Page 1187 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 30 May 2007

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The development of up to 71,000 square metres of offices, residential and other land uses at section 63 will see requirements for the developer to provide 1,000 publicly available parking spaces onsite and sufficient parking onsite to meet the balance of total parking demand generated by the development in integrated multilevel car parks. This means the provision of at least 300 more public parking spaces on the redeveloped section 63 than existed prior to the development.

The Chief Minister announced yesterday that up to 600 temporary parking spaces will be provided in the vicinity of the Acton ferry terminal, incorporating the site of the futsal slab, bounded by Commonwealth Avenue, Barrine Drive and Albert Street. Appropriate traffic management measures will be implemented for access to and egress from Commonwealth Avenue.

I believe the Stanhope Labor government, through these initiatives, will meet parking demand from the existing developments in City West south of University Avenue and those to be generated by the development of section 63 in the city.

MS PORTER: I ask a supplementary question. Can the minister further inform the Assembly on the progress of the draft parking strategy?

MR HARGREAVES: As members should be aware, the purpose of the draft parking strategy is to present a medium to long-term framework for parking provision across the city of Canberra. The key issues reviewed in the draft parking strategy include the adequacy and appropriateness of existing parking, particularly for commercial and retail activities in the major centres, and existing parking availability and location across the city and therefore future supply options, particularly as it affects those commuting to and from work.

The draft ACT parking strategy was released for public comment on 1 March 2007 until 30 April 2007. As minister responsible, I decided that the time for submissions was to be extended until 7 May 2007. To date, 50 submissions have been received and the Department of Territory and Municipal Services is presently analysing those submissions with a view to advising government on the draft strategy.

However, this is not a closed process. I invite any member here or members of the public who believe that they have further comment or issues to contribute to the discussion to provide them to the Office of Transport, Department of Territory and Municipal Services. I would be happy to facilitate this through my office, if members wish.

In the meantime, I expect to release the ACT parking strategy by the end of the year. I encourage members here, instead of just sniping away from the other side of the chamber wanting to make cheap political points, to actually put their pen where their mouth is and give us some written comments. That is, of course, if they can actually write.

Opposition members interjecting—


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