Interesting sign placement in Charnwood

JC said :

Matt_Watts said :

I have even conceded the benefits of Labor’s policy regarding the tripling of rates in order to remove stamp duty in my defence of the Liberals’ policy. From my perspective, the benefits of the proposed reform are outweighed by the negatives, but I’m not a run-of-the-mill major party candidate who will throw a slogan at you.

Having said that, I think some people are being a bit harsh on the other candidates. I’ve met a whole bunch, and they’re in it for what they reckon is the best for their community.

I have been advised I don’t have to respond to every post; I could have ignored this one, for example, yet I figure the more people know about me the better. I will fight for what I believe in, including myself. That might make me appear petty, but equally there is no excuse for any Rioters not knowing enough about me before they vote.

Nothing wrong with fighting for yourself, in fact in another post I wished you luck in getting in, just not getting into government. I think some fresh blood at the Libs (and Labor for that matter) is certainly needed. Although I have made it quite clear that in itself is not enough for me to vote for a change of government. In fact Matt when I voted at Pilgrim house the other day you were my 6th and last choice so see I voted for a Liberal, and that was based on you having the goolies to come here, even if you are mostly peddling the party lies and lines.

Matt_Watts said :

As for the topic at hand, I’ve simply not seen the finalised traffic plan for the sites. I’ve seen a study, but these things change all the time (as experience with the Belconnen Community Council has taught me).

I stand by my view the main exit for the Charnwood emergency services site is further away from the school than the current one; the plans I have show the exit on Ginninderra Drive. If there’s information out there which conflicts with that view, please send me the link.

The traffic report was part of the DA. You are correct that the exit is onto Gininderra drive, however will point out that is the first time the word EXIT has been used. Look at my posts and I was quite clearly talking about the entrance (remembering what leaves must also return) and I also said it depended upon how you measured it. So well and truly up for interpretation.

Matt_Watts said :

Not a single person has come up to me when I’ve been at Charnwood shops to complain about the emergency services relocation. Conversely, a lot of people have been telling me they’re worried about the new site in Aranda.

So in summary I believe moving emergency services closer to the school in Aranda is bad, and I believe moving the emergency services around the corner at Charnwood is good. Not about NIMBYism or populism, just what’s best for the community in my opinion, based on what residents have told me.

I have no doubt some in Aranda are concerned, though clearly not concerned enough to put in a comment. However reading the Chronicle and the responses to the variation etc most of the concerns in my opinion are baseless and pure NIMBYism and it is my charge that your concern is not about the proposal but getting a few votes from said NIMBY.

Thanks JC!

Matt_Watts said :

I have even conceded the benefits of Labor’s policy regarding the tripling of rates in order to remove stamp duty in my defence of the Liberals’ policy. From my perspective, the benefits of the proposed reform are outweighed by the negatives, but I’m not a run-of-the-mill major party candidate who will throw a slogan at you.

Having said that, I think some people are being a bit harsh on the other candidates. I’ve met a whole bunch, and they’re in it for what they reckon is the best for their community.

I have been advised I don’t have to respond to every post; I could have ignored this one, for example, yet I figure the more people know about me the better. I will fight for what I believe in, including myself. That might make me appear petty, but equally there is no excuse for any Rioters not knowing enough about me before they vote.

Nothing wrong with fighting for yourself, in fact in another post I wished you luck in getting in, just not getting into government. I think some fresh blood at the Libs (and Labor for that matter) is certainly needed. Although I have made it quite clear that in itself is not enough for me to vote for a change of government. In fact Matt when I voted at Pilgrim house the other day you were my 6th and last choice so see I voted for a Liberal, and that was based on you having the goolies to come here, even if you are mostly peddling the party lies and lines.

Matt_Watts said :

As for the topic at hand, I’ve simply not seen the finalised traffic plan for the sites. I’ve seen a study, but these things change all the time (as experience with the Belconnen Community Council has taught me).

I stand by my view the main exit for the Charnwood emergency services site is further away from the school than the current one; the plans I have show the exit on Ginninderra Drive. If there’s information out there which conflicts with that view, please send me the link.

