Page 1293 - Week 04 - Thursday, 7 April 2016
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came into the portfolio and while we are sad to see him leave the role, we all know that he has led the directorate with distinction and with the clarity of a leader who knows what his job is: to serve the Canberra community. His dedication is legendary. I thank Gary very much for his service. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Hinder.
MR HINDER: Minister, can you please tell us how the new directorate will provide Canberrans with local services that are both people focused and innovative?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mr Hinder for his supplementary question. Transport Canberra and city services will continue to manage and deliver Canberra’s vital local services, including our libraries, recycling and waste services, road management, graffiti removal, shop upgrades, playgrounds, animal welfare and grass mowing services, just to name a few. But ACT Parks and Conservation Service will move to the Environment and Planning Directorate from 1 July, as previously announced, as part of the plan to create one nature conservation agency.
In my two months in the role as Minister for Transport and Municipal Services I have seen just how broad the TAMS directorate is and the range of services TAMS is currently charged with overseeing. In just some examples, this week I officially opened the new mattress recycling facilities in Hume—which will go a long way to preventing more than 18,000 mattresses each year from going into landfill. A few weeks ago I was very excited to attend the launch of our active streets pilot program at Latham Primary School, helping kids and parents build their confidence when it comes to walking and riding to school.
Yesterday I announced the installation of six new water refill stations across Canberra to help reduce the use of disposable bottles and increase fresh tap water consumption. Libraries ACT has a range of terrific programs this month to help improve digital literacy in our community, teach people how to maintain a bike and entertain the kids during the school holidays.
All these great programs are delivered by TAMS staff who I know take great pride in their work. These services are focused on people, they are innovative and improve the outcomes for our city, whether they are health, education or environmental outcomes. The new directorate will continue this great work and ensure we see a lot more of it around our city.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Burch.
MS BURCH: Minister, can you tell us how Canberra will benefit from the integrated transport network which this new directorate will deliver?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Ms Burch for her supplementary. As I mentioned previously, the new transport Canberra and city services directorate will focus on Canberra’s integrated transport future, bringing together light rail, buses and active travel with our essential city services.
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