Page 1481 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 9 May 2017
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Anyone who has worked in these areas of law will know that they are not there just providing pure legal assistance by way of books and legislation. The level of confidence and comfort that lawyers provide to those who find themselves in need is something that cannot be replicated.
In my current role as shadow minister for disability and shadow minister for the environment, I can say with great pride that I have had the great pleasure of meeting many volunteers contributing countless hours and doing so much for our community. As you may have noticed yourself, Madam Deputy Speaker, I do try to acknowledge their contributions at various times when I have had the opportunity to speak during adjournment debates. But there are so many more volunteers who receive no public acknowledgement or thanks.
This week is just one week in the year when we are reminded of the importance of the work that volunteers do for our community, and it is just one week in the year that we are reminded to say thank you. To everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, skills and energy for the good of our community, I again say thank you.
Discussion concluded.
City Renewal Authority and Suburban Land Agency Bill 2017
Debate resumed.
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra) (4.29): I rise today to speak in support of this bill. The ACT is evolving. Our population is growing, demographics are changing and residents expect the best from one of the world’s most liveable cities. Gone are the adjectives “boring” and “dull” from our detractors’ lexicon. We are charging forward as a hotspot of good food, arts and the great outdoors. But we are also mindful that we are living in the age of climate change and must ensure our energy and food security into the future.
In such a transformative period, urban renewal and effective suburban development are key to building a sustainable, dynamic and vibrant city. We will welcome 25,000 new residents to the ACT over the next three years. As well as attracting people from interstate and overseas, a large portion of these new residents, 62 per cent, will be the result of natural population increases. It is no longer the case that people come to Canberra for a few years to build their resume and then leave. Now, people are staying in the ACT to build houses, to build families and to build communities.
As well as an increasing population, our demographics are changing. The 20 to 34-year-old age group will represent the largest proportion of our population in 2020, and the representation of 65s and over is also increasing. We are also seeing changes in how and where people want to live. Demand for housing options is high, including new greenfield developments. Meanwhile, a different cohort of Canberrans is moving to the inner city and staying there, happy to raise a family in high density areas.
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