Page 3794 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 8 November 1994
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The broad spectrum of ideas in the report across business, sport, culture, tourism and transport provide clear directions for Canberra and the region to work towards. The ACT 2000 Committee's report emphasises the importance of building relations with New South Wales organisations in the surrounding region. This is particularly important for Canberra's long-term growth and economic development.
Mrs Carnell: What did the chairman say about the Government?
MR LAMONT: You want to hear what the chairman says about you, Mrs Carnell.
In addition, as the nation's capital, Canberra has unique responsibilities on behalf of all Australians. A number of golden opportunities for Canberra are highlighted in the ACT 2000 Committee's report. These include the staging of a myths and legends games and rounds of the 2000 Olympic soccer competition, hosting international athletes at the Australian centre of elite sport, an Olympic torch relay pageant upon its arrival in Canberra, opening of the Canberra international airport, and a Floriade fantasia as our tourism centrepieces for 2000.
To develop and implement the ACT 2000 Committee's report, the Government has announced the start of Project 2000. Project 2000 is designed to be a community based project to continue the work of the ACT 2000 Committee in identifying and developing opportunities with business, sport and the community. The Project 2000 Steering Committee, like the ACT 2000 Committee before it, will include representatives across business, tourism, marketing, sport and the cultural sectors of our community. As I have said in my introductory remarks, the region is an important addition to the steering committee in this instance. The name change to Project 2000 reflects the importance of getting every business, every sport and every community group to consider how they can be involved. This Olympics initiative is not about a committee; it is about everybody playing a part and working together. That will be the test by which we will be judged over the coming six years. More importantly, it will be the test by which we will be judged beyond 2000.
This Olympics initiative, as I have said, is not about a committee. As you would be aware, Madam Speaker, Canberra has already bid for and been successful in winning the right to host the 1997 Australian Masters Games. The ACT Academy of Sport will begin shortly to service athletes from the surrounding New South Wales region, and work has begun with the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport on developing strategic alliances between the ACT Government and those two organisations. As well, Madam Speaker, the 2000 Paralympic Games also provide unique opportunities not only to lift the profile of these elite athletes but also to host events and to support training services in this region. The Government is keen to lead the way with its support for the Paralympics and its athletes.
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