Page 768 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 26 February 2013
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As you are aware, Mr Assistant Speaker, the ACT government is investing in a diverse transport system to provide Canberrans with access to a range of transport options, including a frequent network of buses running every 15 minutes or less through main corridors; an environmentally friendly transport fleet with modern ticketing and real-time passenger information; more bus stations; more priority lanes and traffic signal priority; a transport system that can be adapted to mass public transport, such as light rail; and making active transit travel, such as walking and cycling, easier by extending the network of paths and cycleways and providing bike-and-ride facilities.
Investing in a flexible and diverse transport system not only helps to put a lid on parking demand; it also encourages a more socially connected, healthier and environmentally sustainable community. Due to the unique nature of our territory, having some of our city sitting under the auspices of the NCA, there are a small number of inconsistencies when it comes to parking, pricing and policy.
The ACT government have raised the issue of pay parking in the parliamentary triangle with the commonwealth on a number of occasions over the past few years, including at a ministerial level and with the National Capital Authority. We believe that we need to achieve consistent parking policies across the territory in order to achieve a fully harmonised transport and parking system in the ACT.
It is particularly important that parking arrangements in the city centre are consistent with those in the parliamentary triangle, given the proximity of the two areas. We will continue to work with the NCA to seek consistent arrangements. This, however, does not stop us delivering good bus services into the parliamentary triangle, including the recently launched centenary bus loop, which will be a significant new addition to the public transport services offered for workers in the triangle.
The centenary loop offers 18 services a day running half-hourly between 9 am and 5.30 pm. It services Civic, Constitution Avenue, Russell, Kings Avenue, Parliament House and Commonwealth Avenue. The route offers visitors and workers a free and convenient way to get between local and national attractions and should assist with relieving parking pressures in the parliamentary triangle.
That is only a very brief insight into our comprehensive parking and transport plans for the ACT. Our plan is a holistic plan that delivers on our transport needs whilst improving the health and sustainability of our city. This stands in contrast to our friends from across the chamber whose only plan to improve parking in the ACT is to sack 20,000 public servants. I do not have time to go into how disastrous that policy would be to our economy right now and to the social fabric of the ACT, but I can tell you that it really is lousy transport and planning policy.
In conclusion, the ACT government has a cohesive plan for parking and transport in the ACT—a plan that will keep our city moving whilst improving our health and environment. The Canberra Liberals have no plan for our city except to cut.
Discussion concluded.
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