Page 773 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 8 April 2014
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In closing, as the Minister for Corrections, I wish to again state my strong support and appreciation for the officers of ACT Corrective Services, who demonstrate resilience, dedication and professionalism while working in challenging environments.
Leave of absence
Motion (by Mr Smyth) agreed to:
That leave of absence be granted to Mrs Jones for this sitting due to ill health.
Planning—city plan
Discussion of matter of public importance
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Lawder): Madam Speaker has received letters from Ms Berry, Dr Bourke, Mr Gentleman, Mr Hanson, Ms Porter and Mr Wall proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, Madam Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Dr Bourke be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of the City Plan to guide growth, development and urban renewal of the ACT
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (3.39): The city plan seeks to provide developers, government and the community with a clear vision for the future of the city centre, and how it will evolve and mature as it develops and grows over time.
As Minister Corbell has indicated, the government has agreed to five priority projects which will begin our delivery under the plan and set a path for the future. The projects focus around reducing traffic impacts to help people connect across the city, getting more people living in the city to add vibrancy and character, progressing some city to the lake proposals like the Australia forum and the aquatic facility, and reviewing mechanisms and incentives for private sector investment to deliver the plan’s outcomes. Some of the priority projects, like the city to the lake investigations and redevelopment of the ABC flats, are already undergoing detailed investigations and planning, while others will be undertaken within the next five years or so.
These are exciting and transformational projects for the city and its people, and also bring regional and national benefits. For instance, the redevelopment of the ABC flats in Braddon and Reid will increase the range of housing options for people wishing to live closer to where they work, where they shop and where there are cultural, recreational and commercial services. It will also include improvements to the public realm along Cooyong Street and new linkages into Braddon to give better access to cyclists and pedestrians.
Likewise, some of the capital works under the city to the lake project will be commenced as early as possible. I would like to note that, on a smaller scale, we have proved the concept and the pleasures of being by the lake at Belconnen town centre’s Emu Bank foreshore. It is already lined with eateries, outdoor tables and the new
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