Page 1215 - Week 05 - Thursday, 4 June 2020
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(h) it is essential to deliver outcomes under the Entertainment Action Plan to ensure a future for the night-time economy, noting that phase 1 reporting is due to the Assembly by 31 July 2020; and
(2) calls on the ACT Government to:
(a) review and update the Code, including investigating changes to zones and hours of commercial waste collection to minimise adverse impacts on residents in mixed-use areas; and
(b) report back to the Assembly on proposed options for the Code before the start of caretaker 2020.
It may seem strange to be talking about noise at the moment because, of course, throughout our mixed use zones, things are fairly quiet as a result of the COVID-19 situation and the requirements for many venues to close as we take all necessary steps to minimise the impact of COVID-19. I think we can look forward to a time in the future when our nightlife returns and these areas become vibrant, energetic, full of people and full of lively venues again.
We have discussed entertainment precincts, order of occupancy and noise attenuation over many years and in many debates in the Assembly. Mr Parton raised it most recently, in July last year, and we know that the ACT government is working on an entertainment action plan to investigate options for balancing the needs of residents alongside ensuring and protecting the vibrant and vital ACT night-time economy.
My motion highlights a particular and specific issue impacting mixed use areas. Waste collection is just one issue for mixed use suburbs, and we think it is one in which we could make a relatively simple and straightforward improvement. The ACT commercial waste industry code of practice outlines times for waste collection based on defined zones. The code was last updated in 1998.
Given the changing landscapes of many Canberra suburbs, particularly with the ongoing development in our town and group centres, we think it is time for an update. As an example, the code of practice permits the commercial collection of waste from a town centre between 2 am and 10 pm. Parts of Braddon, including Mort Street, Lonsdale Street and Torrens Street, are considered to be part of Civic town centre. Twenty-two years ago, when the code was last updated, Braddon was, of course, a very different area, one filled with car yards and other light industrial businesses. Today there are many residential complexes in the area of Mort Street, Lonsdale Street and Torrens Street, with more and more people moving in every day. There are also more bars, restaurants and traffic.
These changes are welcome, but they have the potential to, and do, cause conflict. Residents of Braddon have let me know that the noise from waste collections disrupts the quiet enjoyment of their home and often their sleep. Live music, bar patrons and traffic noise aside, it is the glass clanking out of the hopper into the garbage truck which is particularly disruptive, and we believe it can be readily addressed.
Other suburban areas of the ACT, according to the code, have waste collection beginning from 7 am—noting, of course, that there are some special arrangements in
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