Page 1894 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 2 June 2015
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The recently released report from Infrastructure Australia outlines the fact that if this government or future governments were to ignore the need for building an integrated transport network, unacceptable levels of congestion would become inevitable. This would be most evident in Gungahlin, which is one of the regions in Canberra where higher growth is forecast.
A survey has recently been undertaken by Roads ACT on the delivery of the Gungahlin road upgrade projects. Over 400 people provided feedback, and 73 per cent of these respondents identified that they would like us to get on with the upgrade works as soon as possible. This sort of feedback from consultation is important to government when delivering large infrastructure projects. Understanding what the views of the community are and the priorities they have is an important factor in the effective delivery of those large projects.
I believe the residents of Gungahlin clearly understand the benefits of the projects planned for their area. While the package of works for the area may add some level of traffic congestion during the construction phase, the creation of increased road capacity will allow people to travel to and from and through Gungahlin with far greater ease and improved traffic flow. We are listening to this feedback and will now get on with delivering the road upgrade projects for the Gungahlin community.
When the Canberra community was consulted on the preliminary plans for the duplication of Ashley Drive in Tuggeranong late last year, over 150 submissions were received—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Mr Hanson.
MR GENTLEMAN: The 150 submissions were received over a six-week period and congestion delays and queuing at intersections were all key themes that were highlighted in the community feedback. So there was significant support for the duplication of Ashley Drive from the residents that responded, including improved traffic safety, reduced congestion and improved journey times as well.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Fitzharris.
MS FITZHARRIS: Minister, can you detail the work that is to be done in Tuggeranong and the impact it will have on relieving congestion in the local area?
MR GENTLEMAN: The key project to ease congestion for Tuggeranong residents is the duplication of Ashley Drive from Erindale Drive to Ellerston Avenue, which, as previously announced by the Chief Minister and me, will be receiving funds of $24.6 million. Works as part of the upgrade will include a new southbound road carriageway between Erindale Drive and Ellerston Avenue, new traffic signals, duplication of existing underpasses, on-road cycle lanes, and additional footpaths to link with the existing paths. These works aim to address excessive delays during peak periods where Ashley Drive intersects with Statton Street, Clive Steele Avenue and
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