The WVCC would like to acknowledge the uncertainty and anxiety that many of our residents have been feeling from the ongoing bushfires, particularly in the south of Tuggeranong. We would like to thank the ACT Emergency Services Agency (and the RFS) and the ABC for working so hard to keep us informed and to keep us safe.

This year we will focus on policy matters that impact on our residents and the environment we live in.

At the February meeting we will discuss the proposed changes to the planning laws (DV 369) which seek to implement Canberra's Living Infrastructure Plan - 30 per cent tree canopy cover (or equivalent) and 30 per cent permeable surfaces in urban areas by 2045. There are concerns that the changes to the law will not deliver the number of trees that were promised, with multi-units being as low as 15 per cent.

Evoenergy will discuss their five year plan (which is required by the Australian Energy Regulator) about how much they plan to spend on operating, maintaining and investment in their gas network in the ACT and how these costs should be recovered from customers. They wish to engage with the community to ensure they understand what is wanted from the gas network.

We will also discuss the issues around SPIRE to inform our submission to the Legislative Assembly's Inquiry into planning for SPIRE and planning for the broader hospital precinct.

We are interested in what the community thinks the role of the Woden Town Centre is in the social and economic development of Canberra's south. Over the coming months we will look at it in the context of a significant residential and employment precinct and a major public transport hub. We will consider the opportunities and whether we have the governance and ambition in place to develop the centre into a contemporary urban precinct.

For further information go to wvcc.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.