Page 3590 - Week 11 - Thursday, 23 October 2014
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The city-to-Gungahlin line will lay the foundation for a city-wide integrated network with light rail as its spine, supported by a feeder bus network and good cycling and pedestrian access. The government will be consulting on a wider light rail network in coming months. It is the government’s intent that the whole of the city will be serviced by a high quality, strongly integrated public transport system that requires no more than two mode changes to reach any destination in this city, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to travel our city.
We are a government committed to making to making the right choices and providing people with choices. We will not condemn future generations to car dependency and the isolation, pollution and congestion that it brings. We have a vision of a sustainable Canberra and we will make the tough decisions now to ensure our city continues to prosper. We will not be distracted by the self-interest and lack of vision of others. We celebrate the world’s acknowledgement of our home as the most livable city. We have the vision and the commitment to retain this reputation, not just for this generation but for many more to come.
MR COE (Ginninderra) (3.51): I am delighted to be discussing this matter of extreme public importance. It is an empty item that I did not necessarily expect to be lodged by the government. You would have thought, given the Canberra Times poll and everything else which has been discussed of late, the government might want to be talking about something else. But I very much welcome the fact that the member for Ginninderra is doing so much advocacy for the good people of Gungahlin.
It seems that here in the Assembly we do not really have any electorates. I cannot recall on one occasion the Labor members for Brindabella or the Labor members for Ginninderra actually spruiking for their electorate when it comes to light rail. Why is there not an absolute outcry? Why is there not an uproar from the residents of Tuggeranong or the residents of Belconnen, through their representatives in this place and in the government, about why their community is not being served by light rail? Why is Ms Berry not, in this place, saying no, let us build a light rail from Belconnen to the city? Why is Mr Gentleman not in this place saying let us build light rail from Tuggeranong to the city? Why have they just bent over and said, “We will cop it. We will take it. No problem at all. That is fine.” We can easily just say—
Mr Rattenbury: On a point of order, Mr Assistant Speaker—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Dr Bourke): Resume your seat, Mr Coe. Mr Rattenbury, you have a point of order.
Mr Rattenbury: Is the use of the expression “bending over and taking it” considered parliamentary? I seek your advice on that. It does seem a rather crass contribution by Mr Coe in this chamber.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Rattenbury. Mr Coe, you will withdraw.
MR COE: Happily. That was not the context in which it was said but given your request, I do so.
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