Page 2667 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
I am also pleased to hear this afternoon that this innovative model of housing has attracted support from across all parties in this place. I look forward to continuing to support innovative housing developments in the territory, particularly those that address the needs of some of our city’s most disadvantaged citizens.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (5.20), in reply: I would like to thank all members for their contributions this afternoon. I would like to note Ms Lawder’s continuing support for those in need in the ACT. She asked whether Gungahlin was the best location for Common Ground. I am sure those of us looking after constituents in Brindabella would like to see Common Ground come down there as well.
Mr Rattenbury acknowledged the difficulty in homelessness, but does not share Ms Lawder’s view on the sector’s funding. He notes the ever-increasing number of couch surfers that need some support to break the cycle of homelessness. I share his view that Common Ground is a fantastic opportunity to address these needs. I am very pleased that the minister is dedicated to having this completed by December 2014.
Mr Coe noted that the program is not a silver bullet. Perhaps it is not but it certainly is a good start in addressing the most serious needs. I would like to thank Mr Barr for his contribution as well. He reiterated the important need to break the cycle, as Mr Rattenbury spoke about too, and the collaborative responses from governments and philanthropic organisations and people that shows that we are doing even more. He also said that we are doing more with affordable housing, with Argyle’s projects, and the ANU and UC’s projects too, which is fantastic.
Again, I thank all members for their support, and I look forward to seeing this community project coming up out of our common ground.
Motion agreed to.
Adjournment
Motion (by Mr Barr) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Schools—active travel by students
MS BERRY (Ginninderra) (5.22): Earlier this year I rose to talk about Walk Safely to School Day, and in that speech I spoke about the importance of making active travel a safe and practical way to get kids to school. I was reminded of this speech at a recent meeting I attended along with my colleague Mary Porter at a local school which is struggling with traffic flow in their morning drop-offs.
I do not need to tell any parents that the drop-off and pick-up are stressful and congested and sometimes dangerous for most Canberra school communities. Indeed, it is a problem that has emerged across the world. With more parents in work, we have busier roads and busier lives. That means more parents are choosing to do the school drop-off on the way to work, and the reality is that our suburban schools were not built for the majority of students to get dropped off by car.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video