Page 725 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 19 March 2019
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I am sure that members would be aware that there has now been a commitment from the New South Wales government to the procurement of a new train fleet for regional New South Wales. We welcome this announcement although it is somewhat disappointing that we understand that the first trains are not expected to operate until 2023 at the earliest.
I am also pleased to note that the New South Wales Minister for Transport and Infrastructure announced an $80 million investment in the Canberra-Sydney rail corridor on the weekend which will include preliminary work to straighten the track to what the minister describes as “a high speed standard”.
This is encouraging. We look forward to further announcements and will continue to work with our New South Wales and federal counterparts to secure Canberra’s fair share of transport and infrastructure investment and we are very confident as we head into the federal election that this issue is firmly on the agenda for both sides of federal politics.
MR PETTERSSON: Chief Minister, what are the other benefits to the Canberra region of rail improvements, aside from the faster journey time?
MR BARR: Faster and more comfortable rail services will not only expand and enhance connectivity between Canberra and Sydney but will also unlock significant opportunities for business, tourism, freight, urban regeneration and affordable housing along the rail corridor. A faster journey time obviously represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the economic and social partnership between Canberra and the surrounding regions, including cities like Goulburn and Queanbeyan and those in the Southern Highlands.
Upgrades to this corridor will benefit the broader transport system by increasing the capacity and efficiency of rail freight, enhancing air freight connectivity and increasing the viability of additional domestic and international flights to Canberra airport. It will also relieve pressure on the national road network and lead to improved productivity and road safety outcomes for one of the nation’s busiest and, I am sure for those who have driven it regularly, perhaps one of the most boring stretches of highway in our nation.
Canberrans have long dreamed of a 21st century rail connection to Sydney and as a result of years of work by this government we are finally seeing progress, and we will continue to prosecute the case until fast, convenient and comfortable rail travel between Canberra and Sydney becomes a reality.
Crime—motorcycle gangs
MR PARTON: My question is to the Attorney-General. Attorney, since the last sitting there has been yet another bikie attack in our suburbs, as has been mentioned during this session. I refer to the incident where a woman was hospitalised with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Attorney, given that the bikie war has escalated on your watch, what responsibility do you take for members of the Canberra community being shot?
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