Page 837 - Week 02 - Thursday, 12 February 2009
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Roads—Belconnen Way
(Question No 19)
Mr Coe asked the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, upon notice, on 11 December 2008:
(1) How regularly are the verges of Belconnen Way maintained, given it is often littered with rubbish and the grass is consistently overgrown.
(2) When will maintenance next occur given the urgent need for further maintenance.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
1. Each block of land managed by my Department receives a classification for maintenance. All activities such as litter collection, mowing and tree maintenance in areas of a particular classification are specified to the same performance standards that apply across Canberra.
A litter picking program is in place and litter is collected in public open spaces by ACT Government staff and contractors. The verges on Belconnen Way are inspected and litter is collected weekly.
The mowing of grass is carried out in accordance with specifications that determine the height of grass before being cut (between 75mm and 150mm). The mowing of grass is highly dependent on seasonal factors and is mown as frequently as required to maintain it within specification. On average, mowing is undertaken every 3 to 4 weeks in spring and summer and every 5 to 8 weeks in autumn and winter.
2. The verges on Belconnen Way are inspected weekly. Litter is collected weekly or more frequently if inspections, following a complaint, reveal the presence of litter exceeding the minimum maintenance standards. Contract specifications state that litter should not exceed 10 items of litter, larger than 50 mm across, per kilometre of road verge or median.
The verges on Belconnen Way were litter picked on Friday 5 December 2008 and again on Monday 8 December 2008 prior to mowing. Maintenance will next occur in accordance with the maintenance program outlined above.
Political advertising
(Question No 20)
Mr Coe asked the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, upon notice, on 11 December 2008:
(1) Did any staff of the Department of Territory and Municipal Services feature in Australian Labor Party election advertising; if so, who gave approval for staff to appear in this advertising.
(2) Were any departmental premises or facilities used in ACT election advertising; if so, who gave approval for premises or government facilities to appear in this advertising.
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