Page 990 - Week 03 - Thursday, 23 March 2017
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MS CODY: Chief Minister, what investment is the government making to support the renewal in Woden?
MR BARR: Significant investment, including upgrading a range of areas of public realm: paths and cycle infrastructure, a $6 million upgrade to the Phillip oval and a $4 million upgrade to the first part of the Woden bus interchange improvements, as well as upgrading intersections on Hindmarsh Drive, at Eggleston Crescent and Launceston Street. We continue to invest in better workplaces for ACT public servants, and we have taken a very significant step in locating around 1,000 ACT government staff in the town centre. This goes to partially address what the federal Liberal government did to that town centre, and that was to strip thousands of jobs from Woden.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR BARR: Those opposite may not like to hear it, but people know what the federal Liberal government has been doing to the public service in this city and they know that the ACT Labor government has taken active steps to address both public sector employment in the Woden town centre and to invest in infrastructure. Those opposite continue—I hope they do—to campaign against light rail and they continue to campaign against renewal of the Woden town centre, because they will continue to be sitting—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Wall and Mr Hanson, enough.
MR BARR: on that side of the chamber into their third decade.
MR STEEL: Chief Minister, how is the government consulting and working with the local community to create a sustainable Woden town centre?
MR BARR: It is very important that we continue to engage with the community around the redevelopment of Woden. I note that Mr Steel has called for a Woden community round table so that the government can continue to engage with community members, businesses and stakeholders about what will be a significant ACT government investment in public transport and in other infrastructure improvements.
I am very pleased to be able to confirm that this round table will form part of a Woden community cabinet that will occur later this year. I thank Mr Steel and Ms Cody for their ongoing work in supporting our Woden community.
The ACT government understands that the sustainability of our town centres is essential to successful urban renewal. We are acting on the recommendations of the Woden town centre master plan. We are investing in new public transport provision. We have created a big opportunity for the Woden town centre through the relocation of those ACT government staff.
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