Page 2264 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 4 August 2021
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very tall building. I believe that this will contribute to a sense of vibrancy in the area and will provide better place-making outcomes. The 650 jobs created by this project are also very welcome, especially to the ACT, together with all states and territories that continue to suffer the effects of the pandemic.
I also welcome the new transport interchange, which will make it easier, more convenient and more inviting for Canberrans travelling to and from the CIT campus, as well as to other key Woden destinations. The interchange will provide links with existing cycling routes and bike parking facilities, allowing people to seamlessly travel between bus services and active travel, providing easy connections and integration between home, work and play.
The existing bus interchange was built in the mid-1970s and is showing effects of its age. The enhancements underway will increase its appeal and should attract more people to make better use of our public transport network.
Public consultation on various aspects of the CIT campus and transport interchange at Woden remains open until Friday, 20 August. I encourage all Canberrans to have their say. While the projects are located south side and in my electorate of Murrumbidgee, they will be used and accessed by all Canberrans as staff, students and visitors to the world-class facilities being constructed and to the area more broadly.
I look forward to the revitalisation of the Woden town centre and the improved public realm which will be achieved through the pedestrian boulevard and the new Bowes and Bradley streets connection. These are important thoroughfares and it is critical that our community feels safe moving through these areas at all times of the day and night, especially given the interchange’s role in transporting people to and from the Canberra Hospital and CIT.
Community feedback that has already been received has highlighted the need for improved safety and connectivity in the area, including clear lines of sight, improved wayfinding signage, lighting and appropriate shelters. I want to help Canberrans—those living in my electorate and those visiting the area—to be able to preference public transport as a primary mode of travel. If we provide the right infrastructure, the right services, the right connections and the right amenities, I believe that we will choose to use public transport more. It is important that not just our transport system supports this approach, but also that the associated amenities and facilities support this.
There are many benefits to using public transport, and I look forward to a time when all Canberrans embrace public transport and active travel options to greater effect. This will transform our lives, our city, our interactions with each other and our health and wellbeing.
Among the benefits of greater use of public transport are reduced emissions as we move away from private vehicles, often with only a single passenger. Community benefits include more vibrant town centres and neighbourhoods as people move about within these areas; and the physical and mental health benefits brought about by walking, cycling and scooting, as well as interacting with others in public spaces, our neighbourhoods, town centres and on public transport.
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