Page 2147 - Week 10 - Thursday, 26 October 1989
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addressed by the strategy. We are seeking community input into the long-term transport planning decisions that need to be made.
The transport system of any city is a critical element of its lifestyle. An efficient and effective system is necessary to all aspects of city life. The Government is concerned that the residents of Canberra are informed of the issues and have the chance to influence outcomes. Through this process the Government seeks community support for the changes which it believes will be necessary.
The consultation paper has been prepared at a time of growth and development in Canberra's urban centres and of its traffic and transport systems. The Government believes it is important that Canberra has an integrated and planned direction for the future development of transport, to maintain the reality of a city in harmony with its natural environment.
The Government believes that an acceptable strategy must take account of environment and amenity in town centres and neighbouring suburbs; growth in air and noise pollution associated with private car use; traffic congestion and parking problems in residential areas; wider environmental issues, such as the greenhouse effect and the consumption of non-renewal resources; access to town centres to continue to support economic viability of businesses and future developments; access to town centres and Civic to support the growing tourist industry; the need to contain total government expenditure on transport; and more efficient use of private transport.
The Government intends that this strategic view will be translated into action in consultation with the community. The Government recognises it will take time for community travel patterns to change and that further improvement in public transport, such as the purchase of additional buses, will also require some time.
Traffic pattern modifications will be phased in progressively to allow people time to adjust to new routes and to new priorities on the roads. The change in priority from expenditure on roads and car parking infrastructure to public transport and pedestrian facilities must take time.
It is not only the responsibility of the Government to ensure that the principles of the strategy operate to improve Canberra's transport system but also a responsibility of the community. The aim of the Government's strategy is to reduce congestion and improve access to town centres now and in the long term. This will only be fully achieved with the cooperation and support of the community.
Mr Speaker, there are particular pressures on Civic, and this area will be the initial priority. Improvement of the public transport system is one of the major targets of the
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