Page 2140 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 8 May 2012
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A recent study also found that if an average family was able to run one less car in their household over a 25-year period, the household could accumulate more than an additional $1 million in superannuation over their working life; repay a $300,000 housing loan in 12 years instead of 25 years, saving $245,000 in interest payments; or purchase a home which is $110,000 more expensive than they would otherwise be able to at the outset.
I think, not surprisingly, that the study also concluded that a way to help low income families is for governments to do so through planning and infrastructure investment. This is a strategy that would create cities that are both more sustainable and more equitable. Ignoring these real cost issues simply comes at the expense of Canberrans now and into the future.
A key issue is safety on our roads for residents and pedestrians. This is something that is very important to the Greens, particularly for vulnerable road users such as older people and children. Obviously, we had the motion last week. I do take the point that the Chief Minister made that this is not a way we should be making decisions. But I do think it was an important motion to discuss. One of the amendments that the Greens made required government to give greater priority to traffic calming in Canberra’s neighbourhoods by, among other things, reviewing and revising relevant design standards to favour the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, children and the elderly.
One other thing the Greens have also pushed for is 40-kilometre speed zones around town centres, group centres and community centres. We are pleased that through the parliamentary agreement there was a successful trial at Woden and Gungahlin town centres. We would hope to see that extended to other town centres, particularly areas such as Mawson, Erindale and Kippax, which we know are busy areas.
Overall, roads in the ACT are in a good state. This is reflected in the recent report of the engineers association, which looked at infrastructure in every capital city. The report card gave the ACT a B for its road infrastructure, which was the highest mark of any Australian jurisdiction. This report also said:
Developing and planning for appropriate light rail or other mass transit systems is an issue that needs to be considered in some jurisdictions for the future. For instance, currently, a light rail or other mass transit system in the ACT …
We have recently had the study in relation to Northbourne Avenue about transport. We hope that this announcement will be pursued and that it is not something that becomes another pre-election announcement. As I said, we recognise that cars and roads will always be a part of our transport. It is, though, about providing choice to people in the way they travel. As I have said, if we do not do so, we will fall behind what other cities are doing.
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (3.42): The Canberra Liberals want to see better roads for a better Canberra. It is as simple as that. As much as the Labor-Greens marriage of convenience continues to decry this and to say that we are wedded to the roads, they continue to offer no real alternatives. We believe that Canberra’s roads are important.
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