Weak policies are failing Canberra’s future
"Given the government's ineptitude… it's time for the Assembly to force a reappraisal of the city's infrastructure needs and planning," writes planning columnist MIKE QUIRK.
Planning
"Since the mid 1980s there have been several proposals for high-speed rail linking the east coast capitals. All have been derailed on the issue of cost," writes planning columnist MIKE QUIRK.
"Any piece on the NCA has to include mention of its latest exercise in stupidity. That would be the proposal to have seaplanes use Lake Burley Griffin," says "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
"Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN takes a quick look around the state of planning the ACT, and editor's warning: don't read this if you are given to bouts of depression.
Planning
Self-styled progressives fail on social housing
"Social housing is used as a shield for bad planning and questionable developments," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
Planning
Fibs and more fibs, who takes responsibility?
"We can't say anyone involved is telling fibs, but so much of the land swap deal remains undisclosed or obscured by the disingenuous spin of those involved, including the NCA, the Greens and Labor politicians and the role of the City Renewal Authority," writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
Planning
Failing Greens fall into line for Labor land sales
"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.
“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.
Anzac Hall will be demolished after the National Capital Authority has given the approval to expand the Australian War Memorial.
"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.
"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?
"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.
"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.
"As is now the norm, almost everywhere across Canberra, what gets considered, and usually approved,…
Vacancy rates throughout the ACT have fallen below one per cent that has also driven up rental prices, a not-for-profit real estate organisation has announced.
"Have a look at the new suburbs being built. There’s the reality of just how much our bureaucratic planners have learnt from the abundance of evidence of what to do and what not to do. They have learnt nothing!" writes "Canberra Matters" columnist PAUL COSTIGAN.
