Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

None . . Page.. 388 ..

Gungahlin - Road Links

MS TUCKER: I address this question to the Minister for Urban Services, Mr De Domenico. Some years ago the Government considered proposals for new roads to link Gungahlin with central Canberra, as well as upgrading Majura Road. Among proposed roads were the John Dedman East Parkway that would cut through O'Connor Ridge, Black Mountain and the National Botanic Gardens; and Monash Drive that would go along the base of Mount Ainslie. During this term of office the Government will have to address transport options for Gungahlin, and it is essential that these transport links do not disturb the natural environment or the amenity of residents of North Canberra. Is the Government considering this matter? Are there any detailed plans to go ahead with the routes that I have mentioned? Is public transport being considered as a priority?

MR DE DOMENICO: I thank Ms Tucker for her three-pronged question. She asked me whether it has been considered in terms of transport to Nicholls. The answer is yes. She also asked whether there are any forward plans for the building of those roads. The answer is no, as far as I am aware. The third question was whether we are considering public transport. The answer is yes. Can I also say that one of those forms of public transport that we are considering and will consider will be light rail.

MS TUCKER: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Is the Government committed to going ahead with stage 4 of the study into Canberra's future transport options?

MR DE DOMENICO: At this stage I will be taking to Cabinet as part of the September budget a proposal which will include things like that. You will find that this Government is very keen to look at all possible options in terms of public transport, especially those that take into account our environment.

Ministerial Consultation

MS McRAE: My question is directed to Mrs Carnell in her capacity as Chief Minister. Chief Minister, you made a promise - you talked about it this morning - that you and your Ministers will be available on a regular basis to meet members of the general public. When and where will these meetings be?

MRS CARNELL: They will start next month. They will be at community centres and other community venues all over Canberra. They will be advertised in the media.

MS McRAE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. In a spirit of cooperation and in accordance with your promise to make this a more inclusive Assembly, will you give all members of the Assembly access to similar facilities and support so that we can all meet our constituents on an equal basis?

MRS CARNELL: I am sure that everyone in this Assembly meets with members of the community all the time. Any proposal that anybody else has to meet with the community should be put to me, and I will have a look at it.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .