Page 4309 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 25 October 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
With a city-wide focus on building active travel, the ACT government is finding innovative ways to encourage activity through transport integration such as bike riding and walking, because this ACT Labor government recognises that a comprehensive, diverse and fully integrated transport plan is key to improving lifestyle and keeping Canberra the healthiest city in Australia. Earlier this year I had the great pleasure of launching the park and pedal scheme at the National Arboretum site. This allows commuters to combine their drive with an enjoyable cycle to Woden, Civic or Belconnen for work or for pleasure.
Speaking of cycling, last week my colleague Mr Steel and I launched bike stops in Canberra. Bike stops are where local businesses provide a range of facilities for bike riders or cyclists, both locals and visitors. Some of the types of facilities offered by each business might include access to toilets, showers and change rooms, bag storage, water refill, tyre pumps and even some facilities. For example, Pushys in Fyshwick are offering hair dryers. Of course, I am very keen on having access to a hair dryer after cycling. No-one likes helmet hair.
If you have been along Athllon Drive recently, you will have noticed that the new park and ride facility in Wanniassa is coming along at a great rate of knots. Pick-up amongst users is great. Park and ride is just another way that this government is making our city healthier and offering cost-saving commuting options for Canberrans looking to save money and get fit at the same time.
Let us not forget that this government is continuing to invest in connecting Murrumbidgee with the rest of Canberra through building the transport infrastructure of the future. The new green rapid line, with a bus every 15 minutes, connects thousands of Murrumbidgee commuters each day to their jobs in the parliamentary triangle or in Civic.
We have also committed to building stage 2 of light rail to Woden. This project makes a strong contribution to ensuring that Canberra is one of the most livable and connected cities through smart public transport. Stage 2 of light rail will allow those in Canberra’s south easier access to major educational institutions, retail and entertainment precincts and employment hubs on an integrated public transport network. As a city-shaping project, light rail helps to promote the ACT nationally and internationally as a great place to visit, live, invest and study.
In planning for our city’s growth, reducing congestion requires an efficient, integrated and reliable public transport system. Upgrades to our existing bus network, expanding our park and ride facilities and investing in light rail are all part of this government’s plans to make the Canberra we love even better. We are also a city of young families and new suburbs. That is why we are focusing on building core education infrastructure for the future. By investing in new schools, expanding existing school infrastructure and developing the teaching workforce needed for the future, we are ensuring that Canberra is ready for the projected population growth.
I remind you, Madam Speaker, that all of these achievements have taken place while this government is returning the budget to a strong and sustainable position and
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video