Page 646 - Week 02 - Thursday, 23 March 2023
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MR STEEL: I thank Dr Paterson for her supplementary. I agree this project is a critical project to transform the region and better connect the growing suburbs of the Molonglo Valley and also West Belconnen to the rest of Canberra. This project includes a 227-metre long bridge spanning the Molonglo River but also importantly, 1.7Â kilometres of new arterial roads leading to the bridge and five new intersections, providing access to the Molonglo Group Centre from Whitlam and future northern suburbs as well. We are also working closely to ensure the new bridge and the development of the group centre are closely aligned to deliver the infrastructure that our growing city needs. Molonglo residents have been very vocal in their support of this project and with heavy rainfall over the last few years repeatedly flooding Coppins Crossing, we understand why. We will work with the contractor to ensure the crossing remains open as much as possible while the construction is underway. We are working together with the contractor as well to deliver jobs for the Canberra region, 560 during the detailed design and construction phases are expected. Projects like this are important, not only to keep Canberrans employed and businesses running but also to provide the community with better infrastructure and safer roads into
the future.
MS ORR: Minister, how will this project improve public transport and active travel connections in the Molonglo Valley?
MR STEEL: I thank Ms Orr for her question. Improving public transport and active travel connections in the Molonglo Valley remains a priority for this government and are a core component of the project. The new bridge will be capable of supporting a future light rail connection in the Molonglo Valley, enabling the government to also investigate expanded rapid bus routes once the project is completed. The project also includes important active travel links with off-road shared paths on both sides of the bridge and new approach roads and on-road cycle lanes. These inclusions will encourage more Canberrans to jump on the bike to get to their destination. We are also excited to make sure Canberra can continue to remain one of the most liveable cities in the world by delivering these infrastructure projects. They will come with some disruption while under construction, but unlike the opposition, we are determined to get on and build the infrastructure projects that Canberrans need, to deliver those long-term benefits despite the short-term interruptions caused by the construction of these projects.
Canberra Health Services—data security
MR COCKS: My question is to the Minister for Mental Health. Minister, in your statement this morning you said:
In early February Canberra Health Services discovered a potential breach of patient privacy through the sharing of personal health information without consent outside the organisation.
You later stated:
On 28 February I emailed the CEO of CHS and the ANMF ACT branch secretary to express my concerns about the impact on patients and on staff who are trying to create a safe workplace with high quality care.
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