Page 1741 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 4 May 2005

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In the initial 12 months of work, the government, through the Canberra central project team and its task force, have commenced or are undertaking the following:

• policies in relation to transport modelling;

• a car parking strategy for the city—never been done before;

• a planning document for the city so that, for the first time, we do not have the duplication of planning control that exists between the National Capital Authority and the ACT Planning and Land Authority;

• the integration of public artworks;

• improving the safety of the city;

• work to undertake the marketing and promotion of the city.;

We saw this last Christmas; we had Christmas events and activities being held for the first time in the city centre; and Canberrans responded positively to that. I continue:

• fireworks in the city;

• concerts and activities in the city;

• dance parties in the city;

• cooking demonstrations in the city;

• fashion parades in the city.

All these have been sponsored by and driven by the ACT government through the Canberra central program. That, Mr Speaker, was indeed the Canberra central events program. I know they do not like that but it is worth putting the government’s record on the table.

Mrs Dunne: Well, it is just not true.

MR CORBELL: Are you saying those events did not happen, Mrs Dunne? Where were you?

The government has also undertaken exercises to identify locations for new major public buildings in the Canberra central area. We are developing a design manual for Canberra central, an urban design charter. We are developing a street furniture palette for the Canberra central area. As my colleague Mr Quinlan has outlined, we have also put on the table and are now progressing the idea of a special levy to promote and market the city centre. Interestingly, the Liberal Party is split also on that issue. Mr Mulcahy thinks it is a bad idea, Mr Smyth thinks it is a good idea. I wonder what Mr Seselja thinks? There is a diversity of views over on that side of the table.

Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Mr Speaker—

MR CORBELL: There is no point of order; he is just going—

Mr Smyth: The minister cannot mislead the Assembly. I have never—

MR SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order. Resume your seat.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, the government has also—

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