New planning laws likely to pass on Tuesday will mean any development judged related to light rail will largely be exempted from normal laws.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The ACT Assembly looks set to pass new planning laws on Tuesday that appear to give an effective carte blanche to tram-related construction within 1 km of the light-rail corridor - including seven new electricity substations and overhead lines, access roads, stops, stations, parking and more.
Any development judged "related to light rail" and to do with construction, operation, maintenance and other work 1 km each side of the line will be largely exempted from normal planning laws.
The judgement about what projects are "related to light rail" will be left in the hands of the bureaucracy.
In other news:
- The ACT government has also released images of a futuristic Canberra convention centre - if someone can cough up the $500 to $700 million to build it. Chief Minister Andrew Barr has announced the successful architects tasked with a preliminary design.
- For the first time in Australian history, armed guards are protecting MPs and senators in both chambers of the Federal Parliament.
- Prime Minister Tony Abbott lives to fight another day after Monday's defeated leadership spill motion but the fight for Liberal leadership is far from over as the PM backs away from the budget.
- The families of the Bali nine duo on death row have flown to Jakarta to beg Indonesian president Joko Widodo to save their sons and siblings as lawyers plan a last ditch appeal attempt.
Brumbies player David Pocock during training at the University of Canberra. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
David Pocock is shaping up as the ACT Brumbies' run-on captain for their Super Rugby season opener against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
But coach Stephen Larkham has muddied the waters saying the entire squad is fit and available for selection.
That opens the way for Brumbies captain Stephen Moore to make a surprising start as he continues his return from a knee reconstruction.
- ACT Brumbies utility Robbie Coleman has switched seamlessly between the wing and fullback and now coach Stephen Larkham says he could find himself in a play-making role during the 2015 season.
- Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says cricket will become the No.1 sport in Canberra after signing a memorandum of understanding with Cricket ACT and Cricket NSW.
- Only one of them can have the Canberra Raiders' No.7 jersey, but halfback contender Mitch Cornish says it won't strain his relationship with Sam Williams.
9.34am: There has been a collision on Belconnen Way near the on ramp to Barry Drive in O'Connor.
8.50am: Traffic is moving slowly on Clunies Ross Street near Black Mountain Drive this morning, after a car lost it's wheel. Roads remain open however.
8.13am: Traffic lights are out in Civic this morning:
There will be partial lane closures for road resurfacing works at the intersection of Limestone Avenue, Wakefield Avenue and Majura Avenue in Braddon between 7pm and 6am from today until Thursday.
Meanwhile, Gundaroo Drive will be closed between Gungahlin Drive and Ginn Street/Nari Street until Wednesday, February 11 between 8pm and 5am.
If you are stuck in traffic or have any info, let us know: morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes
Coming up: this weekend's National Multicultural Festival will result in some road closures in place from midnight on Wednesday. More here.
New MLA Meegan Fitzharris will deliver her maiden speech at the Legislative Assembly today.
A month after being declared the winner of a countback to replace former chief minister Katy Gallagher in the seat of Molonglo the "first MLA from Gungahlin" will be sworn in at the start of the first sitting day for the year.
Dancer Alison Plevey and jazz violinist Liam Budge promote the Art, Not Apart beach party. Photo: Jay Cronan
The organisers of the Art, Not Apart festival want Canberrans to go jump in the lake. No, really.
So they're throwing a "beach party" on the shores of the West Basin in March.
Art, Not Apart will branch out from it's usual NewActon turf to the lakefront this year.
Touch or click through for more David Pope
An artist's impression of what a new Canberra convention centre might look like. Image: Fuksas and GMB
Today: It's set to be partly cloudy in Canberra on Tuesday with a possible shower in the afternoon or early evening, a forecast minimum of 15 degrees and a top of 29 degrees.
The rest of the week: Wednesday, mostly sunny with developing afternoon showers - min 16, max 31; Thursday, partly cloudy with showers - min 16, max 27; Friday, possible storm - min 15, max 25; Saturday, possible storm - min 14, max 27
