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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 2 Hansard (21 February) . . Page.. 495 ..

MR PRATT (continuing):

The apparent determination of the Stanhope government to push forward with plans for a four-lane Gungahlin Drive extension which runs past the AIS front gate without further discussion with the AIS stakeholders may have the effect of depriving the national capital of one of our nation's, and the ACT's, premier sporting icons. The western alignment decision which the government favours will have serious detrimental consequences.

It is well known that the AIS, unhappy originally with the eastern alignment route running along its eastern fence line, was prepared reluctantly to accept that route versus the western option as the lesser of two evils. The western route, as far as the AIS is concerned, is unacceptable. The proposed western route would have the serious and harmful effect of bringing vehicle pollution into the bushland which now surrounds the AIS, a pollution-free zone which undoubtedly has contributed to our athletes' sporting prowess.

The proximity of vehicular traffic of trunk route proportions to athletics training will have a significant impact. Athletes in full training mode require 20 per cent more oxygen than the average person. The AIS training areas will become, ironically, one of the more polluted areas of the ACT. As the prevailing weather pattern is usually from the west, most days will see vehicle pollution carried into the AIS, not away from it as may have happened under the eastern route option.

The proposed route also would run in close proximity to athletes' accommodation, with one planning option reported to have the road running within 150 metres of that accommodation. Top athletes need unbroken rest, and currently receive this in the unpolluted peaceful surrounds of the AIS. Moreover, the planned western route would cut straight through the western side car park-car park space which could only be replicated elsewhere at great cost and at a disadvantage to facility extensions. Indeed, the western route cuts through the areas which have always been earmarked as facility extension space. The AIS planned eventually to utilise those areas. That they may not now exist must raise serious doubts about the viability of Bruce long term.

The AIS is world renowned for its excellence-excellence in its training facilities and in producing excellence. Overseas students train there regularly, proving that the AIS is of economic significance to the ACT. Looking ahead, this training market, both domestic and foreign, should significantly expand. It would be unforgivable if, as a result of an unwise government decision, the future of the AIS was jeopardised and the AIS packed up and left Canberra for, literally, greener fields.

There is no need for me to list the achievements of this place, this incubator of elite athletes of which we should all be proud. The very significant improvement of Australia's Olympic performance can be sheeted home substantially to the AIS. Major football teams of all codes utilise the facility. Its detailed and varied make-up provides for all sports in the country a mosaic of services-sporting, training, academic, sports psychology, and administrative services unsurpassed by any sport facility in the region.

As shadow spokesman for sport, it is my responsibility to promote sport in the ACT and to defend our excellent AIS facilities. It is my duty to encourage not only the development of excellence, but also good, plain old community sporting participation.

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