Page 3396 - Week 09 - Thursday, 24 August 2017
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Of course, roads are only one part of an effective transport system. Public transport is also vital for a liveable city. We can all see that the construction of stage 1 of light rail is well and truly underway. It is great to see this budget provides $53.5 million for the planning of light rail stage 2 to Woden town centre. Stage 2 will obviously benefit the residents of Woden, but Gungahlin residents will also benefit by being connected to another town centre. I look forward to having my colleagues Ms Cody and Mr Steel take the tram up to Gungahlin and join me for a coffee one day on Hibberson St when it is complete.
Mr Parton: Can I come, too?
MR PETTERSSON: When we get to Tuggeranong, Mark, which is coming. The government is continuing to add extra bus routes along with improving passenger facilities for the rapid bus network. The budget provides for our town centres. Gungahlin in particular will benefit from a $3 million investment to further improve the Gungahlin town centre. This will include an upgrade to Hibberson Street between Gungahlin Place and Gozzard Street that will improve access for pedestrians and cyclists. This will also include landscaping in the town centre to further improve the visual amenities of Gungahlin.
By investing in transport today, we will see a social and economic benefit in the future. Canberra will not suffer the congestion plaguing cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Our city is growing and we must prepare for the challenges and opportunities that growth brings. The people of Canberra understood last year that a vote for Labor was a vote for a long-term plan, and once again a Labor government will deliver on that promise. I am proud to be a part of a Labor government that is focused on the future of Canberra. Those opposite took a backwards and negative plan to the people of Canberra and it was rejected. Canberrans have shown they want a positive and comprehensive plan for the future. Our Labor budget is ensuring that Canberra is a liveable and inclusive city. Our investments in transport infrastructure and our public transport network will ensure that Canberrans have access to a range of reliable transport options now and into the future.
MS ORR (Yerrabi) (5.23): Earlier this year I sponsored two petitions with over 180 signatures that called on the government to deliver on its election commitment to fund a community park for Giralang. Through the support shown by the residents of Giralang, funding for the park was secured in this year’s budget, which is why I rise today in support of the appropriation bill. Following the funding announcement, I have already begun a conversation with the residents of Giralang about what they would like in their park. I conducted a survey on my website and sought comments through social media. I have also been out doorknocking Giralang for suggestions on what the community would like in their park. This semester, students from the University of Canberra will include these suggestions in designs for the park they will develop as part of their degrees.
The delivery of the Giralang community park offers a model for public engagement where the community are asked what they would like rather than asked for comment on what is proposed. I am a firm believer in community engagement. The specific
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