Page 538 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 13 February 2013
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(3) the length of time between identification of a footpath or shared path in need of attention and the actual work will be based on an assessment of the priority for repair and serviceability of the existing path and its location; and
(4) that, to improve available public information and engagement, the ACT Government will:
(a) publish information about the processes it uses for managing and maintaining footpaths and shared paths on the TAMS website by 31 March 2013; and
(b) publish on the TAMS website a list of footpaths and shared paths included for repair on all future tenders.”.
MRS JONES (Molonglo) (6.02): I rise to speak in support of this motion, which seeks to shed a light on the state of the footpaths in the ACT. During the election campaign when out and about doorknocking I spent many hours pounding the pavement. This gave me a first-hand view of the state of maintenance of many of the footpaths all across Canberra, as well as exposing a number of suburbs that do not have any footpaths at all, particularly in Gungahlin. In Amaroo I spoke to a father who had suffered the rage of motorists when he was pushing his child in a pram along the road. With no footpaths in his suburb, what other option is there for him?
In Weston Creek some of the serious trip hazards have been “maintained” recently. The workers have been grinding the concrete to smooth it out. The method of maintenance has made walking on some these paths much like walking on the ancient cobblestones of Rome. Pushing prams is rather like completing an obstacle course under such conditions.
In Narrabundah the paths have not yet been ground; they have not been repaired. They are uneven and overgrown with shrubs and overhanging trees causing hazards. The good residents of the area deserve better. Our elderly whose only method of transport is electric wheelchairs are forced to drive on the road as the paths are in such a state of disrepair. Residents complained that they do not feel safe to walk home from the bus after work with alleyways that are rarely and inadequately maintained and certainly not properly lit.
Ms Gallagher stated on 21 February 2012 with the announcement of the lease variation charge that money from that charge would go directly towards the urban improvement fund and that this money would be used to make a noticeable difference to footpaths. This issue has a daily impact on the lives of every Canberran, and I commend Mr Rattenbury for his seeming willingness to put this issue in a more public arena.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (6.04): Thank you for the opportunity to speak about the importance of footpaths and cyclepaths across Canberra and what we are doing as a government to manage, maintain and expand the walking and cycling network. Canberra, as we have heard, has an extensive network of footpaths and cyclepaths. As members of this Assembly know, very few locations are in a state of disrepair.
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