Page 396 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 10 February 2021
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We will continue to engage closely with the community, especially those who will be most impacted during construction. Major Projects Canberra will be seeking input on matters such as construction programs and local industry participation opportunities. This will be done through ACT government portals like the YourSay page, digital media and face-to-face pop-up events. Of course, the government is continuing to progress the design of light rail stage 2B, including the environmental and heritage assessments, through the environmental impact statement consultation with the community over the next 18 months.
Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
Municipal services—abandoned vehicles
MR STEEL: In question time Ms Lawder asked me a question about abandoned vehicles in the ACT. I am able to respond with some further detail that I committed to come back on.
Between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2020, Licensing and Compliance in Transport Canberra and City Services received 1,271 reports of suspected abandoned vehicles. Subsequent investigations resulted in 97 vehicles being declared abandoned, with the remainder resolved through identification and engagement with the owners of the vehicles. Of the 97 vehicles declared abandoned, 59 were removed within nine days and 38 in more than nine days, with the result of 61 per cent which Ms Lawder mentioned. In total, noting that rangers responded to 1,271 reports, having 38 vehicles not meeting the required time frame reflects an efficiency result of 97 per cent.
The delay in the removal of some vehicles was caused by ongoing investigations, the COVID-19 health emergency, staff capacity, and prioritisation of other public safety matters.
The reduction in the number of declared abandoned vehicles that we have seen in this financial year compared with the previous financial year is a result of the 2019 Litter Act amendments which the government introduced and which were passed in the Assembly. We are currently working with staff to build their skills and knowledge with rangers to identify owners of reported abandoned vehicles and also make them accountable for the removal of private vehicles by increased regulatory action. This has been aided by an increased focus on proactively patrolling and identifying suspected abandoned vehicles before they are reported by members of the public. Of course, we also encourage members of the public to report them on Fix My Street.
Paper
Madam Speaker presented the following paper:
Government Responses to Committees in the Ninth Assembly—Schedule, dated 8 February 2021.
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