Page 4279 - Week 14 - Thursday, 24 October 1991
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MR STEFANIAK (3.32): Thank you, Mr Stevenson, for raising this MPI. It certainly is a very good idea. I know of attempts over the years, certainly by one of the longest-serving proprietors in Canberra, Gus Petersilka, to add a bit of colour to that part of Canberra. I might still have been at school when Gus Petersilka started his sidewalk cafe and had all sorts of bureaucratic interference but won through. Anything that can brighten up our city in very proper ways should be commended. I certainly commend you for raising the matter, and Mr Petersilka, among the other traders there, for their efforts over a number of years.
You mentioned to me before lunch, Mr Stevenson, that one of the problems in relation to people parking in Civic after hours is the problem of loading zones where people cannot park at any stage over 24 hours. You suggested, I think, that perhaps those zones should be restricted in all cases to business hours and the hours that the shops are open. I think that is sensible. I certainly would commend that to the Minister for Urban Services for inquiry, because that certainly makes a lot of sense.
I certainly agree with you in relation to skateboards. I note that both the first Follett Government and the Alliance Government introduced skateboard parks. I think Paul Whalan opened one in about November 1989 in Woden. His counterpart in the Alliance Government, Craig Duby, as Minister for Urban Services, opened one which we put up in Belconnen. I note that there are also a few around town. I was having my sandwich in a park near the shops at Campbell over the weekend, and there is a little skateboard rink there. That is not the only one I have seen around.
I do not think there is terribly much excuse for people skateboarding in Garema Place, and I note your committee's recommendations that no-one should skate within 20 metres of a shopfront. People who use skateboards should show a little bit of consideration in the built-up areas for pedestrians and shoppers, especially the elderly who are indeed terrified by skateboards. I suppose that also would apply to young children, who are equally helpless in terms of skateboards should they be hit.
It probably does not affect people like you or me, Mr Stevenson. I suppose a skateboarder would probably come off second best if he hit us. But, for the elderly and for young children, there is a real danger there. I think the Government should take note of what has occurred in various New South Wales councils where skateboard riding and bicycle riding have been banned in certain built-up areas around shops. I think that is only commonsense and gives due consideration to the elderly citizens in our community. I certainly agree wholeheartedly with you there.
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