Page 2959 - Week 09 - Thursday, 18 September 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
gas emissions, air and noise pollution and sedentary lifestyle diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Of course, we have heard from those opposite that they think that this government hates cars or is opposed to cars—quite the opposite, Mr Assistant Speaker. I think I have constructed, repaired, driven and raced more cars than Mr Hanson has had hot dinners.
Canberra has the highest average travel speeds and lowest level of congestion of any major Australian city at the moment. But population and traffic congestion are both growing, with congestion growing at a faster rate. It is estimated that, if we do nothing, by 2031 more than 200 kilometres of our roads will have a volume versus capacity ratio of more than 0.9, meaning greater traffic congestion, longer travel times, less productive work hours and health risks associated with less physical activity and the stress of commuting.
Our transport system needs to provide options for everyone and we need to design our city so that people can live where the best public transport is. Knowing where the major public transport corridors are can help our decisions about the location of social and affordable housing to ensure that people with the highest need for public transport have access to the best public transport. A low-density urban form combined with lack of access to good transport options can lead to social isolation. There are parts of our city where high-frequency public transport may be desirable but can be difficult to deliver at high frequencies due to circuitous road networks and very low density.
A compact city supported by quality urban development will both support mass public transport on major corridors, both roads and public transport, and help active travel be the obvious choice for local trips. A more accessible and integrated transport system will help to promote individuals’ independence and autonomy, decrease isolation and increase social inclusion, enable access to services such as healthcare and shopping facilities, enable participation in employment and education opportunities, provide opportunities for enjoyment of entertainment and recreation, enhance community spirit and diversity, and contribute to the local economy.
The ACT government’s investment in a comprehensive transport system for Canberra has not focused solely on buses or light rail. Our approach encompasses much more than that. Significant investments have been made by this government to sustain the continued rollout of public roads and transport solutions across our city as it has grown. This prioritised infrastructure work is demonstrated by our investments of over $700 million in the completion of major arterial roads projects such as Majura parkway, Monaro Highway and the Gungahlin Drive extension; over $42 million invested in the major upgrade of Constitution Avenue, with support of the commonwealth government; and $6 million to improve the efficient movement of people on Barry Drive.
Mr Assistant Speaker, only this government is committed to strategic infrastructure and transport planning across all modes of transport, for all Canberrans.In 2004 the sustainable transport plan established mode-share targets to help address these challenges. Transport for Canberra confirms the importance of these targets to manage transport demand for a growing city. Continuing its commitment to
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video