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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 10 Hansard (28 August) . . Page.. 3393 ..
MR HIRD (continuing):
of this success. I share the sentiments of a colleague who said that the states would pick up the functions performed by the AIS. Indeed, members of the federal parliament, who love to kick Canberra because of the votes this wins in their respective electorates, would grab such an opportunity.
Bob Ellicott, a former Minister for Territories, should always be commended for establishing and developing the AIS. This initiative has rewarded the athletes, Canberrans and Australians. It would be fair to say that the AIS is worth $40 million a year when you take into account the employment it creates and the money that it puts back into the local economy.
The eastern route is the government's option. It also happens to be the option of the Gungahlin Community Council. A large number of form letters from residents of Gungahlin were sent to my committee. Also, a large number of form letters were received from persons associated with the Save the Ridge group, and they have the right to take such action. But the committee also received submissions from the Canberra regional branch of the Bus and Coach Association (NSW); the Fern Hill Park Venture-an assessment was done at their expense by Purdon and Associates; the ACT Academy of Sport; the Raiders; Gungahlin Community Council, which I have mentioned; the ACT Rugby Union Ltd; and the list goes on. All favour the eastern route.
Ms Tucker indicated that Mr Moore and Mr Osborne made their assessment based on what they had seen during a walk of the area. Has Ms Tucker walked and looked at the area? The argument that is being put up that the route will go through the centre of Bruce Ridge is a nonsense, because the spur road has been removed. (Extension of time granted.)
The facts are that a number of other recommendations in my committee's report are being undertaken by the government and are in the current budget. I refer to the duplication of William Slim Drive and an investigation concerning Caswell Drive.
Ms Tucker referred to the greenhouse effect. The option put by the government in their submission is that there should be controlled intersections. We recommended that there be overpasses and underpasses, and the government have accepted that. The $10 million which was allocated for the spur road will be now directed to that purpose. There has been no pat on the back for that.
The Save the Ridge group, in a letter which I will table shortly along with other documents, stated:
Save the Ridge on behalf of its members objects strongly to the Report handed down by the Urban Services Standing Committee Inquiry into Gungahlin Drive Extension, in particular recommendation 24 that GDE be built to the East of the AIS. The Report is biased, has ignored significant new evidence that was put before the committee and has misrepresented the views of Save the Ridge and a large majority of the community who made submissions to the Inquiry.
And it goes on:
We believe a written explanation from the Committee, specifically addressing the following issues is required.
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