The traffic report was part of the DA. You are correct that the exit is onto Gininderra drive, however will point out that is the first time the word EXIT has been used. Look at my posts and I was quite clearly talking about the entrance (remembering what leaves must also return) and I also said it depended upon how you measured it. So well and truly up for interpretation.

Matt_Watts said :

Not a single person has come up to me when I’ve been at Charnwood shops to complain about the emergency services relocation. Conversely, a lot of people have been telling me they’re worried about the new site in Aranda.

So in summary I believe moving emergency services closer to the school in Aranda is bad, and I believe moving the emergency services around the corner at Charnwood is good. Not about NIMBYism or populism, just what’s best for the community in my opinion, based on what residents have told me.

I have no doubt some in Aranda are concerned, though clearly not concerned enough to put in a comment. However reading the Chronicle and the responses to the variation etc most of the concerns in my opinion are baseless and pure NIMBYism and it is my charge that your concern is not about the proposal but getting a few votes from said NIMBY.

DrKoresh said :

JC said :

PS I voted liberal at the ACT elections in 1998 election. I quite liked Harold Hird, especially as it was he, as the then local member for Fraser helped my mum secure housing when we came to Canberra in 1978. Of course he didn’t get re-elected that year.

I also voted liberal in the 1995 NSW state election when I lived in Sydney as I didn’t mind John Fahey.

Since then I haven’t found much reason to vote Liberal, and as I’ve been saying the ACT Libs (and also Federally under Abott) typify everything I dislike in politicians. For the past 4 years all I’ve heard is whinging and whining without one word as to how you would do anything differently.

That’s what I want to hear not how bad YOU think the government has managed this or managed that.

I was also none too impressed with your colleague Alistar Coe earlier in the year when I sent him an email about his whinge about dead running on ACTION buses, pointing out that dead running was about 50km per bus per day and asked how he would reduce that. The email was very polite but alas I didn’t receive a response. Compare that to an email I sent to Simon Corbell about the inappropriate use of fog lights where I received a response within 3 days.

You can call that bias if you like, but when you lot don’t get in to power, just remember that there are voters such as myself who may well vote Liberal if only you would actually show us reason to vote for you. The fact YOU think the current government is shit isn’t reason enough for me to vote for you instead.

+1!

Mr. Watts seemed like a decent fellow when he introduced himself here on RA, but his subsequent comments and behaviour are showing him to be a petty, gormless bore like the rest of the rats in this year’s race.

I can’t help it you reckon I’m gormless, although I don’t think you’ll find many candidates in this election saying they believe in drug law reform, we should look at euthanasia and there should be equality under law for hetero and non-hetero relationships. (They’re all impacted by federal laws, so I’m not campaigning on those issues, but I’m using them as an example of my openness.)

I have even conceded the benefits of Labor’s policy regarding the tripling of rates in order to remove stamp duty in my defence of the Liberals’ policy. From my perspective, the benefits of the proposed reform are outweighed by the negatives, but I’m not a run-of-the-mill major party candidate who will throw a slogan at you.

Having said that, I think some people are being a bit harsh on the other candidates. I’ve met a whole bunch, and they’re in it for what they reckon is the best for their community.

I have been advised I don’t have to respond to every post; I could have ignored this one, for example, yet I figure the more people know about me the better. I will fight for what I believe in, including myself. That might make me appear petty, but equally there is no excuse for any Rioters not knowing enough about me before they vote.

As for the topic at hand, I’ve simply not seen the finalised traffic plan for the sites. I’ve seen a study, but these things change all the time (as experience with the Belconnen Community Council has taught me).

I stand by my view the main exit for the Charnwood emergency services site is further away from the school than the current one; the plans I have show the exit on Ginninderra Drive. If there’s information out there which conflicts with that view, please send me the link.

Not a single person has come up to me when I’ve been at Charnwood shops to complain about the emergency services relocation. Conversely, a lot of people have been telling me they’re worried about the new site in Aranda.

So in summary I believe moving emergency services closer to the school in Aranda is bad, and I believe moving the emergency services around the corner at Charnwood is good. Not about NIMBYism or populism, just what’s best for the community in my opinion, based on what residents have told me.

