Columnist PAUL COSTIGAN has come across a development application by ACT Housing that flies in the face of everything the ACT government has announced it is doing to bring back the biodiversity and greenery in the suburbs.
Paul Costigan
Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters. There are more of his columns at citynews.com.au
"Taking away an open space and delivering less greenery and biodiversity should not be an option that this ACT Labor/Greens government should be condoning given its rhetoric on trees, urban forests and climate change," writes PAUL COSTIGAN.
"The latest report points to how the present planning ministers and bureaucracy operate. They tick boxes and then have meetings and morning teas while their communication staff issue meaningless press releases," says PAUL COSTIGAN.
"On affordable and social housing on Northbourne Avenue, Rebecca Vassarotti committed to looking at that and having more conversations. How long have the ACT Greens been in government?" asks "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Changes to the southern suburbs are being advanced with little detail available to the residents in the firing line. Rest assured, when the deals have been done, the residents will be told – sorry, consulted," writes PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN says the announcement of the latest "Demonstration House" projects is just the thin end of a planning wedge.
"It is now common for developer-driven DAs to include worthy statements about climate, community values and involvement. The reality is that consultation processes involve ticking boxes and tokenistic engagement," writes PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Surely the ACT government can see that having statues and monuments around the city dominated by blokes, animals and other stuff does not encourage young women to take significant roles in society," writes columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"For the Kingston Arts Precinct to be restarted, the first things would be to engage honest brokers to conduct the consultations. Please do not roll out one of the usual suspects... Enough is enough!" writes columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"The bus service to Woden has been successful and could be upgraded to electric buses. The far more expensive option is probably going to happen as it's a matter of faith within the closed shop of the government," writes "Canberra Matters"
"Despite all the rhetoric, the ACT Greens are not yet addressing the realities of the climate crisis. The tree canopy will most likely stay around 20 per cent at best for years to come," says "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN says don't get too comfortable, there could be a monster house coming to a street near you!
