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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 4 Hansard (24 June) . . Page.. 894 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

The Government's response agrees, or agrees in principle, to all 15 recommendations made by the committee. These recommendations can be grouped as follows: Firstly, employment, social and economic impact studies; secondly, the attraction of major facilities associated with the project; thirdly, the provision of briefings to, and opportunities for, local industry involvement; and, fourthly, the creation of a regional transport hub. While the detail of the ACT's response is in the tabled documents, I would like to comment briefly on each one of these issues.

Firstly, Mr Speaker, as to employment, social and economic impact studies: These studies provide the basis of government decision-making. The Government's involvement with the New South Wales Government and the Commonwealth Government in a number of studies, including the detailed evaluation of options and their impacts undertaken in 1996, has enabled the Government to develop an extensive knowledge base for decision-making. This includes an understanding of the likely employment, social and economic impacts of the various options. This knowledge, along with that provided by earlier studies, has formed the basis for the Government's strategy to maximise the benefits. The Government will continue to monitor the project, not only to ensure the maximisation of benefits and minimisation of costs, but also to determine whether any additional studies are required.

Secondly, as to the attraction of major facilities associated with the project: The provision of the service in itself will provide a significant boost to local economic development by improving the region's market access and confirming Canberra's status as the national capital. Additional and enduring employment impacts can be gained if we are able to capture some of the service's major facilities such as headquarters, communication and maintenance facilities. The Government has held discussions and formed good relationships with each of the consortia. They were given presentations on the strategic reasons for the Government's preference for the station being at Canberra Airport.

Thirdly, Mr Speaker, as to the creation of a regional transport hub: There is a generally held belief that Canberra requires a transport hub and that it should be located in the precinct around the airport. The Government is already undertaking the actions outlined in the committee's recommendations regarding the transport hub and the necessary associated links. The proponents have been advised that the preferred option is for the Canberra terminal to be at the airport and the Government is currently undertaking a number of studies that will highlight any constraints to having a regional hub in that area. We have a new airport owner with strong local ties who supports this concept and is keen to see the regional hub concept implemented. And most people would know of our efforts to obtain international status for Canberra Airport which would, again, complement this concept. Mr Speaker, I am sure that we all agree that a regional transport hub is essential for the ACT. It certainly appears to be happening.

The last issue is the provision of briefings to and opportunities for local industry involvement. Throughout the entire process the Government has provided information and encouraged participation by industry and community organisations in the development of the project. The standing committee shares our view that the role of these organisations is crucial in the implementation of the project and in the capturing of the anticipated benefits.

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