Page 188 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 12 February 2020
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certainly consider all of the issues that were raised by all members in the Assembly in relation to the issues that Lawson residents are experiencing.
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra) (4.02): I rise briefly to underline my support for the amended motion that Mrs Kikkert has put forward and for the sentiment expressed by the ministers and Ms Le Couteur. I think that most visitors to Lawson, let alone residents, are struck by the few available parking spots compared to some of the older or more established suburbs across Belconnen. While this has not been a key issue raised with me personally by residents, it is certainly something that I have experienced, and I support Mrs Kikkert in bringing it forward today on behalf of those people who have made representations.
I also note the issue that Ms Le Couteur brought forward—that, while buses go along Baldwin Drive and service Lawson, there is not a bus which goes through Lawson. For some residents who live on the western side of Lawson particularly, it is a bit of a walk to get to the bus on Baldwin Drive. In saying that, Lawson is not yet complete. It is still in stage 1, with stage 2 on the way, so some infrastructure components are under construction. I was very pleased to hear Minister Steel’s commitment that he will look closely at those desire lines being created, which may give an indication as to where footpaths and other linkages should be.
I also put on the record how well received the missing link on Ginninderra Drive between the University of Canberra and Aikman Drive has been. Hopefully, with some more consultation there, those ongoing improvements in Lawson will mean the infrastructure gets to a stage where Lawson will look like a completed suburb, rather than just stage 1. I am also very grateful to hear that the minister will see how parking can be reviewed not only for stage 1 residents in the short term but also for the development of stage 2 and in completing Lawson as a whole, to make sure it is perhaps a little bit more consistent with what Canberrans have come to expect.
With Ms Le Couteur’s amendment, while I understand the intent, I think the specificities of it are probably just a bit too great, and it may in fact hamstring the government in identifying what might be appropriate transport means in the short term. I think that Minister Steel is very true to his word, and he has stated pretty clearly today that he will be having a good look at that. I am sure that members for Ginninderra, and indeed the members for Yerrabi, where Lawson still is located, for the next few months at least, will be holding the minister to his word on that. Ultimately, though, this was about parking issues, and I am very pleased to hear about the developments today. I thank Mrs Kikkert for bringing the motion forward.
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (4.06): I reiterate how grateful I am to have been able to bring this motion before the Assembly today. I take seriously my responsibility to bring the voices and concerns of everyday Belconnen residents to this chamber. In this case those who live in Lawson have asked me to make sure they are heard. They have all spoken about car park and footpath issues. I have not heard anything about bus issues. That is why we could not support Ms Le Couteur’s amendment. Having regard to the variety of different people that I have spoken to in Lawson, none of them made mention of transport issues. If that is the case, I would welcome a discussion with any residents in Lawson who have that issue.
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