment

ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING DIRECTORATE (ENVIRONMENT AND

HERITAGE) Mr Mick Gentleman MLA, Minister for Environment and Heritage

Mr Gary Rake, Deputy Director-General, EPSDD

Ms Annie Lane, Executive Director, Environment, EPSDD

Mr Gary Spencer, Acting Director, Financial and Operational Support, EPSDD

Mr Matthew Kendall, Executive Manager, Catchment and Water Policy, EPSDD

Mr Daniel Iglesias, Director, ACT Parks and Conservation Services, EPSDD

Mr Tony Carmichael, Executive Director, Strategic Planning, EPSDD

Ms Fiona Moore, Manager, Heritage, EPSDD


CHIEF MINISTER Mr Gordon Ramsay MLA, Minister for Regulatory Services

Mr Greg Jones, Director, Construction, Environment and Workplace Protection, Access Canberra, CMTEDD

Ms Leesha Pitt, Director, Licensing & Registrations, Access Canberra, CMTEDD

Mr Dave Peffer, Deputy Director- General, Access Canberra, CMTEDD

Rodney Dix, Manager, Environment Regulation and Protection, CMTEDD

CHIEF MINISTER Ms Yvette Berry MLA, Minister for Sport and Recreation

David Dawes, Executive Director, Economic Development – CMTEDD-ED

Jenny Priest, Director, Active Canberra – CMTEDD-ED

Rebecca Kelley, Deputy Director, Active Canberra – CMTEDD-ED

THURSDAY 9 MARCH 2017

TERRITORY AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE Ms Meegan Fitzharris MLA, Minister for Transport and City Services

Ben Ponton, A/g Director-General, TCCS

Jim Corrigan, Deputy Director-General, City Services, TCCS

Duncan Edghill, Deputy Director-General, Transport Canberra, TCCS

Cherie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer, TCCS

Fleur Flanery, A/g Executive Director, Infrastructure, Planning and Operations, City Services, TCCS

Ken Marshall, Director, Roads ACT, City Services, TCCS

Ben McHugh, Director, Capital Works, City Services, TCCS

Michael Trushell, Director, ACT NOWaste, City Services, TCCS

Chris Ware, Director, Yarralumla Nursery, City Services, TCCS

Gordon Elliott, Chief Financial Officer, TCCS

Ian McGlinn, Public Transport Operations, Transport Canberra, TCCS

Hamish Horne, Chief Executive Officer, ACT Cemeteries Authority

Stephen Bartos, ACT Cemeteries Authority

CAPITAL METRO AGENCY Ms Meegan Fitzharris MLA, Minister for Transport and City Services


Ben Ponton, A/g Director-General, TCCS

Duncan Edghill, Deputy Director-General, Transport Canberra, TCCS

Cherie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer, TCCS

Gordon Elliott, Chief Financial Officer, TCCS

Steven Sancbergs, Director, Engineering, Light Rail, Transport Canberra, TCCS

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