This petition of certain residents of the Australian Capital Territory draws to the attention of the Assembly that we support Canberra and the surrounding region having access to high quality hospital facilities, however we oppose:
(a) additional vehicle access via Palmer Street and Gilmore Crescent to the Canberra Hospital (TCH). The current SPIRE proposal has been developed without adequate planning and consultation with the Garran community. It subsequently threatens the safety of the community, especially school children;
(b) work on the SPIRE project proceeding before a Master Plan and Hospital Precinct Plan for TCH (including Garran and Phillip) has been developed.
Your petitioners, therefore, request the Assembly to call on the Government to:
(a) stop any additional access to TCH from Palmer Street and Gilmore Crescent, and ensure safe traffic flow within the Hospital Precinct;
(b) engage in genuine consultation with the local community in the Hospital Precinct in the development of both Master Plans;
(c) establish an enforceable plan to address parking in the Hospital Precinct as soon as possible, minimising the impact of TCH on the local community and school;
(d) ensure the impact of helicopter noise on surrounding residences and school is minimised irrespective of where the hospital helipad is located.