Gungahlin’s town centre could be made pedestrian-only during the day under new planning rules discussed at the Gungahlin Community Council (GCC) meeting last week.

The ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) is currently developing detailed draft planning rules for the Gungahlin town centre. ACTPLA has been discussing the plans with interested parties and used last week’s community council meeting to discuss the ideas from community members regarding Hibberson Street and weather protection in the town centre.

Residents at the meeting expressed concerns that Hibberson Street, which runs between most of the major shops, was too busy and said changes needed to be made. The most significant issue was the provision of outdoor areas for cafes and restaurants, although there was also some concern about these taking up too much room on footpaths, resulting in difficulties for pedestrians. GCC president Alan Kerlin said there needed to be more control over the use of A-frame signs by cafes and restaurants.

Car traffic during the day raised the most concern for residents, with suggestions to either make Hibberson Street a pedestrian-only area or replace the current pedestrian crossings with traffic lights.

Providing shelter from the elements was also a major topic of discussion, however residents stipulated the need for any shelter to not block sunshine on warm days. Suggestions included building tunnels between shopping areas, putting sails partly across roads and providing covered walkways or adjustable awnings.

Representatives from ACTPLA noted these ideas and any opposition to them, such as the need for tunnels between shopping areas to be aesthetically pleasing. Residents were also asked to complete a survey in which they ranked the importance of facilities on Hibberson Street. These ranged from safe places for shoppers to cross, on-street parking and wide footpaths for shoppers to on-street goods loading zones, bus stops, taxi ranks and car traffic during the day and night.

A spokeswoman from ACTPLA said the Hibberson Street survey would be used in ACTPLA’s consultation with stakeholders to guide discussion on the future of Hibberson Street. “As well as Gungahlin Community Council, we have also used it with retail stakeholders and will continue to use it in ongoing consultation,” she said.

A planning study report and a draft Territory Plan variation will be given to the government late this year and then released to the public for consultation.

Let us know what you think?

Gungahlin�s town centre could be made pedestrian-only during the day under new planning rules discussed at the Gungahlin Community Council (GCC) meeting last week. The ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) is currently developing detailed draft planning rules for the Gungahlin town centre. ACTPLA has been discussing the plans with interested parties and used last week�s community council meeting to discuss the ideas from community members regarding Hibberson Street and weather protection in the town centre. Residents at the meeting expressed concerns that Hibberson Street, which runs between most of the major shops, was too busy and said changes needed to be made. The most significant issue was the provision of outdoor areas for cafes and restaurants, although there was also some concern about these taking up too much room on footpaths, resulting in difficulties for pedestrians. GCC president Alan Kerlin said there needed to be more control over the use of A-frame signs by cafes and restaurants. Car traffic during the day raised the most concern for residents, with suggestions to either make Hibberson Street a pedestrian-only area or replace the current pedestrian crossings with traffic lights. Providing shelter from the elements was also a major topic of discussion, however residents stipulated the need for any shelter to not block sunshine on warm days. Suggestions included building tunnels between shopping areas, putting sails partly across roads and providing covered walkways or adjustable awnings. Representatives from ACTPLA noted these ideas and any opposition to them, such as the need for tunnels between shopping areas to be aesthetically pleasing. Residents were also asked to complete a survey in which they ranked the importance of facilities on Hibberson Street. These ranged from safe places for shoppers to cross, on-street parking and wide footpaths for shoppers to on-street goods loading zones, bus stops, taxi ranks and car traffic during the day and night. A spokeswoman from ACTPLA said the Hibberson Street survey would be used in ACTPLA�s consultation with stakeholders to guide discussion on the future of Hibberson Street. �As well as Gungahlin Community Council, we have also used it with retail stakeholders and will continue to use it in ongoing consultation,� she said. A planning study report and a draft Territory Plan variation will be given to the government late this year and then released to the public for consultation. Let us know what you think?

good idea.

car drivers get frustrated because they have to wait for people to cross, and people crossing get frustrated because ive seen some cars not even bother to stop. seriously why bother taking this street, for the small chance of getting one of the parking spaces or as a would be short cut through to harrison/franklin.

How many accidents or even near accidents has there been at the the Hibberson/Hinder street interesection? ive seen two.

perhaps making it no right turn from certain directions...?

good idea. car drivers get frustrated because they have to wait for people to cross, and people crossing get frustrated because ive seen some cars not even bother to stop. seriously why bother taking this street, for the small chance of getting one of the parking spaces or as a would be short cut through to harrison/franklin. How many accidents or even near accidents has there been at the the Hibberson/Hinder street interesection? ive seen two. perhaps making it no right turn from certain directions...?