“For Canberra to develop as a more inclusive city with transparent and accountable governance, the best outcome could be for independents of the ilk of Fiona Carrick or the Independents for Canberra to have the balance of power,” says letter writer MIKE QUIRK.

Political columnist Michael Moore (“Do the Labor-Greens deserve to be re-elected?” CN October 3) identifies poor outcomes particularly in relation to financial management, health and education as reasons not to re-elect the Labor-Greens.

He also points to the government’s commitment to development of the extremely expensive tram without considering bus-based alternatives. 

The assessment is reinforced by housing, urban development and transport outcomes. Between 2011 and 2024, despite an increase of more than 100,000 in the ACT population, the number of public housing dwellings fell by more than 1000. 

Its infill policy, requiring at least 70 per cent of housing demand being accommodated in established areas and its Land Release Program, identifying multi-unit dwellings will be 89 per cent of dwelling supply, were adopted in the absence of analysis of housing preferences or infrastructure, travel and environmental costs. 

A consequence has been an increasing price differential between detached and multi unit dwellings and an increase in car-dependent development in surrounding NSW. 

Many redevelopment dwellings have been poorly constructed and designed. 

Transport strategies aimed at doubling the use of public transport, cycling and walking on the journey to work by 2026 have been ineffective with a decline in the use of these modes. 

The decline was a consequence of a bus system no longer able to deliver fast, frequent and reliable services; and the reduced ability of the government to direct employment to locations well served by public transport. Light rail has diverted resources from under-funded infrastructure including buses.

But it would surprise if the Liberals attracted sufficient votes, even under its moderate leader. 

For Canberra to develop as a more inclusive city with transparent and accountable governance, the best outcome could be for independents of the ilk of Fiona Carrick or the Independents for Canberra to have the balance of power.

Win or lose Labor/Greens should review their priorities, too many of which are not evidenced-based.

Mike Quirk, Garran

Homelessness minister unmoved by homeless man

I saw Greens member for Kurrajong Rebecca Vassarotti campaigning for herself at trendy, tram-loving Dickson.

As Minister for Homelessness (excuse maker for Andrew’s constant failures) she didn’t consider the homeless man begging outside Woolies, 15 metres away.

I suggested she would be more effective by finding him some accommodation.

He was begging for $50. I’m sure she could afford it.

Bob Howden, via email

Disastrous situation will only get worse 

Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed have once again wielded their administrative scalpels, this time to dissect the Barr government’s Pre Election Budget Update. What they found was far from pretty (“Debt drives ACT from a top performer to worst”, CN October 3).

Net debt to revenue was 18 per cent above the average for the states and the NT in 2023-2024, is projected to be 16 per cent above that average in 2024-2025, and is forecast to still be 15 per cent greater in 2027-2028.

This disastrous situation will only become worse if the Barr government is re-elected on October 19 and presses ahead with its multi-billion dollar light rail to Woden folly, regardless of the soaring level of debt that would be imposed on the ACT. 

If they had read this frank and fearless publication, ratepayers could not say they weren’t warned.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

For whom the Bell polls?

I just looked at the list of the Brindabella candidates. I only recognise two names. Mark Parton, who I thought was a fairly reasonable “shock jock” (clearly told to hold his tongue by the Liberal Party machine) and Mick Gentleman (who is always missing in action). 

Sorry, for the whinge, but the ACT was better served before so-called “self government” was imposed upon us. My point is, I have no choice, as a matter of logic (in my humble view) when voting in the election but to put the Liberals first followed by the organised independents.

Brian Bell, via email

Bicycle pledge could go a lot further

Each day the average Canberran drives 19,000 metres and travels 1500 metres by public transport, but cycles only 400 metres.

We would cycle more, and travel less in polluting cars and buses, if our bicycles were better maintained and better equipped.

It costs around 10 cents a kilometre to properly maintain a bicycle. Only two thirds of 124 bikes that I surveyed had fully functional brakes. Only four were equipped to carry luggage, at night, without spraying the rider with muddy water.

In 60,000 kilometres of cycle commuting and a year of managing a bike fleet, I found that standard tyres punctured on average every 500 kilometres.

An e-bike is about 10 per cent faster overall than a normal bike, but it requires more frequent and more expensive maintenance.

The ACT Greens election promise is for $500 bicycle rebates, but only for electric and cargo bikes (“Greens offer cash rebates for e-bikes,” citynews.com.au, September 25).

Five hundred dollars would cover the cost of servicing an ordinary bike, plus upgrading it with lights, mudguards, saddlebags and puncture-resistant tyres. That would make it a much more effective alternative to fossil-fuelled travel.

Leon Arundell, Downer

Our government kills off our ‘roos…

Our government kills off our ‘roos,

Despite many constituents’ views.

For among their charms,

Their half our Commonwealth Coat of Arms.

Thank heaven, there’s no emus to lose.

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla