50. Two of the terms of reference were so large as to constitute major inquiries of their own namely, the adequacy of the Maunsell Study and the examination of 'other [ACT] transport studies'. The committee devoted three chapters to the adequacy of the Maunsell Study [chapters 2-5] and three chapters to ACT transport studies [chapters 6-8]. While all chapters of the report show the same high standard of care and attention to detail, these six chapters in particular show the committee's thoroughness in coming to grips with what the Legislative Assembly asked it to do.

51. As in all its reports, the committee used direct quotes from submissions and reports wherever possible in order to portray accurately the point of view of the person or organisation making a submission.

52 The committee respects the views of Save the Ridge but this does not mean that the committee sees the many issues raised by an examination of the GDE in the same light as Save the Ridge. For that matter, the committee does not see things in the same light as any particular submitter to the inquiry (government included). The committee has reached its conclusions taking into account all of the material provided to it in the course of the inquiry.

53. As always, the committee hopes that its report will facilitate the public debate on the important issues raised by the inquiry, even if some in our community disagree with the committee's conclusions. As stated in paragraph 15.3 of the report, this is their right.

Yours sincerely

Harold Hird MLA

Chair

Gungahlin Drive Extension-

Copy of letter from Mr Hird MLA (Chair), Standing Committee on Planning and Urban Services to Chair 'Save the Ridge', dated 14 June 2001.

John Dedman Parkway Preliminary Assessment-Maps prepared by Maunsell-Attachments A and B.