Page 808 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 27 February 2013
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improvements in health, wellbeing and contentment and, as a consequence, underpins the development of community spirit and a sense of belonging. The ACT government claim that this is important. There are all sorts of statements that they have made around the place. They claim that this is important, but this is about putting it into practice.
Going back to 2004, the community facility needs assessment for Tuggeranong, Weston Creek and Woden said:
The provision of accessible community venues is seen to contribute to the development of a strong community spirit.
The study also reported back from its public consultation:
The community in general raised concerns over a lack of ‘community spirit’, which was seen as being mainly due to the non-existence of ‘night life’ and shared public places.
According to the participants at public consultations, there is a shortage of low cost meeting space, halls and community centres, and office space for community groups, which places considerable pressure on existing community space …
Other types of venues such as youth facilities, childcare centres and recreational facilities will also need to be prioritised for future generations. A number of services that were interviewed have pointed to a lack of activities and services, which recognise the diverse needs of young people and young families.
A swimming pool is particularly important. It provides low impact exercise for a range of abilities. It is especially beneficial for people with health and cardiovascular problems. It helps to teach children water safety at a young age, which we all know is so important. Having a pool within reasonable access of people’s homes, workplaces and educational facilities is an important part of preventive health strategies.
The draft report on ACT aquatic facilities was released in early October 2012. It referred to a severe shortage of modern aquatic facilities in southern Canberra. Despite what the government says, there is a severe shortage. Why wouldn’t we be doing something about that?
Look at this government’s priorities, at how much they have spent on so many other things that are less important. They spend it all the time. That was the other area of feedback that we got, right across Tuggeranong, and I am sure right across other parts of the community. The Chief Minister defends the investments in public art and the like. The reality is that it was a symbol for people of where the government did not have their priorities right. The number of times that I would be doorknocking and people would say to me, “They spent $400,000 on that monstrosity on Drakeford Drive, yet we have to have private fundraisers for humidicribs.” That was direct feedback from the community, and they would say the same when it came to their local facilities. It was symbolic of this government’s inability to prioritise properly for the community whom they are meant to serve.
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