Watson Woodlands

Working Group Update

Winter has once again been very dry and Newsletter of the Watson Community Association Inc.
warmer than usual, and spring has been Number 66
alternately hot and cold, with average
rain on only one month. An additional 28 WCA CONTACTS
native trees have been planted in spring. Chair & Woodlands Conve-
nor
The grass is as high as an elephants eye. Richard Larson
02 6241 3024
Secretary
On September 19, volunteers were invited to an unveiling of one of the new
Julie Smith 02 6241 8861
ParkCare notices boards in the Ainslie Nature Park by Parks, Conservation Treasurer
and Lands. One of these signs has been erected in our reserve, which our Jon Real 02 6255 4046
Summer 2009
MESSAGE FROM THE WCA CHAIR
A member of the Watson Community Association
has been appointed to the newly created Exhibition
Park in Canberra Community Advisory Group
(EPICCAG). The inaugural meeting of the group was
held on October 13 and our presence will facilitate
communication to and from our community to the
EPIC board.

group will have access to in order to regularly put up displays and notices. Editor
Significant development on the site appears set to
Martin Blaszczyk
The notice board is displayed close to the retention basin at the corner of proceed in the short to medium term and this will
0413 626 373 have both positive and negative impacts on Watson
Roma Mitchell Crescent and the western margin of Justice Robert Hope
residents. Previous members of the WCA have been
Park. Have a look out for this half way along the Stirling Avenue reserve. ADVERTISERS involved in commenting on Summernats-related
Please contact Jon for noise and other anti-social issues caused by events
bookings and payment: held at EPIC (for more see page 6).
The Watson Woodlands ParkCare Group was presented with an award in
Ph 6255 4046
recognition of dedicated volunteer community service to Justice Robert Our newsletter editor Martin will soon be departing
Non-profit community groups for the sunny northern climes of Forde, and we
Hope Park on 20 September. A breakfast to celebrate 20 years of ParkCare in advertise free. thank him for his time and efforts.
the ACT was held at the Canberra Yacht Club for our volunteers, kindly or- Over 2,000 copies Articles included in this issue include an update on
ganised by Parks, Conservation and Lands. distributed to Watson house- the Australian Heritage Village Development Appli-
holds.
cation for subdivision and a proposal for a wildlife
corridor linking Justice Robert Hope Park to the Mt
On 23 September, three members of the WCA, Julie Smith, John Briggs and Majura Nature Reserve. There is a new display sign
Richard Larson, made a representation to Simon Corbell, the ACT’s Minister in JRHP near the dam close to Majura Rise.
for the Environment, Climate Change and Water. For a full report on the
outcomes of this meeting see the article on page 4. Richard Larson, Chair

Contributions to THE WATZON are welcome. The next deadline for submitting ads
and other contributions is 15February 2010. Email: kghelyar@hotmail.com The WCA particularly thanks the Australian Catholic University (ACU),
Signadou Campus in Watson, for printing this Newsletter as a community service.

12 1
Sustainable House Day
WATSON Supa IGA NEED A PLUMBER?
Sustainable House Day was held around Australia on Sunday September SUPERMARKET
13th. On this day, houses which display principles of sustainable design
NOW!
or modification are open for inspection. Of the seven houses which in-
EFTPOS is available, with no Duncan’s licensed
terested members of the public could visit in Canberra this year, two minimum expenditure required
were in Roma Mitchell Crescent, Watson! 4 cent petrol rebate with your Plumbing Service
purchase of $30 plus Pty Ltd
Obviously these are recently built dwellings, but some of the other prop- Free home delivery services
erties had been modified to make them more efficient in energy or wa- are also available.
ter use in particular. There was considerable interest in the Watson Emergency Repairs
Come in and experience the
houses with approximately 300 visitors over the six hour period. It is service for yourself. Drain Cleaning
encouraging to see so many people interested in more sustainable hous- Phone 6255 6800
Ducted heating
ing, and it would be a challenge to see if next year our suburb could again
lead in demonstrating sustainable principles to the wider community Open 7 days Gas Fitting
(Harrison also had two open houses). from 8 am to 8.30pm Hot Water Systems

Sustainable House Day is always held in early September, and you can PH 6254 5678
offer your house (retrofitted or new) to the organisers – lots of people
are very interested in retrofitting options. If you want to know more,
please ring Gillian or Keith on 5714 0001.

