Page 3716 - Week 12 - Thursday, 25 November 2021
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Active transport—Her Way report
DR PATERSON (Murrumbidgee) (2.55): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes that:
(a) the ACT Government is committed to prioritising the use of public transport and active modes of travel to meet a range of policies, ambitions and commitments related to action on climate change by reducing transport emissions, improving the liveability of our city and promoting mental and physical health and wellbeing;
(b) construction works for Light Rail Stage 2 have commenced, and will bring significant traffic congestion and disruption for years to come, particularly for southside residents;
(c) a Disruption Taskforce has been established by the ACT Government to help address this and provide solutions to relieve commuter stress;
(d) the 2021-22 ACT Budget provided significant investments in active travel infrastructure across the ACT;
(e) on 20 October this year, the Federal Treasurer, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, launched Australia’s first Cycling Economy Report and noted the importance of cycling as a mode of travel and for the Australian economy;
(f) Australia’s cycling industry sustains more than 34 000 jobs and contributed $6.3 billion to the economy in 2020;
(g) research shows that women are around two-thirds less likely to ride a bike than men and have different travel patterns and needs;
(h) there has never been a more important time to ensure greater uptake of public transport and active travel:
(i) we need to take action on climate change;
(ii) lack of physical activity is contributing to increased health costs;
(iii) petrol prices are rising; and
(iv) the COVID-19 lockdown has changed the way many people work, commute and live in their communities:
(A) there is an increased awareness of the need for social cohesion, community connectedness and safe, attractive suburbs and neighbourhoods, as well as support for local business; and
(B) our daily transport routes and modes is an important consideration as we establish new routines coming out of lockdown. The ACT Government’s 2021-22 Budget investment in flexi-hub workplaces is one example of this;
(i) Dr Paterson launched a discussion paper on 9 August 2021, calling on women in her electorate to comment on whether they would consider making greater use of public transport and active travel, and to outline barriers and constraints;
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