Page 2754 - Week 09 - Thursday, 26 August 1993
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Canberra's prosperity and vitality in 2020 should be based on the strength and skills of its community, its leading edge social, educational and physical infrastructure, and a sound and sustainable economy. Our strong public sector and regional service industry base should be balanced by a vibrant export-oriented private sector reflecting Canberra's high educational and skill levels. The Canberra of 2020 should not only be enhanced by its natural environment but also set an example of how sensitive urban management can help enhance the environment. Innovative energy, waste management and transport systems will minimise the impact of Canberra on its environment in 2020.
To support the economic development and environmental advances, the report describes a social setting where the development of strong support networks, a reinforced sense of individual and community self-esteem, and a continuing focus on social justice principles all help to strengthen Canberra's social fabric. Canberra in 2020 should be a healthy and safe city where people of all ages live without threats of violence, lack of support or an uncaring community.
The study has made it clear that a fundamental concern of Canberrans is quality of life. It is a guiding principle for the report, a fundamental building block upon which the preferred future is laid out. Implicit in this principle is that Canberrans can expect a high quality of life, regardless of factors such as location, income or housing tenure. A key element of quality of life is access to services and resources and equity in their allocation. The report, by looking forward a generation into the future, considers these principles in the intergenerational context as well as the intragenerational context.
A second key consideration is community rights and responsibilities. Each member of the community can expect equal basic rights, the ability to exercise these rights, and to participate in the decisions that affect them. Diversity in aspects such as religion, culture, ethnicity and sexual preference should be respected. Alongside these rights, the report envisages a community that recognises a number of key responsibilities towards the environment and community support functions.
Quality of life is also about sustainability. This concept applies equally to social, economic and environmental aspects. Actions such as minimising urban waste products and pollution, constructing energy efficient buildings and dwellings, introducing pricing policies that reflect true environmental costs, and maintaining ecological diversity are essential for a sustainable society. Economic diversity in terms of a broad economic base and prudent financial management are elements of another side of sustainability. A further principle inherent in Canberra's quality of life that has guided the study is excellence. Canberra's development has demonstrated excellence in urban and environmental management. The report builds on this inheritance to suggest that Canberra has opportunities to become an international centre of excellence in several fields, including education, sport, public administration and environmental planning and management.
I believe that this report is significant in a number of respects. First, it is truly a visionary document. It sets out a picture of what Canberra should be like three decades from now. It does not attempt to make projections and then plot a strategy to fulfil expectations. Rather, it describes a future that we would prefer to have and sets out goals, targets and implementation principles to achieve this
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