Page 432 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 15 February 2005
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you saw as the talent of young Canberrans and a validation of the fact that there are other industries that can be developed here in the ACT.
The group of graduates actually finish by saying in their book—and I will read it out:
Finally, a very, very special thanks to Camille Ducker, Ruth Hingston, Lucile Carson, Kaylene Bradley and all the fashion and design staff at The Canberra Institute of Technology; your continuous patience, support and encouragement will never be forgotten. It has been a wonderful journey.
So I bring Eclection to the attention of the Assembly. Mr Speaker, there are some very bright young Canberrans out there; we should be supporting them. There are some very big opportunities in new and exciting industries and we should be supporting them also.
ACTION
MS PORTER (Ginninderra) (5.32): I bring to the attention of the Assembly the government’s success in targeting adults as passengers on our public transport system. Last week the government’s milestone of 20,000 adult passengers boarding in one day was broken three times. On Tuesday, 8 February, 20,128 adult passengers took ACTION buses, on Wednesday, 9 February, 20,265 adult passengers took ACTION buses and on Thursday, 10 February, 20,532 adult passengers took ACTION buses—a fantastic achievement. This government has a strong commitment to creating a sustainable transport system. It has introduced a number of initiatives to encourage Canberrans to consider public transport as an alternative, and those initiatives are working.
The government’s initiatives include: “One Fare. Anywhere”; the Xpresso service; a new dial-a-bus service for Weston Creek; airconditioned buses; and much more user-friendly buses for disabled people. Members would be aware that a dedicated bus way is being planned—one of the aims of this government to make public transport more convenient and attractive and a viable alternative for adults travelling to work or to any other activity. This government is committed to the environment and to sustainable transport. It is great news that it has passed its 20,000-passenger milestone.
Sport and recreation
MR STEFANIAK (Ginninderra) (5.34): I recommend the 313 service to Belconnen! I refer to a meeting that I understand was held today—I certainly commend its outcome to the government—concerning the lack of sporting and recreation facilities in Gungahlin. Gungahlin is a growing area in the Canberra region. For some time residents have been concerned about the lack of grounds, especially for junior cricket, and there is a burgeoning demand for grounds for junior football, soccer and other sports.
I hope that the government, the Minister for Sport and other ministers will address this issue in the forthcoming budget. It is important that we provide and plan regularly for adequate sporting and recreational facilities for the people of Canberra, in particular, young people. There appears to be a growing need for those facilities. Over the past few years I have had an increase in representations from people concerned about the fact that the development of facilities is not keeping up with demand. I impress upon government ministers the need to address that issue in the budget. I think it is a case of “Watch this space.”
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