Big brother is hard to ignore when he’s right next door. The proximity of Canberra has an undoubted influence on Queanbeyan. With a population ten times larger and with facilities and services accompanying its status as the national capital, Canberra’s standards are the immediate benchmark for Queanbeyan. However, as there is no freehold title available in the ACT, many Canberra people choose to build in Queanbeyan.
With a large number of people commuting to the ACT to work, there is considerable interchange between the two Cities. While this places additional pressure on Council to conform with Canberra’s service standards, at the same time, Queanbeyan citizens have all the advantages of a major City just 15 minutes away along with country living.
Queanbeyan’s City Centre itself is a thriving commercial area offering free parking, traditional shopping and a friendly environment. Council has demonstrated a commitment to continual improvement of the Central Business District. Since 1988, over $2 million has been spent on road improvements and beautification. A further $1 million earmarked in 1996/97 will continue this program.
This ongoing program is in line with a statement made by Mayor Pangallo in the 1994/95 Annual Report, “…that the Council should continue with its policy of providing the infrastructure and environment necessary to attract new business/industry and support existing business”.
In providing local employment opportunities, many of Queanbeyan’s businesses are at the cutting edge of new technology. There is also a very active arts community and, with a diverse and changing population associated with the nearby seat of power, Queanbeyan residents enhance community life with their variety of skills and interests.
Settled by Europeans as far back as 1835, the area’s heritage and natural beauty blends well with the sophistication of the Nation’s Capital City.
