Federal Parliament passed the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act in 1988, which established self-government in the ACT. The ACT Legislative Assembly has 17 elected Members.
In one way or another, the people of the ACT use Territory and Municipal Services everyday - whether its taking out the rubbish, driving on a road, walking in a park, registering a dog, riding on an ACTION bus, or watching a sporting event, they are experiencing firsthand the services we provide that help make Canberra a great place to live in and visit.
In short, the Department:
· implements sustainable environmental practices, particularly in the management of our parks, nature reserves and waste;
· caters for Canberrans’ interest in sport through the administration of local sportsgrounds, sporting venues, and sports development programs;
· promotes the nation’s capital as a tourist destination;
· provides valuable information and services to the community through Canberra Connect and the libraries;
· builds and maintain roads, community paths and bridges;
· helps keep the city clean and safe;
· develops transport and road safety policy;
· runs ACTION buses; and
· operate a range of commercial businesses such as the Capital Linen Service and the Yarralumla Nursery.
Canberra is the political epicentre of the nation and one of the world's great cities. This beautiful city offers residents and visitors a lifestyle unrivalled by other Australian capitals.
Canberra's relationship with its natural environment sets it apart from other world capitals. The city's visionary architects, Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin, deliberately designed their city to exist in harmony with nature, while their contemporaries were intent on building canyons of steel and concrete.
Today, Canberrans and visitors can fully appreciate their presence.
Canberra is the custodian of the nation's great institutions, such as the Australian War Memorial, the superb Australian National Gallery, the High Court of Australia and the new National Museum of Australia.
Canberra can provide a flavour of a quiet city life for its residents and visitors. The four distinct seasons and many hidden talents compliment the unique blend of urban living with an easy country pace.