Page 3659 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
responded to consultants’ requests and they had devised their own vision for their area. They had offered to do so and pay for the work themselves.
I now seek leave to present a petition on behalf of the Kingston business owners, shoppers and residents with nearly 900 signatures, all supporting the greening of Green Square.
Leave granted.
MR DOSZPOT: I present the following paper:
Petition which does not conform with the standing orders—Green Square, Kingston—Restoration of grassed areas—Mr Doszpot (880 signatures).
This petition strikes at the heart of the matter. The petition draws to the Assembly’s attention the recent improvements in amenities but notes the declining patronage and activity due to loss of grassed areas. So the petition has been successful even before it is tabled. Of course, the devil could be in the detail. I know that businesses will be anxious to know the time frame. They will be anxious to know exactly what they will be liable for, but it is a start.
Clearly the government will have no difficulty in supporting this motion. My only regret is that it took a lot of hard work by a lot of Canberra businesses who frankly had enough to worry about in this uncertain economic climate without having to battle their government. All the businesses wanted was to get the shopping precinct invigorated and made more attractive, to get families back to the square where they once shopped and relaxed. As Pawl Cubbin, from First Floor, told the Canberra CityNews:
Other traffic shopping areas, including The Lawns in Manuka, are green, without any issues. What can’t Green Square become green once more? It doesn’t make any sense.
Gabi Radinger, who with her husband Erich owns Radinger Jewellers and who has been a business owner in Kingston for 28 years, knows from firsthand experience that the changes the government made to Green Square have affected its personality and, just as importantly, business volume. She said:
We need to breathe life back into the area for everyone’s sake. We’re no longer in drought, and the shrubs are now an overgrown mess. The gardens aren’t maintained and the raised planter boxes have nothing in them. The space isn’t inviting and it can’t be used any more. Some businesses have closed as a result. Kingston needs to be revitalised.
Chief Minister, the issue cannot be stated any clearer. Your government’s obstinate refusal to engage was bewildering. If there was any reason why The Lawns at Manuka could remain as a lawn but that for Kingston lawns were not possible, then the traders deserve an explanation. As I understand it, Chief Minister, you have given that explanation. I hope you will see fit to support the motion that has been brought here this morning.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video