Page 3856 - Week 10 - Thursday, 27 August 2009
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have a very fast train running through the Majura Valley to the airport, in the meantime, our existing rail is not fast enough, not frequent enough, nor effectively connected to any other existing transport networks. The recent announcement that Canberra will need a new railway station might prove to be an opportunity if we can ensure that the new station is effectively linked to Canberra’s wider public transport system as well as providing an adequate freight service. These are key issues which must be considered.
In terms of urban planning, transport is only now being factored in. Last year when the Greens raised the issue of transport links between Molonglo and Civic in an ACTPLA briefing, we were advised that the transport links will come later when the demand for transport has grown. The recent transport network plan is the first evidence that the ACT government is prepared to build high frequency transport routes into the territory plan, and that is encouraging. If we are to develop this city around adequate and consequently sustainable public transport, we need that certainty in planning. This is not a new idea, and it is something the Greens have been arguing for in all our time in the Assembly. At last the government is following this lead, and that is a good thing for Canberra.
I know that there are many people who have a strong view that we need a commitment to light rail and that without such a commitment we will never have a sustainable and convenient public transport system. There are others who disagree entirely and argue that the cost of light rail is entirely prohibitive and that systems such as the Brisbane busways are affordable, achievable, and deliver the goods. There are also new technologies being developed using alternative and renewable energy sources, although much needs to be done in terms of building our city around public transport, walkability and bike paths. The issue of technology can then be addressed taking each of these aspects into account. For example, the busway system in Brisbane has been built in such a way as to allow for light rail infrastructure in the future.
Sustainable transport is also about where and how people live. The idea of sustainable communities, providing homes for a social mix of residents with easy access to essential services allows more people to live independently of cars, with social health and environmental benefits. An integrated sustainable transport system is supported by and essential for people living in that way in our city. To encourage the use of more sustainable transport, we need to encourage people to use the public transport system. The allocation in the last budget of $l million towards a trial of bus rapid transit is a good step. We think it will make commuter travel faster and more convenient.
Other things we need to do to improve our buses and make them more attractive are: an updated ticketing system for ACTION to assist in its planning and making travel faster; a wheelchair-accessible taxi system that works for its customers—the government are at last commissioning a review, once again, taking the lead from the Greens, and this might go an extra step towards ensuring a convenient and adequate service for the people who need this; the introduction of a ticketing system that will transfer across all bus systems and assist in creating better links between Queanbeyan and Canberra; more bus priority lanes; and properly organised airport taxi services.
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