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS

Neighbourhood Watch Website http://www.nhwact.com.au
AFP Website http://www.afp.gov.au
CRIME STOPPERS 1800-333-000
or http://www.act.crimestoppers.com.au
SCAM PROTECTION 1300-302-502
or http://www.scamwatch.gov.au
AMBULANCE/FIRE 000
POISON INFORMATION 131-126
POLICE ATTENDANCE 131-444
UNWANTED CALLS 1800-805-996
STRAY DOGS 6207-2424
CANBERRA CONNECT 132-281
or http://www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au

2 11
 ONE STOP SHOPPING
IN WATSON “WANTED”
A volunteer

Watson
Editor
Pharmacy SUNDAY SERVICE 10AM 49 PHILLIP AVENUE WATSON
for the newsletter you are TEL: 6241 7000 WWW.CCCWATSON.ORG.AU
reading
QCPP accredited, seniors’
discounts, free script pick Do you have a way with words?
up and delivery. Interested in community journal-
ism? The next edition of the Wat-
We can supply all of your
Pharmacy needs
zon needs a new editor. PROBUS CLUBS
Call Martin on 6156 0997 to find Probus is a worldwide association for retired or semi-retired
out more.
Pharmacy hours: people. It is sponsored by Rotary and is non-fundraising.
Mon to Fri 8:30am–5pm Meetings are held monthly, with a guest speaker & morning
Sat: 8:30am -12:30pm
tea.
Having some trouble with
Licensed Post Office, and Outings, lunches & bus trips are organised.
Sub-newsagency WRITING?
postal services, gifts, NEW MEMBERS WELCOME AT BOTH CLUBS
MB Writing Services offers profes- Canberra North Ladies
cards for all occasions,
sional drafting, editing and proofread-
& stationery items. ing to business, public sector and pri- 10.00 am Yowani Country Club,
Free gift wrapping vate clients. 2nd Monday of each month.
available. Membership $20.00 per annum. Joining fee $5.00
Kodak film processing. Whether it’s a brochure, a website, job Ladies contact: Beverley 6248 8236
For friendly, efficient application or university assignment,
Customer Service
call Martin, your friendly local editor Canberra North Men’s
for some free advice about your needs. 10.00am St Margaret’s Church, Hackett
2nd Tuesday of each month.
Ph: 6156 0997, 0413626373
Post Office hours: No. of members: 42
martin@mbwriting.com.au
124 Irvine St. Watson ACT
Subscription $25.00 per annum. Joining fee $5.00
Mon to Fri 8:30am–5pm
Men contact: Ted Baker 6241 4853
Saturdays 8:30am-11:30am

Ph: 6241 1506

10 3
 MINISTERIAL MEETING
Our Coralie wins
award
On 23 September members of the Watson Woodlands
Working Group met with Minister Simon Corbell to
seek his support to change the land use of Horse Pad- Two Canberran teachers have
dock 7 in Block 1, Section 86 to ‘Hills, Ridges and been singled out for their dedi-
Buffer’. This would establish a secure and permanent cation to education in the $1.1
environmental link between Canberra Nature Park and million Australian Awards for
the Watson Woodlands. This block is located east of Teaching Excellence.
Antill Street and the land is currently being used for
horse agistment.
Majura Primary School principal
Simon Corbell indicated that he was sympathetic to this proposal. He also indicated Coralie McAlister was highly
that: commended in the excellent
principal category and Black
♦ ACTPLA would probably want to undertake a broader-scale study of the re Mountain School teacher Philip
maining CZ6 commercially zoned land in Watson Brown was highly commended
♦ the land in question could be re-zoned as part of an envisaged environmental in the excellent teacher cate-
offset program for development of the endangered grassy woodland ecosystem gory. Both win $10,000 to put
elsewhere in Watson or the ACT towards personal professional
♦ the site would probably be difficult to develop. There are a large number of development as well as $5000
significant trees on it and the natural terrain is hilly and sloping for each of their schools.
♦ he is willing to engage with intra-governmental planning agencies and their
representatives Ms McAlister took over at Majura Primary School four years ago and it
♦ he will broker a meeting with Andrew Barr, the ACT Minister for Planning
is thriving under her stewardship. Cited for her energetic leadership
♦ if the area was considered under review, it could forestall any subsequent pro
posal to develop the land
and pursuit of social justice, Ms McAlister has overseen huge enrol-
♦ Territory Plan variations are considered either a) minor or technical in nature; ment increases, increased staff satisfaction and retention and helped
or b) significant in nature. The nature of the proposal will affect the amount of make the local primacy school a northside community asset.
consultation and consideration which has to be devoted to creating a draft
variation. In either event, this process is likely to take a lengthy period of time Ms McAlister said her approach was a flexible one where she tried to
♦ a future Monash Drive alignment which is shown on the Territory Plan passes work constructively with families and community members. While she
through the proposal, but is considered unlikely to be used. maintained a strong link to students - conducting the Year 6 band,
♦ he will keep us informed about future developments. consulting with the Student Representative Committee - Ms McAlister
said the renovations taking place as part of the Rudd Government's
Building the Education Revolution sometimes made her job feel more
We are pleased to report that Simon Corbell wrote to Minister Andrew Barr several
like a project manager's. "I always keep in my mind that being a princi-
days following this meeting saying the proposal has merit and asking for further ad-
pal is really about being a leading teacher and the school community
vice. Andrew Barr has responded in a positive manner, and ACTPLA is considering needs to see you as that leading teacher."
the request.

