Page 1874 - Week 06 - Thursday, 5 June 2014
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according to the Canberra Convention Bureau. The experience of other cities indicates the urban renewal benefits of having a landmark meeting place in the centre of a city. For us, it would be within walking distance of the lake and of existing hotels and restaurants.
The commonwealth has so far failed to come to the party on this project, despite calling itself the infrastructure government. The Prime Minister has indicated that the only kind of infrastructure he is interested in is roads. That demonstrates just how little he understands about the economic and environmental challenges we are facing in the 21st century. The ACT, again, is showing leadership on this for the benefit of the territory.
This budget contributes to several items in the parliamentary agreement. I am pleased that, despite the difficult economic times we are facing, this government continues to prioritise essential programs and initiatives that keep moving us towards a more green and progressive future.
Contrary to what the decidedly conservative and unprogressive Liberal Party might think, Canberrans will actually end up paying more if we fail to invest in modern transport systems, energy and water efficiency, preserving our natural ecosystems and low-carbon energy. A long-term strategy of sustainability helps mitigate threats and challenges like climate change and social disadvantage. It is a way to manage rising household costs, pressure on our infrastructure, increased pollution and traffic congestion, and declining health.
Despite the attention given to light rail recently, it is only one of many Greens-Labor parliamentary agreement items. The items stretch right across the policy spectrum and include other areas of transport. A sustainable transport system will not work without a frequent and reliable bus system, and the agreement calls for improved funding for ACTION buses. This budget provides $2 million to extend weekend routes to various unserviced suburbs for the first time. It continues investment in other sustainable transport, such as walking and cycling. These three layers of sustainable transport—light rail, buses and the active transport network—are key to building a well-functioning, environmentally friendly and equitable transport system. The alternative vision is an ever-expanding snarl of roads and cars, a reality I would prefer to avoid.
Additional funds allocated to enhanced biodiversity stewardship were also in this budget, with an additional $959,000 allocated for weed management, pest animal management and ParkCare support. These are very welcome. These programs are very important to manage our precious biodiversity and to manage pest plants and animals. It is important to maintain consistent funding to allow for follow-up work rather than wasting money on erratic funding.
Additional funding is included for the ongoing rollout of 30 new drinking fountains in key locations across Canberra, in town centres, near sporting fields, on cycle paths and in other busy areas, as well as water refill stations being made available at key public events such as the Multicultural Festival and Floriade.
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