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A proposal has been received to extend the Hyperdome by 16,000 square metres. The proposal will be assessed against the findings of the retail study that I mentioned earlier. This assessment will include full consideration of all relevant factors, including its impact on other commercial centres. There will also be full public consultation. In addition, the following works have been included in the draft 1995-96 capital works program recently referred to the Assembly's Planning and Environment Committee. Firstly, there is a range of significant environmental works, including the Fadden cut-off drain reconstruction; the conversion of the Tuggeranong Town Park irrigation to second-class water supply; the restoration of flood damage at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve; the upgrading and restoration of flood damage at Point Hut; the replacement of the ranger's residence at Corin Dam; and the rehabilitation of Boboyan Pines. In addition, further community facilities are planned, namely, the Conder group centre infrastructure; the Tuggeranong Community Arts Centre; the rural fire shed at Kambah; and the Monash Child Care Centre.

There have been significant improvements in recent years of the transportation and access arrangements for the Tuggeranong Valley. The duplication and improvement of the Monaro Highway is largely completed; the duplication of Drakeford Drive is continuing; the 1995-96 budget makes provision for the Conder 1 distributor road; and a number of major intersection and road safety improvements have commenced. For example, in recent months I have directed that bus lanes in Athllon Drive be utilised more effectively by opening them up for multiple occupancy private cars and taxis. This will make better use of community infrastructure and further improve access for Tuggeranong residents. Can we ever forget that year in, year out we were told by the previous Labor Government that you could never open up Athllon Drive bus lanes. After five months in government we have done it. We will continue to deliver the programs that we have promised the people of the ACT.

While the development of infrastructure started in the northern part of the valley in the mid-1970s, we still have much to do in the newly emerging areas of South Tuggeranong. Consequently, we will have the challenge of both maintaining our existing infrastructure and financing the growth of new essential services. Given our difficult budgetary circumstances, this is a difficult challenge for the Government and one that members must be prepared to recognise. However, we must strive to ensure that there is an equitable distribution of facilities and services throughout the whole of Canberra. We must recognise that Canberra operates as one city and that major facilities such as Bruce Stadium cannot be provided in every region in the city. They are there to support the whole of the community. We will continue to maintain a balanced and holistic approach to the development of Canberra's infrastructure.

I agree with Mr Osborne, and as a resident of Conder I will be anxiously awaiting and making sure that this Government makes good its promises. After five to six months in government, what we have promised, basically, we have delivered. Mr Berry, well may you laugh. You were in power for four years and did nothing. You personally cost us $4m over the VITAB affair; so you are the last person that ought to be pouring vitriol on this Government. We have been in government for five months. Most, if not all, of the promises we made to the people of the Tuggeranong Valley have been delivered or will be delivered by the end of the term of this Government.


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