Page 2699 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 16 September 2014
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It is clear that we need to change the way our city functions so that we can comfortably accommodate more people and avoid the pitfalls of focusing on one transport mode at the expense of others. It would be irresponsible to do nothing, to simply pass these challenges on to some future distant generation. As a government that takes a long-term view, and with plans for the next 10, 20 and 50 years, we have researched, engaged and planned to ensure that we choose the right path.
The government’s transport, planning and climate change strategies are all working together to set a path for the city’s transition to a sustainable, vibrant capital city of which all Australians can be proud. We know that we need to work in a holistic way and that all of these elements of our responsibility must be brought together. We are ensuring that land is used more efficiently and that access to services is more equitable by encouraging higher density development along transport routes. We are ensuring the delivery of an integrated transport system that will help make it easier and more efficient for Canberrans and visitors alike to move around the city; a transport system that encourages more active travel, reduces the city’s car dependence and its greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting more connected and accessible communities.
Good public transport is essential for all great cities. Of the top 10 cities listed in the 2012 Economic Intelligence Unit’s global liveability indexes, eight have light rail systems. This is no coincidence. Over the last 60 years, as a city we have embraced the motor car with a passion. We have invested heavily in road infrastructure. As a result, our main avenues are car thoroughfares and the city centre has declined as activity has spread outwards. In the last four years alone, we have spent over $1.13 billion on transport infrastructure, with the main proportion of that going on roads. We have $716 million of infrastructure projects planned for the next four years, including works in progress. The government has an annual budget of $4.5 billion, double the budget it was 10 years ago. We are no longer a small territory and good, long-term infrastructure is a critical investment.
To those that talk down our economy, the territory has one of the strongest and most secure economies in Australia. With the ACT’s long-term economic growth tracking at around three per cent for each of the last five years, Canberra has consistently outperformed most other jurisdictions. Its continued growth during the global economic downturn has seen the territory recognised as a star performer among many advanced economies. It should be noted that without light rail, Canberra’s public transportation expenditure is limited in its diversity, focusing on modes at the expense of an integrated, accessible-to-all system. This is in contrast to other Australian jurisdictions.
Let me take a moment to mention what our neighbours are currently investing in transport infrastructure. The New South Wales Liberal government has announced a four-year, $6.4 billion investment program in transportation infrastructure which predominantly consists of rail investments, including the $4 billion north-west rail link and the $782 million south-west rail link. In May this year, the Victorian Liberal government noted $15 billion of foreshadowed investment in the public transport network, delivering a new metropolitan rail tunnel, new railway stations, a rail link to Melbourne Airport and new bus services.
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