Page 320 - Week 01 - Thursday, 9 December 2004
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proposed to be released at regular intervals on implementation of the ACT’s sustainable transport plan.
Today I was very pleased to see that both organisations have given a big thumbs up to the government, not only for the plan but also, and more importantly, for its initial implementation. They say that the sustainable transport plan makes the grade. They have given the ACT a seven out of 10 mark for its progress in implementing the transport plan. This is a solid result and one that shows that we are making an excellent start.
Indeed, both organisations say, “We rate the government as having made a respectable start, good progress in some important areas but lagging a little in one or two other areas; eg, cycle map and traffic signal management.” I am really pleased that the conservation council and Pedal Power have sought to highlight the government’s ongoing interest in implementing the sustainable transport initiatives.
Transport, particularly private motor vehicles, is one of the major consumers of energy in Canberra and rates second behind household energy use as the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the territory. The government’s sustainable transport plan is designed to address these issues. I am very pleased that these two very important organisations, the conservation council and Pedal Power, have given our implementation and the plan itself a big thumbs up.
I join members in congratulating everyone who has been returned to the Assembly or elected to the Assembly for the first time. The other day I was reflecting on the fact that I am coming up to seven years in this place, which seems a little bit unbelievable for me. By the end of this term it will be 11 years, which is a somewhat frightening prospect in some respects. Nevertheless, to be in this place is a privilege that we have: to make the argument and to progress the agenda that we believe is in the best interests of the people of Canberra.
I extend my best wishes to all members of this place for a safe and peaceful holiday season. I also extend my thanks to staff in my office, to my colleagues and particularly to the people in the ACT government departments for which I have responsibility. I have found their professionalism and the relationships I have developed with all of them to have been very conducive to achieving the agenda to which the government is committed. I feel that I have made—perhaps friends would be too personal a term—companions on a journey towards implementing some very important policies for the ACT. I trust everyone has a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Valedictory
MR STANHOPE (Ginninderra—Chief Minister, Attorney-General, Minister for Environment and Minister for Arts, Heritage and Indigenous Affairs) (6.41): I seek leave to speak.
Leave granted.
MR STANHOPE: I beg members’ pardon for that. I thank you for your indulgence. I simply wish everybody the best for the holiday season. I echo the sentiments of every other member of the place in this debate in saying I hope that all members have a safe
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