Page 1466 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 10 April 2013

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Belconnen interchange is another example of what we are doing to make sure we are enhancing important parts of our city as a whole. As you know, Mr Assistant Speaker, the Belconnen town centre has undergone major transformation in the last few years. The 2011 government-commissioned Belconnen bus interchange has not only aesthetically transformed the town centre but it has also created a corridor connecting the eastern part of Belconnen town centre to central facilities such as the new health centre and the Westfield mall. The development has also provided commuters with improved safety and access to transport.

I could continue talking about other major projects that are scheduled or are in progress in my electorate but I would be at risk of repeating what my colleagues have touched on: the emergency services joint station at Aranda and Charnwood, and I was very fortunate to attend the turning of the sod with Minister Corbell; the new Belconnen to city transitway, which is a great improvement for everyone going to work that catches the bus into town in the morning; scheduled shopping centre upgrades that we have already talked about in Evatt, Florey, Kaleen, Fraser, Spence and Macquarie; the University of Canberra public hospital and developments at UC such as the proposed sports hub that Dr Bourke mentioned earlier; the expansion of the nurse-led walk-in clinics to Belconnen, which is an extremely important development I am very much looking forward to; the new birth centre at Calvary Public Hospital—I do not think I have any more grandchildren to be born in Canberra, but you never know; and the new health centre, which will certainly be welcomed by all in my electorate.

We have already talked about the large investment that is being made in Belconnen High School on top of the $6 million already invested. The $28 million over three years that Dr Bourke mentioned earlier is very welcome.

The city to lake project is not a quick fix. As I and my colleagues have highlighted, it is a long-term plan for the city and the lake areas. Canberra is poised for a new phase of growth and development to create a sustainable urban vision. As Mr Barr said earlier, it will be more than just a drive-through city; it will be a place to live, work, play, visit and linger.

Motion agreed to.

ACTEW Corporation Ltd—management

MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (4.29): I move:

That this Assembly:

(1) notes:

(a) the cost blowouts and time delays for construction of the Enlarged Cotter Dam;

(b) Government and community concern over the:


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