Page 3512 - Week 11 - Thursday, 24 September 2015
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MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Coe for his interest in planning across the territory and particularly in Gungahlin. Of course the master planning process is an important process for planning across the territory. It is a strategic part of what we do in setting out future alignments for the territory.
At this time we have a series of master plans that are in place and are being rolled out. The Gungahlin master plan, of course, will be a future master plan for the territory. At this stage I have given some advice to the directorate to look at the master plan for Gungahlin. We will be working through that process in the not too distant future.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Minister, what consultation has the government undertaken subsequent to the introduction of territory plan variation 300 with regard to Gungahlin?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Coe for his supplementary. There has been some minimum consultation at this stage. I do not have the details from the directorate of the detailed consultation they have done at this stage but I am happy to take that on notice and come back to Mr Coe.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, why is the government proceeding with light rail which will terminate in Gungahlin when there is no master plan for the town centre?
MR GENTLEMAN: The government made a decision to proceed with light rail before the last election, and that was part of the election process of course. The light rail master plan is being worked up through the directorate and will be available later this year.
It is important, of course, to take into account the needs of those in Gungahlin. At this stage, congestion is a major concern in Gungahlin and right through the light rail route to the city. So it is important that we take that into account. We know that the evidence provided by the Infrastructure Australia report shows that if we do nothing, in the not-too-distant future congestion will cost us around $700 million a year.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, when will the government complete a bus master plan for Gungahlin?
MR GENTLEMAN: The government is working through its integrated transport network. It is important, of course, that we include all aspects of transport into our planning system. That includes bus, light rail, active travel and, of course, opportunities for park and ride as well. We are working through the process of an integrated transport network. That will also include roadworks for Gungahlin, and we have announced some of those opportunities already.
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