JC said :

PS I voted liberal at the ACT elections in 1998 election. I quite liked Harold Hird, especially as it was he, as the then local member for Fraser helped my mum secure housing when we came to Canberra in 1978. Of course he didn’t get re-elected that year.

I also voted liberal in the 1995 NSW state election when I lived in Sydney as I didn’t mind John Fahey.

Since then I haven’t found much reason to vote Liberal, and as I’ve been saying the ACT Libs (and also Federally under Abott) typify everything I dislike in politicians. For the past 4 years all I’ve heard is whinging and whining without one word as to how you would do anything differently.

That’s what I want to hear not how bad YOU think the government has managed this or managed that.

I was also none too impressed with your colleague Alistar Coe earlier in the year when I sent him an email about his whinge about dead running on ACTION buses, pointing out that dead running was about 50km per bus per day and asked how he would reduce that. The email was very polite but alas I didn’t receive a response. Compare that to an email I sent to Simon Corbell about the inappropriate use of fog lights where I received a response within 3 days.

You can call that bias if you like, but when you lot don’t get in to power, just remember that there are voters such as myself who may well vote Liberal if only you would actually show us reason to vote for you. The fact YOU think the current government is shit isn’t reason enough for me to vote for you instead.

+1! Mr. Watts seemed like a decent fellow when he introduced himself here on RA, but his subsequent comments and behaviour are showing him to be a petty, gormless bore like the rest of the rats in this year’s race.

PS I voted liberal at the ACT elections in 1998 election. I quite liked Harold Hird, especially as it was he, as the then local member for Fraser helped my mum secure housing when we came to Canberra in 1978. Of course he didn’t get re-elected that year.

I also voted liberal in the 1995 NSW state election when I lived in Sydney as I didn’t mind John Fahey.

Since then I haven’t found much reason to vote Liberal, and as I’ve been saying the ACT Libs (and also Federally under Abott) typify everything I dislike in politicians. For the past 4 years all I’ve heard is whinging and whining without one word as to how you would do anything differently.

That’s what I want to hear not how bad YOU think the government has managed this or managed that.

I was also none too impressed with your colleague Alistar Coe earlier in the year when I sent him an email about his whinge about dead running on ACTION buses, pointing out that dead running was about 50km per bus per day and asked how he would reduce that. The email was very polite but alas I didn’t receive a response. Compare that to an email I sent to Simon Corbell about the inappropriate use of fog lights where I received a response within 3 days.

You can call that bias if you like, but when you lot don’t get in to power, just remember that there are voters such as myself who may well vote Liberal if only you would actually show us reason to vote for you. The fact YOU think the current government is shit isn’t reason enough for me to vote for you instead.

Matt from 1978 when I moved to Canberra as a 5 year old until 2000 (except 2 years I lived in Sydney) I lived in Macgregor. If you have a look at the map link below the house where I lived was the 2nd house away from Florey Drive backing onto the reserve with the power lines running down the back. So close to the Charnwood fire station in fact that we used to hear their phone ring.

In all those years Charnwood was my local shopping centre, I recall riding my roadster and later my BMX to the shops on an almost daily basis. In 2001 I brought a house in Dunlop where I still live, just a little further away and until the little shop at Dunlop was built Charnwood was still my local shopping area. So put simply I find it offensive for you to say I don’t know Charnwood.

Anyway not sure where that comment came from, if it was in relation to me saying the new station is going to be closer then I am afraid your the one who don’t know Charnwood. Again have a look at the map. The existing fire station is on the corner of Lhotsky Street and Florey Drive and the new one is going to be on the large block next to Tilyard Drive, with the entrance a new roundabout at the servo/Macca’s corner.

The map shows exactly what I was saying which is the enterance to the new station is slightly closer to the entrance of the school compared to the old station and it is certainly in the area where there are more pedestrians and vehicle movements. Now if you had of read the planning docs you would have known this.

As for Aranda and consultation, what is exactly wrong with what was done and more importantly how would a Liberal government consulted any differently? I look at the link I gave in a previous post clearly showed that at least 14 parties were interested enough to make comment (not all negative too mind you). So not exactly sure what the concerned residents of Aranda want and if they had concerns why more didn’t make comment. Besides that comments closed just one month ago, and unless I am very much mistaken no decision has been made on approving the draft variation nor will it be until after the election. So I ask again what exactly do you want? (except the votes of the concerned residents, read NIMBY’s).

http://www.nearmap.com/?ll=-35.205943,149.030002&z=18&t=h&nmd=20120904

Thanks for the tip about the community council, might have to look into it.

