Page 2034 - Week 07 - Thursday, 20 August 2020
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off-leash area, while residents of the C5 precinct in Campbell are just over one kilometre away.
With recent densification in both of these precincts, and the exploding number of apartment dwellers with pets, off-leash dog areas and dedicated dog parks become even more important. The lack of off-leash areas also results in residents letting their dogs off lead in areas where they are not meant to. While I do not condone the behaviour of residents who knowingly break the rules and have their dogs off leash in non-designated areas, I can appreciate their frustration at not having any areas within walking distance where they are allowed to do so.
I would like to clarify that not all of the signatories on the petitions being tabled today are dog owners. Many Canberrans have grown frustrated at the lack of basic local services in their suburb or are passionate about improving the amenity of their local parks and green spaces for the use of all Canberrans. Of course, more dedicated off-leash dog areas will mean that fewer owners are letting their dogs off lead where they are not supposed to.
Despite the government’s previous commitment, there has been little to no action on extending these areas in the Campbell and Kingston precincts. This is again symptomatic of a government that has been totally indifferent to actually delivering on its promises.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
COVID-19 pandemic response—update
Ministerial statement
MS STEPHEN-SMITH (Kurrajong—Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Children, Youth and Families and Minister for Health) (10.06): I am very pleased to have another opportunity to present an update on the COVID-19 public health emergency and the ongoing planning, preparation and actions taken by the ACT government to protect the health and wellbeing of the ACT community.
Members will be aware that this is the ninth update I have provided to the Legislative Assembly on the COVID-19 pandemic since declaring a public health emergency at 1.11 pm on 16 March 2020.
This global pandemic is arguably the greatest challenge that has faced any Australian government outside of wartime and we would not be in the position we are in without the continued support and effort of the community to do their part.
During this pandemic we have witnessed the tragic loss of life, the implementation of extraordinary rules and restrictions to protect our citizens, and the cooperation and collaboration of a community working together and making sacrifices to support and protect the most vulnerable amongst us.
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