"The ACT Greens keep failing on crucial planning and urban climate issues. The ACT Liberals are starting to make the right noises. As for Labor, in order to be polite – better to say no more," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
Paul Costigan
Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters. There are more of his columns at citynews.com.au
“This city has a cabal of politicians and bureaucrats who view the aspirations of residents on planning matters as being of little relevance.," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"The government is a partner in the development while also the agency that approves development applications. How can it do the right thing about design, conservation issues or ensuring the highest 21st century standards," wonders "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Why does the Chief Minister pour hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' dollars into the inner north through the City Renewal Authority to implement silly activation programs and pop-ups?," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Once community land meant it was for wider community use. This government has ruled that housing is community use. They neither understand community needs or value parklands," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
Woden town cramming; columnist PAUL COSTIGAN asks, can it get any worse?
Last week the National Capital Authority announced its long-awaited Tree Management Policy. So much ambition to do so much for the trees on national land. Yet there was an obvious lingering question, writes columnist PAUL COSTIGAN...
"The archaic bureaucracy collective that forms the planning directorate is overdue to be broken up for the sake of Canberra’s lifestyle and the city’s contribution to the future of the planet," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"When asked about ambulances being put on to small suburban streets with the local school being right there, the response was all about how wonderful the ambulance drivers are – and how they are well trained," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"The need for design leadership in urban matters needs to be treated seriously to allow Canberra to regain some credibility in landscape design – what the place used to be about," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"The Watson community is asking the bureaucracy, being the ACT Planning Directorate and the Suburban Land Agency, to listen and to alter how they work. Not much chance of that," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Following pressure, the developers changed the design concept from a Parisian-style design to accommodate the design panel’s requests for a more contemporary federal capital look. I wonder what that is?" writes PAUL COSTIGAN.
