Page 4357 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2019
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The planning work supported by the infrastructure plan includes the land use along light rail stage 2, the city to Woden light rail corridor; the east-west arterial connection of Molonglo to the Tuggeranong Parkway; Molonglo 3, suburbs 2 and 3, trunk infrastructure investigation and feasibility, including the Bindubi Street extension; Molonglo 2 and 3 sewer odour control; securing the ACT’s electricity supply; the eastern broadacre employment-generating land extension of trunk infrastructure; and the Kenny residential development trunk infrastructure. Much of this is foundational work that will ensure that we can continue to supply current and future Canberrans with housing in new suburbs in greenfield areas.
The infrastructure plan sets out a long-term strategic approach to both urban infill and greenfield development, both of which are important for providing for Canberra’s future.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, how is the government protecting the environment as it undertakes delivery of the infrastructure plan as it relates to planning?
MR GENTLEMAN: The ACT Labor government recognises that infrastructure is not just made up of bricks and mortar. We also know that living infrastructure is a critical part of what makes Canberra such a livable city, and our natural landscape is part of what attracts so many new residents to Canberra each year.
The ACT planning strategy outlines how careful planning will help Canberra become a more sustainable city. This is complemented by the living infrastructure plan, released earlier this year. Investing in our living infrastructure will protect our natural assets to promote sustainability. Specific investments funded through the infrastructure plan to boost sustainability include the healthy waterways projects, natural resource management, and the parks and conservation service. Our public nature park assets such as trails, lookouts and public amenities all contribute to the wellbeing of community and are made possible by government investment.
Protecting our waterways and our natural landscapes are what will maintain Canberra as a sustainable and livable city into the future. It will also be an efficient city, with growth concentrated around our town centres and major transport corridors. The government believes that a mix of housing options, including new suburbs as well as urban infill, will deliver a sustainable and efficient city. Alternative planning proposals that focus on bulldozing our forests and natural landscape are a threat to Canberra’s biodiversity and sustainability.
MR GUPTA: Minister, how does the infrastructure plan help to deliver on the 2018 ACT planning strategy?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Gupta for his supplementary. As Canberra grows towards a population of 500,000 by 2030, the ACT government is investing in infrastructure to support that growth and maintain the livability that Canberra is well known for. Canberra is a great place to live, work and raise your family, and I want to make sure it keeps getting better.
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