Light rail

The business cases have been released. We shall have more to say tomorrow.

Let slip the dogs…?

Dog owners fear a popular off-leash exercise area at Point Hut may be closed when the new Lanyon Dog Park opens later this year.

The new fenced dog park, at the corner of Jim Pike Avenue and Woodcock Drive in Gordon, was selected as the best site after community consultation in 2022. According to the ACT Government, 81 per cent of survey respondents supported the site design, proposed features, and amenities.

However, other residents are concerned by the decision to build it next to the Point Hut site, a long-standing off-leash area they say they have invested time and money to maintain. They fear that the government may decide to prohibit dogs off-lead at Point Hut, and argue that both facilities should exist.

More than 860 people have signed a petition sponsored by Canberra Liberals MLA Deborah Morris to preserve Point Hut as an off-leash area since Monday.

As the Point Hut site is a reserve, the Conservator of Flora and Fauna is reviewing the Activities Declaration, which determines where dogs can be walked on- or off-lead. No decision has yet been made, a government spokesperson said; the community will be consulted.

The petition also states that the new dog park is 90 per cent smaller. A government spokesperson said that the new park is in addition to the larger Tuggeranong district dog park on Mortimer Lewis Drive in Greenway.

Update 6 June: The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has announced that the PHDEA will remain off-leash. Ms Morris called the decision “a victory for common-sense over senseless bureaucracy”.

ACT Government supports veterans

The ACT Government’s 2024–25 ACT Veterans Grant Program has awarded $80,000 to seven local organisations that support veterans and their families. Their projects promote mental health and wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and recognise veterans’ service and sacrifice.

• The Legacy Club of Canberra Incorporated — Legacy Concert: A relaxed afternoon of live music by local performers. 
• The Cuppacumbalong Foundation Limited — Blacksmithing for Defence Families: Hands-on courses supporting mental wellbeing.
• Woden Valley RSL Sub-Branch Inc — Annual Primary Schools ANZAC and Peace Ceremony: 500 students from 23 schools will attend.
• ACT Table Tennis Association Incorporated — Improving Wellbeing Through Table Tennis: A physical health and social engagement program for veterans, delivered in partnership with Soldier On.
• Australian Outward Bound Development Fund Pty Ltd — Veterans and Families Connection Weekend: An overnight adventure with high-ropes, bushcraft and campfire conversations.
• 42 Casts Limited — Veterans Fishing Day: A social event promoting relaxation and connection.
• Dogs Canberra Limited — Veteran and Rescue Dog Pilot Program: Matching veterans with rehabilitated rescue dogs.

“Our veterans and their families have given so much in service to our country,” Suzanne Orr MLA, Minister for Seniors and Veterans, said. “These grants are a way for the ACT Government to support their wellbeing, community connection and recognition…

“We’re proud to continue our support through the Veterans Grant Program and thank all the organisations helping to make Canberra a more inclusive and supportive place for veterans and their families.”