Page 2505 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 31 July 2019
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precinct buses have been running on Cowlishaw Street, which is not ideal for running buses and would require reasonably significant capital investment to be made to accommodate buses. We are considering what the scope of those works might be and whether we want to make the decision. We will of course need to continue to consult with the Transport Workers Union as well.
It is very difficult to turn right currently at the end of Cowlishaw Street at the corner of Reed Street as it requires buses to cross over two lanes, which is not ideal and potentially could be rectified through capital works. That is the work that we are currently doing as we consider both the petitions from the Tuggeranong Community Council and the needs of businesses in the area.
MS LAWDER: Minister, have you done any impact assessment on the effect that rerouting buses back onto Anketell Street may have on business viability, and have you had discussions with businesses on Anketell Street about that?
MR STEEL: I look forward to having discussions with businesses on Anketell Street about both the upgrades that have been undertaken and running buses through this identified public transport corridor through the Tuggeranong town centre. Anketell Street provides efficient access to the Tuggeranong bus interchange. Anketell Street is the main street of Tuggeranong; it is a busy thoroughfare for all vehicles, including buses. As I said, Cowlishaw Street is not necessarily an ideal route for buses at this time. We need to consider all those issues and consult further not only with businesses but also with the bus drivers.
MR PARTON: Minister, when will buses be returning to Anketell Street in Tuggeranong? When will a firm decision be made as to the longer term viability of either Cowlishaw or Anketell?
MR STEEL: The government is currently considering the longer term solution there, taking into account the community’s views, and that of businesses and bus drivers. We will do that in consultation, but until that point Anketell will remain the main transport thoroughfare before we make a decision on whether rerouting is required.
Municipal services—playgrounds
MS CHEYNE: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, what is the ACT government doing to support children’s play in our suburbs?
MR STEEL: I thank Ms Cheyne for her question. Our government is funding new and upgraded playgrounds and parks in our suburbs to provide a diverse range of high quality play experiences for children and families in the ACT. Play is vital for children’s development. Outdoor play, particularly in nature, helps to develop children’s creativity and problem solving, and helps them to build social skills as well as their motor skills.
In this year’s budget, 20 playgrounds across the ACT were funded to receive refreshes and amenity upgrades. Refreshes deliver essential work to improve and protect the
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