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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 12 Hansard (13 November) . . Page.. 3519 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

Rather than take the knee-jerk, quick-fix, easy approach adopted by Vicki Dunne and her colleagues, saying, "Just move it 200 metres to the east, and that will fix all the problems,"this government has been considered, has minimised the impact on Canberra Nature Park and has responded to the concerns of Aranda residents. The government will of course continue to work with the Aranda Residents Group, and other stakeholders, as we go through final elements of detail that have been raised by them since.

The general comment now is that the design is good and it is time to get on with it. Indeed, the only people who do not think it is good are the Liberals and their political bedfellows. Those are the only people who think the design is not good. I think the Liberal Party need to focus strongly now on what is in the public interest.

Is it in the public interest to build a road for the community of Gungahlin? Yes, it is. Is it in the public interest for those on the other side of the house to seek to delay and obstruct this government's election commitment to build the road on the western alignment, given that there is now clear community support for it? No, it is not in the public interest for the Liberals to do that.

We saw yesterday how out of touch the Liberals were on issues affecting Gungahlin-for example, Gary Humphries saying, "Don't give them local shops,"and Vicki Dunne saying, "Give them higher density."I am sure they would go down really well in Ngunnawal, and I am sure they would go down really well in Amaroo. Now they are also saying, "We're going to block you having your road."

Yesterday the Gungahlin Community Council released a survey on issues of concern to Gungahlin residents. Roads and transport were rated highest by Gungahlin residents who participated in the survey. I am happy to forward a copy of the survey to the Liberal Party so they can try to get back in touch with community feeling on issues as they affect Gungahlin residents.

When will they stop colluding with their federal colleagues? When will they stop seeking to obstruct this government from building the road, on timetable, a road that has received strong endorsement by the community? When will they put aside-

Mrs Dunne: Mr Speaker, I have a point of order. Mr Corbell has made the inference that members of the Liberal Party in this place are colluding. This is not the case. If he wants to make the assertion that we are colluding, he should produce the evidence. Otherwise he should withdraw the statement.

MR SPEAKER: I do not think that is a point of order. Sit down, Mrs Dunne.

MR CORBELL: The government is now moving on, with the establishment of a draft preliminary assessment, which is expected to be released at the end of this month. The draft PA is an extensive piece of work and includes a number of assessments, including noise conditions, air quality, heritage, land use policy-particularly with regard to the National Capital Plan-the Territory Plan and issues at the AIS and in Bruce.

The government is doing its job. The government is moving to deliver the road Gungahlin residents deserve. When will the Liberal Party stop their collusion and stop obstructing the road that Gungahlin residents need?

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