Curtin Horse Paddock Decision

On 19 October 2020, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, approved National Capital Plan Amendment 95 – National Arboretum Commercial Accommodation. Amendment 95 took effect on 28 October 2020, following registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. Amendment 95 to the National Capital Plan (the Plan) changed the land use policy of Block 4 Section 106 and part…

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Survey of Political Candidates – Labor leaves it to the last minute

The Labor Party response to the ACTEA Survey is here. ACTEA comment to the ALP Secretary was that it reads as if its creator has never spoken to a horse rider.   o0o Update: Yesterday the Greens sent ACTEA their overall sport and recreation policy. While the summary is pretty innocuous the more detailed description at https://greens.org.au/act/community-sport-and-recreation contains commitments that are very concerning for equestrians.…

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First Thoughts on the Draft Canberra Mountain Biking Report

The following notes are provided for equestrians wishing to comment on the Draft Canberra Mountain Biking Report, aimed at creating Canberra an international mountain biking destination. To see the Report go to https://yoursay.act.gov.au/CanberraMTBExperience . The ACT Equestrian Association will be making a detailed submission by the closing date of 3 November but wants to draw attention to some of the issues with the Report to…

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Colic Survey

Have you ever had to decide to refer a horse for colic surgery? Have you ever thought about what you would do if you had to make that choice at short notice? Staff at the Camden Equine Centre, University of Sydney are asking horse owners to take a few minutes to do a survey on the decision for or against colic surgery to help vets to…

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Heysen Street Closure

Construction of the new cycle path down the southern verge of Heysen St from Streeton Drive to Devonport St through the Oakey Hill Reserve south of Illoura Horse Paddocks will commence on Monday 17 August. If you have any questions in relation to the works you can contact Madison Williams on 0429 322 360 or email madison.williams@complexco.com.au The path will go through the Reserve rather…

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Your Submission in Regard to the Rezoning of the North Curtin Horse Paddocks

While the land exchange with the ACT Government appears to be final the North Curtin Horse Paddocks are of little use to the National Capital Authority with their current zoning as Broadacre – which allows only for the paddocks and other open space uses. Amendment D95 requires a specific decision to amend the National Capital Plan to rezone the North Curtin Horse Paddocks as Urban…

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Equestrian Park Open for Small Group Bookings

Equestrian Park is now able to take bookings for events of up to 20 participants plus a coach. Officials and supporters should be kept to a minimum and everyone should practice social distancing and good hygiene. You can make bookings for any part of the Park at eqparkbookings@gmail.com and discuss any requirements specific to Equestrian Park with the Park Manager. All bookings will be visible…

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Objections to Draft Amendment 95 on the basis of conflict with existing government policy

Please feel free to use any of the following arguments in your own submissions. Draft Amendment 95 (DA95) and its public consultation (or lack of) conflicts with multiple NCA and ACT Government plans. These include: National Capital Plan matters of national significance and objectives NCA Commitment to Community Engagement (August 2015) National Capital Authority’s Draft Tree Management Plan ACT Government Climate Strategy to a Net…

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North Curtin Update 6 June 2020

The National Capital Authority has now released a Draft Amendment Discussion Paper ( https://www.nca.gov.au/consultation/national-capital-plan-draft-amendment-95-north-curtin-diplomatic-estate-and-urban-area) for comment by 7 July and a video https://www.nca.gov.au/consultation/national-capital-plan-draft-amendment-95-north-curtin-diplomatic-estate-and-urban-area. The actual Draft Amendment is here. Everyone who has been focused on the horse paddocks will be astonished to see that the draft amendment includes changes to the 10 hectares of the horse paddocks not intended for embassies. The strip of land…

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