Page 2755 - Week 09 - Thursday, 26 August 1993
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preferred future. As a necessary part of the visioning process, the report does contain assumptions about directions for change in the local, national and global contexts. To a large extent, the achievement of the vision is not predicated on the correctness of these assumptions. However, achieving the preferred future is heavily dependent on the determination and industry of current and future residents. The future set out in this document needs to be worked at and created; it will not just happen.
Second, the report has been developed at an opportune time. Self-government is still in its early years in Canberra, and we will be involved in difficult transitions for several years to come. The financial transition is proving particularly difficult but is by no means the only element of transition. For example, we are also involved in the development of workable relationships with the Commonwealth and regional governments. It is therefore important that the report look beyond these pressing current issues, past the barriers we see in front of us today, to a future that we want to create. This will greatly assist us in setting priorities and assessing directions and actions for today.
However, the report would lack validity if it did not contain an indication of how Canberra could build an economy that was productive and sustainable. The report suggests that this can occur through gradual changes in the revenue and expenditure environments. Continued economic development and activity, together with a growing population, will increase the potential revenue for Canberra. In turn, the patterns of expenditure can be altered through several factors, including a renewed focus on preventative action regarding health, violence and social dependency. Maintaining the appropriate balance between revenue and expenditure while moving forward to achieving the preferred future will provide Canberra with significant challenges over the decades. Further, the report sets out a process for progressing the work that has gone into its preparation. It sets the foundation for integrated strategic planning in Canberra by providing the framework under which such planning can evolve.
The study looks a long way into the future and does not attempt to anticipate all of the changes and challenges that will confront Canberra over that period. It therefore sets out implementation principles rather than a detailed action plan. These principles will allow us to assess progress towards the preferred future. The directions set out in this report will be reflected in corporate and management decision making and integrated into the mainstream planning and consultation processes undertaken by government agencies. The broad directions established in this report, backed by regular reviews of progress, will also be taken into account in the next comprehensive review of the Territory Plan.
Finally, the report sets a vision which I hope will inspire and motivate the people of Canberra. However, I wish to emphasise that the preferred future of 2020 will not be achieved by chance or circumstance. It will become a reality only if the community and the Government work together to meet the challenges and overcome the inevitable obstacles to ensure the best future possible for Canberra. I commend the final report of the Canberra in the Year 2020 study to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mrs Carnell) adjourned.
Sitting suspended from 12.33 to 2.30 pm
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