Page 3608 - Week 12 - Thursday, 19 September 1991
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CHIEF MINISTER FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION
Question No 439
Very Fast Train Project
MR HUMPHRIES - Asked the Chief Minister upon notice on 6 August 1991:
(1) What action is the Chief Minister taking to help ensure that the Very Fast Train Project becomes a reality.
(2) What are the potential social and economic benefits to Canberra of the Very Fast Train.
MS FOLLETT - The answer to the members question is as follows:
(1) The ongoing economic prosperity of the ACT will depend in part on our ability to diversify the Territorys economic base and thereby generate new jobs. Critical in this task is the enhancement of our external transport linkages, including those in the Sydney-Canberra-Melbourne corridor. Innovative transport solutions are also part of the larger planning task of addressing the urban problems of Sydney and Melbourne which are currently facing significant infrastructure cost pressures. I believe that the Very Fast Train Project, as a privately funded venture, offers a visionary approach to these issues.
I am disappointed that it appears that the VFT Project will not proceed and that the VFT Joint Ventures Canberra office has closed. I will be having further discussions with them regarding their future intentions.
On a more positive note, it is my belief that the formation of an Intergovernmental Working Group on Tax Implications for Infrastructure Development at the recent Special Premiers Conference is an important initiative.
The ACT Government is not giving up on the VFT Project. In the coming months I will endeavour to achieve a positive outcome from this working group and the Special Premiers Conference in November which will enable private investment in large-scale infrastructure projects that enhance the Regions and Australias competitiveness.
(2) The first ACr Labor Government initiated two studies to evaluate the potential social and economic benefits to Canberra of the Very Fast Train Project. The results of these studies strengthened the Governments inprinciple support for the Project.
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