Page 199 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 13 February 2019
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Access Canberra is committed to delivering excellent integrated services for ACT businesses, community groups and individuals seeking service, support, protection and advice from the ACT government. The key focus of Access Canberra is making it easier for people to do business with government for a safe and vibrant city.
The Access Canberra team has been working closely with businesses impacted by the works on the corridor since early 2017. A key focus has been supporting businesses which may use footpath areas to support outdoor dining. The team has temporarily and flexibly redefined outdoor dining areas to facilitate ongoing trade and minimise permit costs for businesses. By way of example, new ways of facilitating outdoor dining were established, such as permitting numerous smaller areas to maximise the outdoor dining space and reduce the cost for businesses.
Government directorates have been working together to make it easier for businesses on Hibberson Street by setting up standard conditions for those along the strip. This makes it easier for those businesses to apply by simplifying the process. Access Canberra was out speaking to businesses proactively, helping them with a case-managed service to get outdoor dining permits over the line.
Access Canberra has also proactively engaged with centre management at Gungahlin plaza and businesses to facilitate outdoor dining in the shared zone. Access Canberra has helped ensure that the placement of street furniture was done in a way that would not get in the way of potential outdoor dining locations. Access Canberra has also conducted several site visits of businesses on Hibberson Street and the new shared zone to discuss any concerns that they may have; to explain the process for applying for outdoor dining permits or where changes to a permit might be needed; and to inform businesses of ACT government initiatives intended to support small businesses, including the one-month free trial for outdoor dining and the eight per cent reduction in outdoor dining fees. As a result, six businesses’ permits have changed and four new outdoor dining permits have been issued in the shared zone, adding to Gungahlin’s burgeoning urban rhythm and economy.
In discussion with businesses, there is a strong realisation of the benefits that will flow from a world-class public transport offering linking our city and bringing additional patronage to areas like the Gungahlin town centre.
Access Canberra will continue its important work in supporting these businesses over the next few months as the light rail becomes operational, as well as providing leadership and support to businesses across our city. I look forward to the government continuing its work with businesses along the light rail corridor, and I commend the amendment to the Assembly.
MR MILLIGAN (Yerrabi) (5.21): While I can pretend to be surprised at how my motion has been received I am not. I would still like to thank my colleagues for their support and their support for promoting small businesses and economic development for our community. Sadly, the same cannot be said for this Labor-Greens government.
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