Page 1755 - Week 06 - Thursday, 3 June 2021
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Waste—green waste
MR CAIN (Ginninderra) (5.09): I rise to speak briefly about the impending closure of the free green waste facility provided by Canberra Sand and Gravel on Parkwood Road. It seems to me that the Labor-Greens government, despite the minister’s nonchalant attitude during question time today, is not concerned about the wishes of the residents of Belconnen. I have received more calls and emails from locals on this than for any other issue. They not only feel the Labor-Greens government’s decision to close the Parkwood Road facility unacceptable but believe they have been left in the dark about a suitable local alternative. We know the Mitchell green waste facility is at 90 per cent capacity and so it will not be able to take any significant additional green waste. All the while, the government is reviewing options.
This Labor-Greens government claims to be a zero emissions government. The EPSD directorate website says the government is committed to leading by example to showcase best practice sustainability in government operations and to pursue rapid emission reduction targets. The irony is that due to the lack of a plan for a green waste capacity in Ginninderra this closure will most likely lead to an increase in emissions caused by greater distances travelled by residents and businesses to dispose of their green waste at Mitchell or Mugga Lane. I am not sure if the minister understands that the Mugga Lane trip is a round trip of an hour and a half from some parts of Belconnen.
I know the operators of this West Belconnen green waste facility want to continue offering this service and have proposed several options and alternatives to the minister. I have also sponsored their petition asking the government to keep the facility operating. I encourage anyone interested in maintaining this green waste facility in Belconnen to get online and sign the petition or visit the Parkwood Road facility to sign in person.
Unfortunately, this kind of disdain for Canberrans is now par for the course. This Labor-Greens government’s inability to provide solutions to real community issues is not a rare occurrence; it seems it is a standard practice. I call on the Labor-Greens government to stop ignoring the community’s wishes, to keep the green waste facility open, and to work with the operators to provide a suitable long-term solution in Belconnen.
Yerrabi electorate—community engagement
MR BRADDOCK (Yerrabi) (5.12): I want to talk to a few issues close to my heart in Yerrabi, firstly, community gardens. Whilst Yerrabi has community gardens in Mitchell and Crace and one is planned for Throsby, more are required to meet the needs of the large and increasing population of Gungahlin. My office has been liaising with the Canberra Organic Growers Society, and I look forward to visiting their gardens in the near future.
But what is also important is providing a garden that is accessible for those who do not have a vehicle. This has been raised with me by multiple constituents, so I have
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