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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Kathryn Lewis

Privacy issues stop bus shelter construction

Construction of a bus shelter in Throsby was suspended last week. Picture: Elesa Kurtz

The ACT government put a stop to construction of a Throsby bus shelter last week, following privacy concerns raised by a nearby resident.

The suspension has caused a delay in construction and left residents concerned they would miss out on a shelter.

A Transport Canberra spokeswoman confirmed the shelter on Bettong Avenue was partially installed and then suspended after a resident contacted the government with concerns for "amenity and privacy as a result of the direct line of site into the residence".

Throsby residents noticed the shelter which had been being built suddenly disappeared, prompting several to contact the government.

Despite the delays, a Transport Canberra spokeswoman said it would be re-instated in the next few weeks after the community response.

"Following this feedback, Transport Minister Chris Steel has asked for the bus shelter to be re-installed as soon as possible in the new year," she said.

Lee Forster was among several residents who took a complaint to the government when the shelter he had been waiting for disappeared.

He said there had been concern for the youngest and oldest residents who use the bus and may be without a protective shelter.

"It's quite open there, it's on the edge of a park," he said.

He said the bus stop serviced around 100 homes and construction nearby would mean there would soon be more demand.

Transport Canberra is not required to submit a formal approval for bus shelters. They consider potential for patronage growth and customer feedback and requests when determining the location.

"Prior to works commencing all designs/location maps for bus shelter and stop improvement are circulated to nearby residents, providing an opportunity for them to provide feedback prior to installation," a spokeswoman said.

"Transport Canberra understands that in this instance the resident in question did not see the letterbox drop that was provided and this information has since been shared during discussions."

The spokeswoman said 19 new shelters have been installed across Gungahlin recently, with another pending review.

Four classic Canberra shelters have also been relocated to Gungahlin.

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