I feel embarrassed and dismayed every time I go there. It generally looks and smells filthy and grimy, like a giant public restroom.

It must be one of the most depressing spaces in the city, with bins overflowing and rubbish and litter strewn about. Most anyone would find this unfriendly and unwelcoming. I am not talking about pot plants and flower beds – just some basic cleanliness and care especially as it is such a frequented space.

There is also a lack of adequate seating outside for people in the waiting area. If you wait indoors, you can’t see the buses approaching and leaving due to the reflection from the windows.

The public amenities leave a lot to be desired, they are mainly better suited to a developing country – seriously appalling.

Jolimont Centre is one of the gateways to Canberra, and for the many backpackers who travel by bus to our city via affordable means, not to mention the hundreds of commuters and a multitude of travellers who use the bus as an affordable, hassle-free way to access Sydney, especially to the airport – surely we all deserve better from the capital city of Australia? I know we spend money to bring people here, and when they arrive, not much of a reception!

The interchange, as many of us know, is located at the back lot of the Novotel building – facing the carpark and industrial-size skip bins. The bus bays are basically in a car park with not too much room to manoeuvre. Cars are frequently driving up to off-load passengers and people are walking behind buses that are trying to back out of the tight parking bays – making this an inevitable accident waiting to happen.

Who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of this area? Is this a shared responsibility? Come on, Canberra.

Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated purely to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@citynews.com.au