Page 4489 - Week 14 - Thursday, 9 December 1993
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a very large number of organisations and community groups, by individuals, by embassies and high commissions, by the University of Canberra, by the media - through radio station 2CN and the Canberra Times in particular - and by several of our primary schools in Canberra, including primary school students and their teachers.
Madam Speaker, a number of other groups have also participated in the project. People have been involved in the preparation of a short video outlining visions for 2020. People have participated in talkback radio, attended a public meeting at the University of Canberra and made contributions to a feature article for the Canberra Times. Several primary schools have been involved. Children from five Belconnen schools prepared and presented their ideas of Canberra in the year 2020.
I would now like to discuss the significance of Canberra in the year 2003, which was part of one of the reports which were tabled. I think the important thing to note about the probable future of Canberra in the year 2003 is that we really need to be mindful of the city we do not want to see in 10 years' time. As the report outlines, looking ahead 10 years is not a terribly difficult process for us. It is much harder, of course, to look at the longer term, at about 30 years hence.
I would now like to talk to our preferred future for Canberra in the year 2020. What is important in coming to terms with what is included in this report is not necessarily the content. It will be appropriate or not appropriate as the future evolves. What is important is the search for ideas, the vision for what we want. I think it is a credit to the reference group that this particular project was undertaken in the way that it was, with the vision for 2020 being articulated so well.
Important themes which come through this vision are many: Maximising whole of life education; the recognition of our Aboriginal heritage; the emphasis on regional government as opposed to State and local governments; the recognition of older people as keepers of wisdom; access for people with disabilities to all places that they would wish to access; the resolution of conflict; concepts of restoration and integration as the focus of the criminal justice system; a focus on preventive health care; illegal drugs available to people on prescription; major stages of life; abolition of the cultures of welfare and violence; women enjoying equal status with men; art and culture being activities that form parts of individuals' everyday lives; higher standards of health and fitness and more community involvement in sport and recreation.
A number of other themes are taken up in this particular document. One is Canberra as a city in a global society. There is much discussion of the aim towards an economically and ecologically sustainable Canberra. There are very important issues which are enunciated very clearly in this report. Life in Canberra in 2020 is discussed. Our housing and communities are also discussed. I appreciate the work that has gone into this particular document because, first, the vision is articulated and, secondly, the action plan proceeds on the basis of that initial vision.
I would now like to talk briefly about Choosing our Future : Canberra in the Year 2020, which is the report which has been prepared by the Economic Development Division of the Chief Minister's Department.
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