Page 2566 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 6 August 2013
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Canberra, the airport is the first and last impression that they have of Australia’s national capital. And I am proud that the impression that is left in their minds is the one presented by the new Canberra Airport.
I have many memories of the old Canberra airport—usually ones where my mum, brothers and I would pick up my dad after he had been away for work. We would wait inside the pokey terminal, which was really just a glorified shed, looking out the window at tarmac level, waiting for the Ansett flight to come in. Back then, and even just a few years ago, the prospect of what has now been achieved would have been unimaginable and seemingly unachievable.
The new terminal represents a wonderful entrepreneurial venture by the Canberra Airport Group, one that saw them invest $480 million into creating one of the best, if not the best, airports of its size anywhere in the world. The investment comprised four key elements: the terminal, with more check-in areas and new retail ventures and lounges; the roads, including the construction of the modern, two-level system; new car parks, which provide convenient, high tech, multi-level parking for 3,700 vehicles; and new aircraft parking areas or aprons.
Airports can often be stressful and intense places, but the design of the new terminal, especially the grand atrium, helps relieve any feeling of pressure. Both the exterior and the interior have been carefully and tastefully designed, and I commend the architects, Guida Moseley Brown, and construction companies, managed by Construction Control, who worked on the project. I am pleased that there is still more to come at the airport and we are all looking forward to experiencing the additional developments as they come on line.
I would like to commend the more than 100 staff who allow such a smooth and comfortable experience for travellers in and out of Canberra on a daily basis. In particular, I would like to commend and thank the chairman, Terry Snow AM, and managing director, Stephen Byron. I would also like to make mention of the Snow Foundation, which was formed in 1991 by Terry and George Snow. The foundation has made many generous contributions to charitable causes throughout Canberra and beyond. I have seen firsthand the impact that some of these grants have had on various community groups.
In conclusion, I thank the Canberra Airport Group for the investment that they have made in our city and the special contribution they have made in shaping how Canberra will function in our second century.
Southern Cross Club—community grants
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Children and Young People, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Women, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Racing and Gaming) (5.23): On Sunday I was very pleased to attend the Canberra Southern Cross Club community grants luncheon, and this year $140,000 or thereabouts was provided to 93 community groups across the territory. To list just a few of the 93: ACT Children’s Week, the
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