JC said :

Actually Matt depending upon how you look at it the new station is actually closer to the school and more importantly it is closer to the entrance to the school where one would imagine the kiddies will be walking and closer to the shops and church where there is clearly going to be more pedestrian and vehicle movements.

But I am with you I don’t have an issue with it, as mentioned above I think it is great and having a combined fire/ambulance station will benefit the West Belconnen. However what I do have an issue with is you, as a potential MLA using this as a political football but admitting to have not actually taking the time to read the development application (which BTW I have and I’m not going for office) which has the traffic plan etc in it but still making comment. How do you expect us to take your lot seriously? Oh yeah that’s right you just go for the popularist as that’s where you will get votes rather than taking the big picture view. The subject of emergency service provision to the ACT is one area where I will take my hat off to the current government and their plans.

However the discussion in the last few posts wasn’t actually about Charnwood it was about Aranda, which might I point out you first brought up in a cheap political point scoring exercise. The point being made is that Aranda is not really any different in terms of proximity to schools and traffic compared to Charnwood, however you clearly have no issue with Charnwood (presumably because no NIMBY’s are concerned and no votes to be had) but do have an issue with Aranada where there are NIMBY’s and votes. I personally call that hypercritical and cheap opportunism.

Also you carry on about lack of consultation with Aranda, but unless I am very much mistaken consultation has taken place about the plan (see link below) and when the building is proposed it too will go through the normal consultation period too. So what exactly do you want? Again looks to me like you are making a cheap political shot without any facts.

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/tools_resources/legislation_plans_registers/plans/territory_plan/draft_variations_to_the_territory_plan

Cheap political point scoring exercise. Me? Fill yer boots!

Sorry, but you are just so biased that it’s actually a bit of fun. Yes, there is a serious nature to public political discourse, but you make it entertaining. And for that, I thank you.

You clearly have no local knowledge of the Charnwood area.

And ask anyone in Aranda if they’re happy with the consultation. A public servant’s tick-a-box report isn’t worth nearly as much as a resident’s concerns. I remember reading a consultation report where some of the relevant businesses hadn’t existed for a couple of years. You need to be involved in your community more; I suggest the Belconnen Community Council as a starting point. Cheers.

Actually Matt depending upon how you look at it the new station is actually closer to the school and more importantly it is closer to the entrance to the school where one would imagine the kiddies will be walking and closer to the shops and church where there is clearly going to be more pedestrian and vehicle movements.

But I am with you I don’t have an issue with it, as mentioned above I think it is great and having a combined fire/ambulance station will benefit the West Belconnen. However what I do have an issue with is you, as a potential MLA using this as a political football but admitting to have not actually taking the time to read the development application (which BTW I have and I’m not going for office) which has the traffic plan etc in it but still making comment. How do you expect us to take your lot seriously? Oh yeah that’s right you just go for the popularist as that’s where you will get votes rather than taking the big picture view. The subject of emergency service provision to the ACT is one area where I will take my hat off to the current government and their plans.

However the discussion in the last few posts wasn’t actually about Charnwood it was about Aranda, which might I point out you first brought up in a cheap political point scoring exercise. The point being made is that Aranda is not really any different in terms of proximity to schools and traffic compared to Charnwood, however you clearly have no issue with Charnwood (presumably because no NIMBY’s are concerned and no votes to be had) but do have an issue with Aranada where there are NIMBY’s and votes. I personally call that hypercritical and cheap opportunism.

Also you carry on about lack of consultation with Aranda, but unless I am very much mistaken consultation has taken place about the plan (see link below) and when the building is proposed it too will go through the normal consultation period too. So what exactly do you want? Again looks to me like you are making a cheap political shot without any facts.

