Page 2073 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 6 June 2018
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I also note the work the ACT government has done on ensuring a light rail stop for Mitchell. The Minister for Transport and City Services announced yesterday that a light rail stop will be built at Sandford Street in 2019-20. But this is not all we are doing. Since the Mitchell Traders Association contacted my office I have kept in regular contact with them. I have been working with them and have put them in touch with the ACT Young Planners Group to look at opportunities for activating the Mitchell precinct. I am also, along with Ms Fitzharris, hosting a morning tea to meet some of the businesswomen who are active in the area. This was the Mitchell Traders Association’s idea and something we are only too happy to support.
If I think back to the My Gungahlin event last week, the key message I took away from Mark’s comments that night was that Gungahlin locals want to buy locally. There is a strong sense of community thriving in the region, and residents will support local business wherever they can. If I look at the Gungahlin Jets sports clubs, for example, almost every sponsor is a local Gungahlin business, and every player and their family are strongly encouraged to return that support by buying locally.
The light rail business link also hits on this message, seeking to better able local businesses to capture the local market, and my message here today is for everyone who interacts with the Gungahlin region to buy locally, support those small businesses who employ our local workforce, and support those small businesses who support our local sporting clubs, charities and organisations.
I proudly shop locally in my region. Whether it be a coffee and breakfast at cafes like Atlas or Blind Dove, a pastry at Le Bon Melange Cafe, or a frozen custard at the Meadows, I am regularly enjoying the high quality products and services Gungahlin businesses offer the community, and I actively encourage everyone who lives, works and plays in Gungahlin to shop locally and support small businesses, both now and into the future.
MR PETTERSSON (Yerrabi) (12.16): I rise to speak against Mr Milligan’s original motion and for the amendment. The ACT government is building a 21st century transport network. The main beneficiary will be the people and businesses of Gungahlin, but I do understand that the past few months have been tough for local businesses. Construction, loud noises and barricades are obviously not helpful in attracting customers. The ACT government acknowledges this. This is why we have worked extensively to help businesses, where appropriate. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, or should I say at the end of the tracks.
Indeed construction works in the town centre are close to finished. Soon the new and rejuvenated town centre will greatly benefit businesses in the town centre. Very soon, most of the Gungahlin public transport network will be funnelling people into Gungahlin town centre. The new Gungahlin bus interchange was opened last month. It will be the main start and end point for Gungahlin buses, with passengers transferring to the light rail and vice versa.
As well as being the main shopping centre in our city’s north, making it the transport hub will increase patronage and help drive custom to local business. This is why the
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