Firstly, I’d like to thank Vice President Glenys Patulny who has capably stood in as President while I have been recovering from a major health issue. Thanks also to everyone for your well wishes during my absence.
Now down to Council business. At the July meeting, our guest, Minister Simon Corbell, spoke about issues relating to Lake Tuggeranong. He said some Commonwealth money would definitely be allocated to improve water quality in Lake Tuggeranong and formally announced the reinstatement of funding for Waterwatch throughout the ACT. Our members then passed a motion opposing the light rail project. This was because of concerns re huge and uncertain cost and that Tuggeranong residents, while having to pay their share, will get no benefit from it. The Council has written to the Chief Minister asking that full cost estimates be made public before construction contracts are awarded and the project to be deferred until after the 2016 election. Click on the TCC’s Light Rail Policy Paper and the Letter to ACT Chief Minister on Light Rail to view the documents or they are available on the Council’s website under “Reports and Documents”.
I congratulate the Department of Social Services (DSS) on its recent decision to build a new office block in Tuggeranong. This will keep over 1000 DSS staff working in the area.
Our next monthly meeting is on Tuesday 5th August upstairs in the Tuggeranong Southern Cross Club starting at 7.30pm. Our guest speakers are Tony Gill from ACT Roads, Libby Gordon about an upgrade to Tuggeranong Town Park and Peter Johns about re-zoning land at East Greenway. The meeting is open to the public. All welcome.
Eric Traise