Page 61 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 12 February 2008
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It is undeniable—it is irrefutable—that, in order to deal with issues around climate change and sustainability of transport modes, we will have to completely change our attitude and our behaviours and our infrastructure planning now and, increasingly, into the future. Just look at the numbers in relation to energy consumption within this community. Where do our greenhouse gas emissions come from? They come from two sources—they come from petrol or fossil fuels, and they come from power. That is about it. In this jurisdiction, in this territory, in this town, greenhouse gas emissions are sourced from energy. That’s where they all come from—the consumption of non-renewable sources of energy.
We have set ourselves a significant target—a 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2050. It is not going to be easy; it is going to be incredibly difficult. It will never, ever, ever be achieved if we do not, as a community, start catching public transport and utilising public transport. We will not actually achieve any significant target in relation to public transport usage or reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if we do not plan appropriately and vigorously for a public transport system that is sustainable and that meets the needs of this community.
We need to do the work to achieve that now. It is no good doing it when it is too late, and we are doing the work. Just tell me, when you have a moment, what you would do to respond to the needs of the creation of a sustainable transport apparatus for the ACT, if it is not to actually do the planning necessary now to reserve busways to ensure that we do create sustainable transport opportunities?
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary question?
MR STEFANIAK: Yes, thank you, Mr Speaker. Chief Minister, will you apologise to ACT taxpayers for wasting $3.5 million on the Belconnen busway project?
Mr Pratt: Apologise, apologise, apologise.
Mr Seselja: Last chance.
Mrs Dunne: Go on: sorry. “Sorry” seems to be the hardest word.
MR SPEAKER: Order! A number of members of the opposition have been warned.
MR STANHOPE: I will not detain the Assembly longer, other than to say to an old friend: I regard, Mr Stefaniak, the requirement of your party room on you to ask such an embarrassing and tawdry—
Ms MacDonald: Childish.
MR STANHOPE: and childish question really represents almost your final humiliation. You have my sympathy, Mr Stefaniak.
Education—2008 school year
MS PORTER: My question is to the Minister for Education and Training. Can the
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