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We will be looking at a long-term plan for the maintenance and expansion of our $3.4 billion road asset and must, for the first time, register $1.2 billion of stormwater assets. We will ensure that the community not only has an improved library system but also has access to a full range of community information services. I believe that this is one of the exciting opportunities for this Government and for this Assembly.

Mr Speaker, this Government also has an exciting cultural vision for Canberra. The recent agreement with the Commonwealth allows us to move to develop a world-class arts and cultural precinct for the Kingston foreshore. It is also worth noting that in 1996 the Canberra Institute of Technology will establish courses to serve the contemporary music and arts and craft industries.

Mr Wood: Yes, good stuff. Who organised that?

MRS CARNELL: You did, and we totally agree with that. Regional cultural planning will be a priority and we will look to develop, in partnership with the private sector, our cultural precincts across the city. In particular, the area of Civic that incorporates Civic Square, Ainslie Avenue and the City Walk down to Garema Place, offers an enormous opportunity to create a much more vibrant city centre - something that Mr Wood also supported. Let us make it happen in this Assembly, Mr Wood.

Another significant feature of our agenda will be effective environment protection. The ACT will continue to be an active and vocal participant in cooperative efforts with other governments in areas such as ozone protection, the adoption of national standards, and the management of natural resources.

Mr Moore: What about noise pollution?

MRS CARNELL: Yes, there is some; most of it comes from over there. As an example of this commitment, plans are now being drawn up to offer compost bins at cost price to those Canberra households that request them. This is one component of a whole-of-government approach to waste management which will be introduced over the next three years.

Mr Speaker, there will be significant reforms in the next three years in the management of ACT planning. The Government has taken on board the major findings of the Lansdown report - again, something that was instituted by Mr Wood. We will ensure that dual occupancies are not permitted in new areas for five years; that multi-unit developments in established areas are designed to reflect the existing street character and be consistent with surrounding developments; and that planning is carried out in full consultation with local communities. We will soon be moving to conduct an inquiry into the ACT’s rating and land valuation system once the terms of reference can be finalised, and that is very close. The inquiry will establish once and for all the basis of a system that is fair and predictable.

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