February 29 2024 | CanberraDigest

Hello Canberra,

⛅️ Weather: 34° and mostly sunny.

📆 Today: It’s Thursday 29th February. It’s a leap day!

This is a previous issue of Canberra Digest. Get Canberra news, events, culture and more sent to your inbox every morning. Subscribe for free.

News: Controversial Powers Used to Approve New Molonglo Suburb

ACT planning minister Chris Steel has used his call-in powers to approve a new suburb development in Molonglo. The Stroll Reach suburb is the second stage of Denman Prospect and will be home to 1000 new dwellings.

The ACT Greens say they were blindsided by the decision, and Conservation ACT is concerned about the impact on native fauna and flora in the area.

This will more than likely be the last time the call-in powers can be used as the Government overhauled the planning process last year. The call-in powers were able to be used this time as the development application was submitted before the changes. More.

News: ✈️ Qantas’s New Airbus A220 To Fly From Canberra on March 1

If you’re flying between Canberra and Melbourne on Qantas, you can expect an upgraded experience from March 1 on select flights.

Qantas’s brand-new Airbus A220 will fly between Canberra and Melbourne, replacing the outdated Boeing 717. The A220 is going to feel like a massive upgrade. It’s much quieter, has larger overhead compartments and much bigger windows. More.

Today: 💰 PJ’s February 29 $400 Giveaway

PJ’s in the city is running Leap Year Roulette, where people born on 29 February can win a $400 voucher! If you were born on February 29, swing by PJ’s in the city with proof of your birthday (your ID) to claim a voucher. Details here.

This Weekend: 🧬 Questacon By Night

Questacon are hosting a number of activities in conjunction with the Enlighten festival. There will be an outdoor fire show and a special exhibition, and the cafe will be open selling fairy floss, cronuts, popcorn and ice cream. Details here.

🦖 Dinos After Dark

The National Dinosaur Museum is hosting 60-minute, family-friendly tours through its upper gallery as part of the Enlighten After Dark festival.

For adults, the Dinosaur Museum is also hosting a Love and Lust tour with a glass of bubbly included.

It’s running from 1st to 9th March. Tickets here.

News: Wilma and The Pearl is Up for Sale

City bar and restaurant Wilma and The Pearl has been listed for sale. The venue was formerly known as Kokomo’s before it transformed into the current dual restaurants and bar. I’m not sure why the owners are selling, as last financial year, they made a whopping $3 million profit.