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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 13 Hansard (4 December) . . Page.. 4556 ..

MR OSBORNE (continuing):

In conclusion, I will say this to my colleagues in the Assembly: Let us allow a little diversity in the world; let us not be so proscriptive of activities which are a little loud, a little dangerous or not to our taste that we suck all the vigour out of life. Life is full of disorder, noise and risk. That is what makes it fun. We may not like racing. It may cause a little inconvenience or even irritation at times, but a lot of people do like it.

This track is already on the outskirts of Canberra. Unfortunately, it is close to a residential area in Queanbeyan. That is too bad; but, as I said, the track was there first. And mark my words, Mr Speaker: If we lowered the limit, the campaign against the track would continue. The few residents of the Ridgeway who are opposing this regulation want the track moved. I do not expect them to give up until they get their way. If we let them win, where will the kids who use this track go? What will they do? Will we be shaking our heads in an Assembly committee one day in the future wondering why it is that our youth, particularly our boys, are causing so much trouble? The bottom line is that we are elected to represent our constituents. When pushed to make a choice, their needs should come first. No Canberra resident has complained to me about the track, but plenty have asked me to protect it, and that is what I intend to do.

Debate (on motion by Ms McRae) adjourned.

Debate resumed from 11 December 1996, on motion by Mrs Carnell:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Debate resumed from 11 December 1996, on motion by Mrs Carnell:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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