George Wilson Vice President, Deakin Residents Association wrote to members on 9 October about the Deakin Residents Association’s Annual General Meeting on 13 Nov 2025 and inviting involvement in DRA activities for 2026 including nomination for the for one of our working groups and joining the 2026 committee.
Community Service & Local Partnerships
A key recommendation from our survey was to strengthen partnerships with local schools and community organisations — including Alfred Deakin High School, Canberra Girls Grammar, Canberra Grammar, Scouts, and the Canberra Deakin Football Club.
This year’s AGM theme will highlight how these groups contribute to community service and explore opportunities for residents to collaborate on local projects.
Landscapes & Amenity
Deakin’s public spaces continue to suffer from neglect. The uglification is getting worse. Excessive signage, overgrown verges, and poor maintenance detract from the suburb’s appeal.
Although we weeded the 2023 Floriade bulbs, the garden beds at the shops are often neglected, and piles of sticks used as mulch are unsightly and pose a fire hazard. Abandoned vehicles and illegal parking continue to damage nature strips.
We are working with local businesses and the ACT Government to restore the shopping centre’s appearance and secure proper watering facilities for Floriade 2026. Sustained improvement, however, will depend on consistent community care and involvement.
Rates & Local Services
Deakin rates have increased sharply — in some cases exceeding $20,000 per household.
We’re seeking volunteers to help calculate the total rates paid across Deakin’s 2,000+ households and assess whether residents are receiving fair value in return.
The DRA continues to advocate for better footpaths, streetscapes, park maintenance, and amenities around the shops.
Light Rail – Costs and Consequences
While some residents support light rail, most consider it a poor investment, especially given advances in driverless cars and shared transport options.
The project will significantly impact native bushland near Parliament House, especially the area in front of The Lodge.
In our meeting with our MP Alicia Payne, she recognised community concerns but was hesitant to raise the matter with the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital, claiming that light rail has been endorsed in multiple ACT elections.
However, DRA believes many residents remain unaware of the project’s scope, cost, and impacts, including new traffic lights proposed for Adelaide Avenue and the destruction of bushland around Parliament House (a Commonwealth responsibility).See photo.
The DRA proposes a community walk along the planned route to assess likely tree losses and traffic delays.
Even the project’s Environmental Impact Statement concedes that visual impacts will be “high to moderate adverse””.
Bikeways & Active Travel
Discussions with Pedal Power ACT confirm that their 2025–26 Budget submission includes design and construction of a Hopetoun Circuit / Mugga Way path linking Lake Burley Griffin to Flinders Way.
Design work is proposed for 2027–28, with construction in 2028–29.
In the meantime, we’ll advocate for a footpath upgrade fund to improve connectivity and pedestrian safety.
Residents are encouraged to report issues or suggestions through Fix My Street.
Friends of La Trobe Park
We’re looking to form a Friends of La Trobe Park group to plan improvements such as:
- Repairing guardrails and repainting furniture
- Restoring the barbecue area
- Planting native species to attract birds and wildlife
We also plan to hold community events — such as a fete or Christmas gathering — to build stronger local connections and involve younger residents through schools and social media.
Get Involved
Visit www.deakinresidents.asn.au or report issues via Fix My Street.
Annual General Meeting
Thursday 13 November · 6:00 pm
Canberra Bridge Club, Duff Street, Deakin
Join us for the DRA Annual General Meeting — an opportunity to help shape Deakin’s future.
We are seeking community-minded residents to join the 2026 DRA Committee. It’s not onerous: Most correspondence and meetings are conducted online.
- The 2026 focus will be on priorities identified in our recent community survey.
Apply here: nomination form
No committee — no DRA. Many of us are moving on, and new involvement is essential to keep the Association active and effective.
If you’re unable to nominate yourself, please consider encouraging someone who could assist with one of our working groups or serve on the Committee.
Together, we can restore pride, amenity, and community spirit to Deakin.
Photos of neglected nature strips, abandoned vehicles, and garden beds needing care
