Page 1411 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 3 May 2016
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The Majura Pines recreational area was impacted by the construction of the parkway and it has benefited from an upgrade, together with better and safer access and parking arrangements. The upgrade included constructed bike trails, a watering post, signage, informal rest areas and small jumps for horse riders.
Majura Parkway and the improved accessibility to the Majura valley and the airport will in itself attract new commercial and tourist opportunities. The opening of the international IKEA store in November last year is an example of a commercial decision being taken based on good road infrastructure being in place. Tourist destinations in the Majura valley, such as the Mount Majura winery and the Truffle Farm, are also experiencing improved access thanks to the parkway.
Finally, the improved capacity that the parkway provides to the local arterial road network will also result in fewer vehicles using residential streets in north Canberra. It is very pleasing to see the Majura Parkway opened for use by the public. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Burch.
MS BURCH: Minister, can you please outline the additional economic benefits created by the completion of this project and its vicinity to the airport and the recent announcement of international flights in and out of Canberra?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Ms Burch for her supplementary. It is great, of course, to see those on this side of the chamber understand the synergies between investing in important infrastructure projects and opening up our economy.
While the Majura Parkway will improve access for the ACT and New South Wales region to the Canberra Airport, the Chief Minister’s work in securing new international flights directly to Canberra from Singapore and Wellington provides improved opportunities for our local businesses to access these markets.
Produce from the region can now be transported to the airport more quickly through the improved road access and then flown directly to new overseas markets within a few hours. I know this is particularly welcomed by local producers, who can now access the lucrative Asian markets much more directly without the need to battle congestion around Sydney Airport and the curfew there that can cause delays.
This really does show that Canberra is a regional hub and that there is growing confidence in our local economy. We understand that infrastructure projects boost jobs and diversify our economy. We have had success in attracting international brands like QantasLink, IKEA, Singapore Airlines and Costco to Canberra. We continue to have success attracting international students to our higher education city.
The construction of better road access and direct international connections to new markets can only benefit the Canberra and capital region’s economy.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Coe.
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