“City of Canberra” finds a home - but not in Canberra
While I am pleased that the Beyer-Garrat 6029 locomotive has found a new home, it is disappointing that that home was not in Canberra, Shadow Heritage Minister Nicole Lawder said.
The new owners of the locomotive, formerly known as the City of Canberra, have struck a one year storage and use agreement with Transport Heritage NSW and the NSW Rail Museum.
“While it is good news that the 6029 Locomotive has found a home in Thirlmere near Sydney, it is unfortunate that it has been lost from Canberra,” Ms Lawder said.
“Important parts of Canberra rail history were lost when the Australian Railway Historical Society ACT Division went into liquidation.”
The famous engine 6029 once operated in Canberra and was on display in Canberra but was acquired by private owners in November last year. The locomotive was sold as part of the ARHS liquidation.
The 6029 entered service in NSW and the ACT in 1954 and retired in 1972. In the 1980’s it was restored to operational condition and operated as a heritage train for the Canberra Railway Museum. It received renewed mainline accreditation in December 2014, named City of Canberra with the first public trips taking place on 28 February 2015. It is the largest operational steam locomotive in the Southern hemisphere.
“The new owners were keen for anyone who had worked with the locomotive to maintain their involvement.
“Fortunately, Thirlmere is not that far away from Canberra.
“I hope there will be opportunities for the locomotive to visit Canberra in the future.
“It is important that we do not lose active connections with these important parts of our transport heritage,” Ms Lawder concluded.
Media contact Deborah Seccombe:
P (02) 6205 1580 M 0451 255 891 E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Seniors encouraged to get connected to boost wellbeing
Older Canberrans are encouraged to get involved in their local community to help combat loneliness and promote general wellbeing, Shadow Minister for Seniors Nicole Lawder said today.
Ahead of Seniors Week 2018, Ms Lawder is encouraging all Canberrans over the age of 50 to ensure they are plugged in to their local community to enrich their social experiences.
"As we head into ACT Seniors Week, it is important to remember the vital role older and elderly Canberrans play in our community," Ms Lawder said.
"They have helped make Canberra the place it is today, and still have so much more to offer.
"Sadly, many older Canberrans feel disconnected and lonely. In fact, I often hear loneliness is one of the leading causes of concern amongst the elderly.
"But it doesn’t have to be this way. Canberra has well established community groups designed to combat loneliness and boost general wellbeing.
"The Canberra Seniors Centre is doing fantastic work to bring older folk from all walks of life together, uniting them in friendship.
"The club creates a great environment where seniors can connect and participate in a range of activities like exercise and dance classes, building computer skills, painting and crafts.
"Today, it’s jazzercise! What a fun way to get kick the blues and get connected," Ms Lawder concluded.
Ms Lawder will be available for comment at 12pm at the Canberra Seniors Centre, 10 Watson Street Turner.
Canberra Seniors Centre Vice-President Pat Gration will also be available for comment.
Seniors at the club will be participating in a jazzercise class from 12pm.
Opposition Leader Alistair Coe and Deputy Leader Nicole Lawder today announced the Canberra Liberals’ new shadow ministry.
Alistair Coe MLA
Leader of the Opposition
Treasurer
Economic Development
Innovation
Nicole Lawder MLA
Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Urban Services
Seniors
Heritage
Andrew Wall MLA
Opposition Whip
Business and Employment
Higher Education and Training
Tourism
Candice Burch MLA
Transport
Public Sector Management
Vicki Dunne MLA
Health
Arts
Jeremy Hanson MLA
Attorney-General
Veterans’ Affairs
Giulia Jones MLA
Police and Emergency Services
Corrections
Women
Elizabeth Kikkert MLA
Families, Youth and Community Services
Multicultural Affairs
Elizabeth Lee MLA
Education
Environment
Disability
James Milligan MLA
Indigenous Affairs
Sport and Recreation
Mark Parton MLA
Planning
Housing
Gaming and Racing
Extent of weekend flooding may have been avoided
Neglect of Canberra’s essential stormwater assets may have exacerbated the damage caused in yesterday’s flood, Shadow Minister for Urban Services Nicole Lawder said today.
Last month, the Canberra Liberals raised concerns with the government’s failure to maintain Canberra’s essential stormwater assets following an Auditor-General’s report on the issue.
The report, Acceptance of Stormwater Assets, found that:
Flood risk mitigation work is not being undertaken, despite known risks;
Some stormwater infrastructure cannot cope with major rain events;
The government has no plans to review stormwater infrastructure; and
In-fill development is increasing the risk of flooding but the government is not taking action.
The Auditor-General’s report also said that established areas of Canberra had not been reassessed since development, “despite the fact that there is known flood risk in some locations” (p79, 4.94). It also noted that:
“There is an increased risk because the stormwater infrastructure in many established areas of Canberra will be unable to cope with major rain events. This is because the stormwater network has not been augmented to help manage increased or more concentrated flows from:
In-fill developments, such as multi-unit high rise developments (p80, 4.96)
“There are no scheduled reviews of the condition of the stormwater infrastructure in established areas.” (p82, 4.101) and that;
“Where flooding occurs because of a failure of the part of the Government to augment the stormwater infrastructure to help manage increased flows as a result of developments approved by the Government, there is an increased risk of claims for compensation from people whose properties have been flooded.” (p.81, 4.110)
Quotes from Shadow Minister for Urban Services Nicole Lawder:
“My thoughts go out to all Canberrans who are cleaning up the mess caused in yesterday’s flood.
“The event showed us the devastating effects of the government’s inaction.
“While not as flashy as light rail and shiny laptops, maintaining stormwater assets is a vital, taxpayer funded service that the Labor-Greens government has neglected.
“I have requested an urgent briefing from Minister Fitzharris to ensure this is an isolated event.”
Media contact Deborah Seccombe:
P (02) 6205 1580 M 0451 255 891 E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Authorised by Nicole Lawder, Canberra Liberals, 4/50 Geils Court Deakin ACT 2600