Page 193 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 28 November 2012
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We should not underestimate the positive impact these investments will have on the road network and on Canberrans who travel by car. They are an essential response to preventing congestion in the future, to increasing social inclusion and even lowering the cost of living. Transport costs are now the second highest cost for Canberra households, primarily because of the high costs of running a car.
We can learn lessons from a city like Los Angeles, a city that is notorious for its car dependence. Los Angeles is now fighting to grow its public transport system as rapidly as possible. A few years ago its citizens voted to approve a sales tax increase to pay for public transport improvements, including light rail extensions. This is in recognition of the myriad problems that have evolved from car dependence.
We will not create a successful and sustainable city by pursuing a transport system dominated by car use. I encourage Mr Coe to take an interest in sustainable modes of transport, as they are the modes of transport we want to rapidly grow in our city. Compared to other capitals in Australia, we already have some of the highest rates of car ownership, car kilometres per capita and the lowest public transport use.
I will turn to some of the specific items in Mr Coe’s motion. Firstly, I disagree with Mr Coe’s assertion that the ACT has failed to maintain and improve its road network. In its annual report for 2011-12, the ACT government reported that some 88 per cent of its road network has been assessed as in good condition. Canberra roads and traffic are widely regarded as some of the best in the nation. The Independent Engineers Australia report card awarded the ACT’s road network a B. This is the highest rating of all our infrastructure categories. It is also the highest mark of any Australian jurisdiction.
The ACT government has progressed a very substantial road upgrade program in recent years, and members may remember supportive comments from the NRMA regarding the record road spending in successive government budgets.
One of the upgrades that the government is already progressing is the upgrade of William Slim Drive between the Barton Highway and Ginninderra Drive. It has already been subject to project development over the last two years. Forward design funds of $1 million were allocated to the design of a duplicated road between the Barton Highway and Ginninderra Drive as part of the 2012-13 budget process. William Slim Drive is one of a number of roads under consideration for inclusion in the 2013-14 capital works program.
Regarding Horse Park Drive, it carries an average of about 15,000 vehicles a day, meaning it is not the highest priority for an upgrade. Members may be aware that the recognised trigger to consider a road upgrade of a single lane main road is when it carries in excess of 18,000 vehicles a day. However, Horse Park Drive remains an upgrade that is under active assessment and consideration in recognition of the growth of further suburbs in Gungahlin.
The duplication of Athllon Drive between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive is not currently on the directorate’s program for upgrade. However, it too is being watched closely. This section of road carries on average about 14,000 vehicles a day.
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