Page 1825 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 5 May 2010
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I must also speak of the health implications of active and public transport here in Canberra. This is a government which has a number of initiatives encouraging a more active lifestyle, such as the “find 30” campaign. One of the best ways we can encourage a healthier lifestyle is to make it easier to walk or cycle to and from work, or to and from the local bus stop.
There are substantial public health costs associated with inactivity in people’s lifestyles. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the country, with approximately 23,000 deaths in 2007. In Canberra, around 32 per cent of people are above a healthy weight. Over 15 per cent of the ACT population suffer under a long-term cardiovascular disease. Mental health problems can also be a direct result of the lack of physical activity.
Exercise and healthy lifestyles are an important factor in preventative health. When our health expenditure is rising, and when the diseases associated both with pollution and with sedentary lifestyles are placing pressure upon our acute care systems in hospital, small improvements that can improve lifestyles pay big dividends down the line.
We believe that the current set-up of walking and cycling infrastructure can be improved to encourage healthier options for travelling to and from work, bus stops or shops. Where walking and cycling paths are pleasant, attractive and well maintained, it does encourage their use. We believe that the high level of bike ownership shows that there are many people in Canberra who are willing to make the healthy choice to ride and walk, but they may be discouraged from doing so.
We believe that it is the duty of a responsible government to provide effective alternatives. We believe that failure to invest in public and active transport infrastructure drives up everyday costs of living, both now and in the future. We believe that it is better to invest while we can choose to rather than be forced to by circumstance. This is not a criticism of the investment choices the government has announced in the budget but, rather, a call for the government, and any future governments, to invest in transport leadership.
We believe that if the people of Canberra are provided with effective and affordable alternatives they will take them up. We believe that the government should be aiming high. It should not be aiming to meet projected demand based upon parking and petrol price increases but should be using initiatives that improve service to stimulate demand.
The successes of the intertown, Redex and school bus routes, and the increase in cycling with the introduction of cycle lanes, all demonstrate the ability of the government to influence demand through improved service, not just provide supply. People can and will choose sustainable, healthy and cost-effective transport options provided that these services support their needs. People should be provided with meaningful transport choices. When we look at what is happening in other states and territories in Australia, cities are moving towards increasing investment in public transport. We are simply putting forward a proposition that brings us in line with what these cities are doing and looks towards the future and innovation.
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