Page 3266 - Week 11 - Thursday, 13 September 1990
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increases the attractiveness of the ACTION bus network. Funds have been provided for the delivery of 52 new buses during the year and the continuation of ACTION's bus refurbishment program right through until the end of June 1992. ACTION, also, is able to purchase this year a number of special vehicles for the operation of an inner city bus service to circulate throughout Civic and provide a service for inner city workers - something, I think, that has been long overdue.
In regard to repairs and maintenance of ACT Government facilities, the Government has allocated some $7m this financial year to address the repairs and maintenance backlog inherited from the Commonwealth. The extent of the backlog was documented by Justice Else-Mitchell earlier in the year. The funds will be used for schools, particularly those affected by the school consolidation program, roads, government buildings and depots and TAFE facilities.
Since coming into office in December last year I have given high priority to getting the asbestos removal program under way. Two major contracts have been let for the removal of asbestos. Both these contracts are now well under way and the program will be in full swing by the end of next month. The four-year target will be met by removing asbestos from approximately 300 homes per year and, during 1990-91, some $22m has been allocated to the asbestos removal program.
Many of the buildings handed over from the Commonwealth at self-government included materials now considered to be hazardous, like fibro sheeting. They also include heating, lighting, air-conditioning and water services that are wasteful in the consumption of energy. This budget provides for funding to allow surveys to be undertaken and for $1.3m for the energy management and hazard removal programs.
We have allocated $88,000 in the budget to provide more effective telephone and communication programs for the ACT Government Service. We have provided half a million dollars in this budget for the continued development of the automated library service at all public libraries in the ACT. This will enhance significant improvements and efficiencies already achieved in the library service and will enable the libraries to increase the range of material available for lending.
So, all in all, this is a good budget; it is a balanced budget, and it is one which all responsible citizens of the ACT should applaud.
Debate interrupted.
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