4 9

Notices & Local Services
MEG’S TOY BOX
Is a community toy library run
as a non profit venture with
the support of St Margaret’s
Church.
Tel 6248 7467 during
opening hours only:
Watson ACT 2602
Wed 10am—12pm
Sat 2pm—4pm
Heritage Village facing destruction
As reported in the previous edition of the Watzon developers have the Australian
Heritage Village in North Watson firmly in their sights. A Subdivision layout has been
lodged as the first of the Development Application’s for the site. It is listed as
DA200915605; the associated documents and plans are available from the ACTPLA
Justice of the Peace website.
ALF (Noddy) The Watson Community Association’s struggle to preserve the community and envi-
ronmental values of the area has recently been dealt a double blow. First, ACTPLA
FRIPP JP chief Neil Savery (as a delegate of the minister) has decided that previous studies
suffice and that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. Secondly, the
12 Kerferd St, federal minister and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the
Arts has refused to get involved and will not assess the impact of this development
on a listed endangered ecological community of national significance.
Tel 6241 7475 There are 203 significant trees (those requiring tree demolition approval) on the site.
Of these, only 92 are scheduled to be retained (90 native) and 111 are scheduled to
be removed (80 native). The remainder of the 445 trees and shrubs mapped on the
site will be removed. The ACT does not currently have an offset provision to replace
these trees on equivalent land elsewhere .

The 316 tightly packed dwell-

YMCA gym at Hackett: The YMCA Hackett gym is open from
6-8pm on Tuesdays and Thursday.
For more details visit the YMCA website on
www.canberra.ymca.org.au or call 62306224.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
To receive a monthly newsletter via email regis-
ter your interest at watson@nhwact.com.au
WWW.NHWACT.COM.AU
Or contact Mick Motion-wise,
NHW Coordinator on 043 747 9236
ings to be erected on the site
will not leave a single one of
the existing buildings stand-
ing. There will be a pond on-
site located opposite the ser-
vice station but the two exist-
ing dams will be filled in. Most
of all, the proposal does not
include an updated traffic
study, and therefore no as-
sessment of the major effect
which the estimated 2441 ve-
hicles movements per day in and out of the estate will have on our suburbs.
All that could be done is for the WCA to put in a formal submission commenting on
the development application – which we have done. To this extent it is heartening to
note that the Conservation Council of the ACT and other bodies have also made sub-
missions condemning aspects of the proposal.
To view all WCA submissions on this proposal, visit www.northcanberra.org.au

8 5
EPIC ideas Summernats to roar
The Watson Community Association sees EPIC as a multi-purpose complex which
again
promotes events, some of which require a lot of space and infrastructure, including
car parking. Summernats (described on its web-
site as 'the Mecca for the Totally
What EPIC should be committed “Revhead”') will next be
We envisage EPIC continuing in its present capacity as one of the ACT’s premier held at Exhibition Park from Janu-
events complexes. We also recognise that the ACT Government wants to expand ary 7th to 10th, 2010. There have
the venue for financial reasons and that the EPIC board would agree that expansion been plenty of comments from resi-
is desirable. This is entirely within reason for an organisation which is classified as a dents of Watson about this festival
Government Business Enterprise. We would like to see EPIC proactively supporting in the past.
community uses and charity and not to be perceived as a cash cow. This can be
done at a reasonable cost using ideas generated for a future master plan.
The Watson Community Association is interested in collecting information
Ideas on development both from the past and from the 2010 event, especially any health con-
The WCA is faced with a dilemma in regards to expansion. EPIC’s proposed expan- cerns. Please send any comments to a member of the committee (contact
sion into tourist accommodation threatens existing tourist facilities in Watson. Multi- details on the front page of this newsletter), or email Gillian at
purpose use 365 days of the year increases the commercial risk for pre-existing kghelyar@hotmail.com, with 'summernats feedback’ as the subject line.
businesses in north Canberra; and exacerbates already-existing traffic problems in
Hackett and Watson via the planned Morisset Road to Antill Street road link. These Thank you in anticipation
effects don’t always manifest until after developments fully mature and are difficult to Gillian Helyar
qualify or quantify at an early stage.

We would not necessarily support the erection of larger scale buildings at EPIC if To make a complaint about excessive noise (including from Summernats), or to re-
this were to be used for noisy events, such as rock concerts. We would not support port lost dogs and cats, call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
non-EPIC related commercially leased space on the EPIC site which would compete
with space elsewhere in north Canberra.

We support EPIC’s efforts in regard to water saving, recycled waste, and the preser- Get your Neighbourhood Watch
vation of historical, heritage and cultural values. More sustainable measures can and
should be retro-fitted to existing infrastructure if possible, and mandatory in any new sticker!
development.
Your local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator
We see planning for future transportation development and needs as one of the key has prominent Neighbourhood Watch bin stick-
features demanding attention with any expansion. EPIC could and perhaps should
ers to give away. The sticker should be placed
be one of the hubs for public transport along the Flemington Road to Civic transport
route.
as high as possible on your wheelie bin on the
side facing oncoming traffic.
We would like to see EPIC maintain and enhance infrastructure for animal related
events. We believe that a large proportion of the community participates in animal To get your free sticker contact Mick Motion-
events at EPIC, which is the only suitable venue for them in the ACT. The master Wise at watson@nhwact.com.au or phone 04-
plan should include generous provision for landscaped green space, cycle paths and 3747-9236.
walking paths.

6 7