Page 882 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
numbers would put a huge strain on the septic tank and water system. Where are the enhancements to safety? We still have issues with hoons doing burnouts on and under the bridge, speeding through 2 main streets. With 2 small single lane roads how are you going to deal with additional traffic congestion?
That is the end of that feedback from the government’s own website. These comments highlight the half-baked attempt at a planning process which is underway and speak volumes about the regard this government has for the Tharwa community—that is, very little. There is much to be said about the resilience of this community and the innovative entrepreneurial nature of those currently doing business in the region.
The detailed carvings on the mace that is present here in the Assembly were undertaken and crafted in Tharwa by a Tharwa craftsman, Myles Gostelow. Artists from Tharwa are world renowned for their skills. Their work is on display all over the country and internationally. These artists have created their own niche markets in response to the hurdles placed in their way and that businesses in Tharwa have had to learn to deal with. Despite not having very much foot traffic through their showrooms, they have made their own success.
There are other entrepreneurs in the region who are also chipping away, and also making their own success in the face of a number of bureaucratic hurdles. Most importantly, there are many good ideas and sophisticated proposals looking for opportunity in the region. These ideas come in the form of unsolicited proposals that could in fact provide a huge boost to not only Tharwa but the region as a whole.
I reiterate here today that all is not lost for Tharwa. Many great opportunities do exist. I believe in a future for Tharwa. I believe in the growth and potential that are waiting in both Tharwa village and the surrounding region, be it the national parks, the deep space tracking station or the nature reserves. There is potential in the whole western district of the ACT. Tharwa is an integral part of that.
I believe in Tharwa; my colleagues in the Canberra Liberals believe in Tharwa, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that this part of our territory is not forgotten, but instead can flourish. It is a shame that the ACT Labor and Greens parties have failed to take the same interest or to demonstrate the political will that is needed to realise the opportunities that exist in Canberra’s southern regions, and continue to preside over more disastrous decisions that will leave a lasting legacy for not just this iconic Canberra village but the city as a whole.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Racing and Gaming and Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations) (4.21): I thank Mr Wall for bringing this motion here today. I rise to speak about the Tharwa village plan and the positive work that the government is undertaking in this area. I formally move the amendment that has been circulated in my name:
Omit all words after “notes”, substitute:
“(a) the important role that Tharwa has as part of the ACT’s heritage and culture;
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video