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/tools_resources/legislation_plans_registers/plans/territory_plan/draft_variations_to_the_territory_plan

JC said :

smeeagain said :

Matt_Watts said :

Simon_Corbell said :

The fenced site is the start of work on the new Charnwood Fire and Ambulance Station. The Development Application for the project was approved on 5 July 2012, after the designated period of public notification.

The successul tenderer is now on site.

The new station provides a dedicated ambulance service for the West Belconnen area and new station facilities for ACT Fire and Rescue.

The new station is part of the ACT Labor Government’s plan to improve fire and ambulance cover across the ACT, with new stations also being planned for Calwell / Conder ( Fire and Rescue) and Aranda (combined Ambulance and Fire and Rescue). These 2 sites are currently the subject of rezoning proposals to the Territory Plan.

The proposed location of the combined emergency station at Aranda is dreadful. It’s too dangerous given it’s proximity to the school and the level of traffic. The community consultation has been dreadful, but I expect you’re wanting to push it through because of the current government’s addiction to selling off Belconnen Town Centre land (whether they be carparks, ambulance stations, etc).

The current Charnwood firestation is right next door to a primary school, and is on the other side of the road from what was previously a high school. Can’t think of a single incident involving any of the students V fire engine? Dickson Ambulance station is opposite a school.

Lhotsky street is also a high volume traffic road, as are Lathlain st (Belconnen Fire and Ambulance stations), Morphett St Dickson, Wakefield Av Ainslie, Canberra Av, etc etc.

I fail to see why Aranda should be treated any differently than any other suburb

It is obvious. Matt clearly see’s votes in the NIMBY population who will find any and every excuse as to why it shouldn’t be placed where it is going and then side with them on it. Next thing you will find that a rare colony of earless/dickless/mouthless something or others is found to be living on the site and only that site and then they wonder why Ministers use call-in powers etc.

And when they don’t projects go through protracted consultation periods and sometimes court (ala GDE) then the opposition will whinge about cost blowouts and the incompetency of the government to get things done, all the while feeding the community opposition thus creating a self fulfilling prophecy.

It doesn’t matter that the fears are baseless nor what is good for the greater community.

No… I’m actually fine with the move of the Charnwood emergency services because it’s further from the school, although I’m yet to see details surrounding traffic management on the new site.

smeeagain said :

Matt_Watts said :

Simon_Corbell said :

The fenced site is the start of work on the new Charnwood Fire and Ambulance Station. The Development Application for the project was approved on 5 July 2012, after the designated period of public notification.

The successul tenderer is now on site.

The new station provides a dedicated ambulance service for the West Belconnen area and new station facilities for ACT Fire and Rescue.

The new station is part of the ACT Labor Government’s plan to improve fire and ambulance cover across the ACT, with new stations also being planned for Calwell / Conder ( Fire and Rescue) and Aranda (combined Ambulance and Fire and Rescue). These 2 sites are currently the subject of rezoning proposals to the Territory Plan.

The proposed location of the combined emergency station at Aranda is dreadful. It’s too dangerous given it’s proximity to the school and the level of traffic. The community consultation has been dreadful, but I expect you’re wanting to push it through because of the current government’s addiction to selling off Belconnen Town Centre land (whether they be carparks, ambulance stations, etc).

The current Charnwood firestation is right next door to a primary school, and is on the other side of the road from what was previously a high school. Can’t think of a single incident involving any of the students V fire engine? Dickson Ambulance station is opposite a school.

Lhotsky street is also a high volume traffic road, as are Lathlain st (Belconnen Fire and Ambulance stations), Morphett St Dickson, Wakefield Av Ainslie, Canberra Av, etc etc.

I fail to see why Aranda should be treated any differently than any other suburb

It is obvious. Matt clearly see’s votes in the NIMBY population who will find any and every excuse as to why it shouldn’t be placed where it is going and then side with them on it. Next thing you will find that a rare colony of earless/dickless/mouthless something or others is found to be living on the site and only that site and then they wonder why Ministers use call-in powers etc.

And when they don’t projects go through protracted consultation periods and sometimes court (ala GDE) then the opposition will whinge about cost blowouts and the incompetency of the government to get things done, all the while feeding the community opposition thus creating a self fulfilling prophecy.

It doesn’t matter that the fears are baseless nor what is good for the greater community.