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A tour of the ACT's ecologically sustainable development sites and resource efficient display homes, which was undertaken by visiting mayors, reinforced the benefits of effective water management and the skills that ACTEW can offer to the region. The importance of managing the region's natural resources is also the focus of the ACT and Sub-region Planning Committee, which covers land and environmental management issues. This committee has representation from the three tiers of government - Commonwealth, State/Territory and local. In preparing the draft ACT and subregion planning strategy, the committee worked closely with relevant government agencies at all levels of government. The strategy was launched for public comment on 30 May, and the committee is holding some 10 public forums through the ACT and subregion to discuss strategy and implications for a sustainable future. Two forums which were recently held in Canberra were well attended.

Mr Speaker, there is wide recognition in the community, as well as by governments, that what we do here in the ACT affects our neighbours, and vice versa. Consequently, there is strong general support for such strategies. Key issues raised to date in these public forums on the planning strategy concern ensuring that development is sustainable and that our environment and natural resources, such as water, are managed wisely.

While I am discussing planning matters and the need to ensure that development is undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner, I would draw your attention to a further significant initiative in which this Government is participating. The Government has agreed to participate jointly with the Queanbeyan City Council in a study on cross-border infrastructure development. The study is funded under the Commonwealth's integrated local area planning program. The Jerrabomberra Valley is the focus of the study. As you will know, this valley straddles the ACT and New South Wales border between Canberra and Queanbeyan. We are examining the possibility of sharing infrastructure, coordinating the provision of services to residents and improving coordination in the areas of planning. The study is expected to conclude in mid-1996. Mr Speaker, these issues of planning and services delivery offer huge scope for cooperation and coordination to the mutual benefit of the whole community. Specifically, they offer opportunities for improving services and reducing duplication, and hopefully in the longer term reducing real costs.

In addition to the measures which I have already described, an ACT and New South Wales senior officials group has been set up as a primary forum to discuss a range of cross-border issues and anomalies between the jurisdictions. The issues under discussion are diverse, but all have impact on our community - for example, the need for mutual recognition of seniors cards and their eligibility criteria; compatibility with New South Wales on penalties for all traffic infringements; the establishment of reciprocal arrangements under the subsidised taxi scheme for people with disabilities; and an integrated program of reform of the construction industry, to name a few.

The Government is committed to a healthy and vigorous regional economy. We recognise that the ACT's economic destiny is firmly linked with that of the region. We also recognise the truth of the McKinsey findings that “the role of government is shifting from 'doer to director' to change leader in regional and economic development”.

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