Page 3961 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 1 December 2021
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MR BRADDOCK: Minister, are there any long-term plans to improve recreational access or the facilities at Umbagong park?
MR STEEL: Certainly, we know this is an important place for recreation. As we undertake this important due diligence work, we will look at ways that we can enhance the recreational amenity of the area. It is important that people have access to each side of the creek for recreation. When we are doing so, we need to make sure that we are protecting the cultural and heritage values of this important park, which has played an important part in the life of Canberra for thousands of years, not just in the life of Canberra since the city has been established.
This is something on which we will be consulting with the community, regarding what they would like to see delivered in terms of making sure that we provide access over the creek. We will be interested in getting the community’s views as we progress with this project. But it will take a period of time for us to do these initial assessments to inform that work before we go out for community consultation.
Government—zero emissions vehicles
MR CAIN: My question is to the minister for emissions reduction, which according to the Chief Minister is not a significant portfolio. In a report tabled earlier this year the Auditor-General criticised your government for insufficient public reporting about its actions relating to zero emissions vehicles. In fact, the Auditor-General found the only detailed commentary on the implementation of actions is contained in a secret report the government has not released. The Auditor-General concluded that “local public interest is likely to be high but dedicated detailed reporting is not public.” Minister, what is this secret government report, and why have you not released it?
MR RATTENBURY: I am trying to recall that reference. I will take the question on notice and get back to Mr Cain quickly. I can say that we have been very upfront with the community about our zero emissions vehicle program. In fact, as one of the owners of probably the single largest zero emissions vehicle fleet in Australia we have made enormous progress. We have talked to the community about it frequently. We are working with other governments to share the lessons we have learned. We have set up the Fleet Advisory Service to share the knowledge the government has learned with companies in town and not for profits who also own fleets. We have certainly not been shy in sharing information. I will check that and get back to Mr Cain as quickly as I can.
MR CAIN: Minister, I guess this may also be taken on notice, but will you release this report about the implementation of government actions to reduce vehicle emissions, given the high level of public interest in the issue?
MR RATTENBURY: I will take that on notice in light of my answer to the first question.
MS CASTLEY: A supplementary. Minister, how can Canberrans hold your government to account when there is so little public reporting of your activities to reduce vehicle emissions?
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