Page 1013 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 15 March 2005
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Attitudes are changing. Last month, for the first time in Canberra’s history, ACTION adult passenger numbers reached 20,000 in a single day, not once, but several times. Campaigns such as TravelSmart are encouraging even more people onto the buses. We are improving bus frequency as part of a $4.6 million investment in system-wide improvements; $100,000 is being spent to give passengers certainty about waiting times; $400,000 is being spent on the design of a new interchange at Woden and forward design is also underway for Belconnen.
In isolation, each of the initiatives I have outlined today is worthy. They are investments that change the lives of individuals for the better. Combined, they are changing our entire community for the better. These are integrated initiatives that fit together with the strength of a monkey grip. They are unified by my government’s vision of this city and aspirations for its people.
Over the next five years we are investing $600 million in the realisation of the Canberra plan. Our vision is a city that represents the best in community living and sustainable development. One year on, we have begun to shade in the contours and sharpen the topography of the Canberra plan. One year on, Canberra is closer than ever to being the city it is capable of being. I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Celebrate Canberra
Discussion of matter of public importance
MR SPEAKER: I have received letters from Dr Foskey, Ms MacDonald, Mr Smyth and Mr Seselja proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, I have determined that the matter proposed by Ms MacDonald be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of the Celebrate Canberra celebrations, the success of Canberra’s big birthday party on 12 March and the need to highlight the contribution the Canberra citizen of the year and the Canberra gold certificate recipients make to the community.
MS MacDONALD (Brindabella) (3.36): We all know that Canberra celebrated its 92nd birthday on Saturday—and thousands came out to wish our city a happy birthday. Our city has come a long way in 92 years. What was once a few farming properties is now a beautiful and vibrant city, the capital of Australia and home to more than 320,000 people. The Celebrate Canberra celebrations kicked off on Saturday and will run until Monday, 21 March 2005. The 10 days of celebrations are an important opportunity to recognise those who have made valuable contributions to the Canberra community, as well as to get out and experience all that Canberra has to offer. They allow Canberrans to enjoy and explore our city, its people, attractions, diversity and, most importantly, its sense of community.
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