Page 437 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 4 March 2008
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water purification plant with the water produced by the plant to be used for purposes other than drinking. This is a diversified approach to the issue of water security for the ACT rather than looking for a single source of supply.
Sustainable transport is another area in which the government has implemented a rigorous planning process. Planning for transport is a great challenge because it impacts in a complex way on so many aspects of our community, economy and environment. As Canberra continues to grow, the role of a sustainable transport network becomes crucial in maintaining and improving accessibility and the potential for an increased role for public transport in particular.
You will notice here that the theory is on planning, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker. The sustainable transport plan, released in April 2004, sets out the ACT government’s commitment to a more sustainable transport system for Canberra. The sustainable transport plan shows how we can make transport more sustainable with a stronger role for public transport, walking and cycling. Replacing some of our car travel with walking, cycling and public transport trips will have major benefits for the environment and Canberra’s livability. I urge my colleagues that live in Brindabella to use our ACTION bus network; it is very successful.
Mr Smyth: Yes, I got the 768 and the 769 two weeks ago. Have you got on the buses that you are cutting out?
MR GENTLEMAN: Fantastic. I did.
MADAM TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, Mr Smyth. Mr Smyth, you are being disorderly.
MR GENTLEMAN: I caught the early Xpresso, Mr Smyth, and then I caught the 315 home in the afternoon. However, the sustainable transport plan acknowledges that cars will remain the primary mode of transport for most Canberrans. In addition, it provides for corridors for public transport and cycling to increase accessibility to alternative transport modes.
A major thrust of the sustainable transport plan is the progressive improvement of the public transport system so that it becomes more attractive and a viable alternative for many people and for many trips. As private vehicle use increases, the improved public transport system will accommodate more of the demand, with a lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, lower air pollution, a reduction in the number of accidents and lower health costs, compared with the continuation of the current modal balance. Anyone driving this morning via Adelaide Avenue would have seen the advantage of catching public transport over private cars.
Mr Seselja: The bus was stuck behind the accident as well.
MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, the accident held most commuters up for quite a long time. In December 2007 the government announced a package of measures for public transport improvements worth almost $75 million—the most comprehensive commitment to transport in the territory’s history—spanning bus services, infrastructure, accessibility and safety.
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