Page 661 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 9 March 2011

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Those are some of the facts in relation to what the people of Canberra think. I must say it certainly reflects what I think—that this is a beautiful city and it is well maintained. It is now ranked by Australians as the second most liveable city in Australia. Interestingly, in relation to the last international survey of liveability it is now within the top 30 liveable cities in the world. According to Australians, it is the second best most liveable city in Australia. According to the rest of the world, it is within the 30 most liveable cities in the world, which of course understates our ranking considerably. I have no doubt that next year it will climb within the top 20. I move the amendment circulated in my name:

Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, substitute:

“(1) notes:

(a) the importance of delivering core services to ACT residents, including basic urban services;

(b) that mowing unleased Territory land is a priority for a municipal authority;

(c) that ACT residents expect the delivery of high quality municipal services;

(d) that many ACT residents are unhappy with increases in living expenses; and

(e) that the summer of 2010-11 was the wettest since 1947-48 and demand for mowing was extreme; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) make public and promote:

(i) the Government’s strategy for managing increased demand for mowing; and

(ii) the Government’s policy as to who is responsible for mowing land adjacent to private property, including road verges;

(b) prioritise the delivery of core services to ACT residents; and

(c) report back to the Assembly by 30 June 2011 about the progress of the above.”.

MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo) (5.46): The Greens agree with the principle behind Mr Coe’s motion today. High quality municipal services are an important part of our government—we are a council and a state government. We are a city-state, and it is clearly an issue which deserves the attention of the Assembly. From that point of view I am very pleased that Mr Coe moved the motion, and I have considerable support for it.

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