To whom it may concern
Monday 1 June 2026
We write to you given the fact that information has been provided publicly via Radio Frequency National Site Archive (RFNSA), that Indara intends to commence work on a telecommunications infrastructure on the corner of Limestone Avenue Ainslie, RFNSA site 2612016, on Wednesday 3rd June.
We note that these works are subject to Development Application 202342438, which includes significant conditions on how the site must be treated, both through the construction phase and after completion. These conditions include a landscape management plan, significant input around plant species, a construction environment management plan and approvals from a range of ACT Government authorities, including the Environment Protection Agency and the Conservator for Flora and Fauna.
You would be well aware that this is a much-loved and cared-for block of unleased land, which we have invested years in nurturing. We are deeply disappointed that our ongoing advocacy around the placement of the infrastructure has not led to any meaningful engagement. We remain open and willing to further engagement regarding the specific placement of this infrastructure on the site. We believe that if there was an understanding of the values of the site, there could be a better placement, a short distance (100 metres) away, which would mean that the community would be more supportive of this infrastructure.
Notwithstanding the above, noting the public notification of the intention to proceed, we are writing to you as community members who will be directly impacted by this work, to seek details regarding the implementation of conditions that have been placed on this development and to seek assurances about how these conditions will be implemented during the construction phase and after.
Specifically, we request:
- a copy of the landscape plan and the planting schedule, and request that the community be engaged regarding what stock is being used and the details of the landscape plan. As we already have a detailed ecological site assessment for planting on the site we expect these to be complementary for grasslands
- a copy of the Construction Environment Plan, including details of the exclusion zone and how this will be enforced, to ensure that the significant investment and work of the group are not undermined and ecological values are protected
- future details regarding the safety and working signs
- details of how the Planning authority has assessed and provided its consent that conditions have been met.
Further, considering the existing long traffic delays and snarls along Limestone Avenue, given the works on the bridge and light rail, particularly in the 8.30–9.15 am rush hour, how will traffic be managed on the corner of Limestone Avenue and Quick Street during construction. How long will the works take, and we want assurances that our restoration work will not be impacted and limited during construction.
We believe it is not unreasonable to request that this information be provided prior to any work commencing. We would also welcome direct engagement to work through this material from the Planning Authority, the Conservator for Flora and Fauna and/or Indara. Given we have had two meetings with the Conservator we are incredibly disappointed to be notified of work starting in this manner, with no direct communication from either the Conservator or Indara. The fraught nature of this construction and significant distress caused to volunteers and community is deeply inconsiderate.
Hard work, knowledge and commitment by the Friends of Ainslie Volcanics Grasslands group are creating a native grassland area on Mt Ainslie foothills which will benefit everyone.
As community members who will need to continue to provide stewardship of this piece of land, long after the individuals involved in the construction of this infrastructure have moved on, we hope that we can have a constructive and positive engagement to ensure that the proponent meets its obligations and regulators ensure that this is policed.
Marianne Albury-Colless
Convenor
Friends of Ainslie Volcanics Grasslands
Ann Hare, Amy Blain, Danny Jowers Blain, Sallyann Ducker, Alastair Greig, Peter Borham