Page 133 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 11 February 2015
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Community engagement to gain feedback on the issues and aspirations for the town centre has recently occurred. The government has worked closely with community groups, particularly the Belconnen Community Council, to ensure that the community is well informed and ongoing conversations about key issues are effective and meaningful.
A considerable number of community comments have been provided during the initial engagement period, providing valuable evidence on the issues we need to address. Those include improving cycle and pedestrian connections across the town centre for safety and convenience; the need for clear controls on building heights; better provision and location of car parking; better quality of the town centre public realm; and the need to create destinations, particularly along Emu Bank.
The draft light rail master plan will be released for community consultation in the coming months. I look forward to hearing from the community about their priorities for light rail in Canberra, and to Belconnen specifically.
I believe this government can demonstrate a sound record of investment in the Belconnen town centre over many years. The approach being taken to integrate land use will contribute to the development of Canberra as a compact and efficient city and will deliver on the ACT government’s vision for a connected, livable and prosperous city, of which Belconnen town centre will be an important part.
Ordered that the amendments be divided.
Mrs Dunne’s amendment (1) negatived.
Mrs Dunne’s amendment (2) agreed to.
Mrs Dunne’s amendment (3) negatived.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is that the motion, as amended, be agreed to.
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (11.21): I thank Mrs Dunne for her support for the retention of the immigration department in Belconnen and the recognition of the impact it would have on workers in Immigration, their families and the local economy. I welcome her praise of the ACT Labor government’s investment in Belconnen, especially in the new Belconnen health centre and the very successful initial stage of the Belconnen Arts Centre. Her criticism of the previous Liberal government for the piecemeal, chaotic selling-off of the Emu Bank foreshore was intriguing. However, she did pay tribute to the new master plan process underway by Labor for Belconnen. The Liberals will get upset at my references to their federal colleagues’ attitude to Canberra and the federal public service. It is chaotic Liberal thinking which is hurting Canberra, hurting Belconnen and hurting families.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
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