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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 5 Hansard (15 May) . . Page.. 1266 ..

MR DE DOMENICO (continuing):

It would be fantastic, Mr Wood, for me to spend five minutes less than I do now on the road to get to work. However, the financial reality of the matter is that, when possible, that will be done as well. Mr Wood, had you driven over Isabella Drive recently, you would know that there is a new Conder development there and the developer is sticking in a road which will be ready very shortly. Once again, if the Government can - - -

Mr Wood: We told them to do that. There is nothing new in that.

MR DE DOMENICO: Well done, and that is the way it should be. If we can save some money by utilising money from the private sector, Mr Wood, for some of the works that need to happen, we will do that as well.

Mr Wood: He paid less for his land to do that.

MR DE DOMENICO: That is right, and he is building the road. That is the way it works. Mr Wood talked about the expansion of the cyclepath network. Once again, Mr Wood would know that studies to identify deficiencies in the network are currently in progress. Before going and expanding things willy-nilly, let us have a look at real areas of need, Mr Wood, perhaps like Gungahlin and other areas. Let us make sure that we spend money to provide services to people in the community who really need them.

Mr Wood also talked about the expansion of the Landcare and Parkcare programs, especially for weed control. I am advised that this process is difficult to accelerate because the current program is still not fully committed. If we can accelerate that one too, Mr Wood - it is not my area - we will. Mr Wood also talked about the refurbishment of run-down local shopping centres. Two or three weeks ago we opened the refurbished O'Connor area, which is fantastic. Mr Wood should also know that Hughes, I think, is next in line, in about two or three months. Progressively, as we see the need - - -

Mr Wood: No; rapidly, not progressively.

MR DE DOMENICO: Progressively or rapidly, Mr Wood; they are the same thing. It has to be intelligent progress. Mr Wood also talked about the renewal of outdated playground equipment. Once again, acceleration of playground equipment upgrading is possible and will be done, Mr Wood.

Let us look at some of the things raised by the committee that Mr Moore chairs. I must make the point that Mr Wood should wait until the Government responds to Mr Moore's committee. I think the Government will support wholeheartedly a lot of the things that that committee recommends. No doubt some of the recommendations are fantastic. We will do that. Mr Moore also said - - -

Mr Moore: I would hate to have to send it back again.

MR DE DOMENICO: Mr Moore interjects and says that if he does not think it is right he will send it back.

Mr Moore: No; I said - - -

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