Page 2827 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 17 September 2014
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Given the interest that my article produced, I think planning professionals and the general public would have plenty of suggestions for ways to improve the area. I suggest that both government and private sector investment should be part of any revitalisation plans. We have seen the willingness of the private sector to get involved in developments at New Acton and Braddon and other parts of our city. Now is the time to encourage the private sector to help revitalise City Walk and Garema Place.
I believe we owe it to the traders along City Walk and Garema Place, including businesses such as Sam Catanzariti, Kindle, Bica Photographics, King O’Malley’s and the dozens of other businesses who contribute so much to our city. These traders put so much on the line to be able to do what they do. They take risks, and their livelihood is directly determined by the decisions that they take. I commend them and thank them for being risk takers and creating opportunities for staff, customers, suppliers and many others.
The ACT government is happy to spend $783 million on light rail. It is time to invest some money in revitalising the city centre and, if not money, simply some attention. A vibrant city centre is something that Canberrans could and should be proud of.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning, Minister for Community Services, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Minister for Children and Young People and Minister for Ageing) (3.35): While we all wish to see an active city, I cannot see how the introduction of another roadway in place of a pedestrian plaza would bring that revitalisation to the city. With that in mind, I move the amendment circulated in my name:
Omit all words after “notes, regarding Civic”, substitute:
“(a) the ACT Government is committed to revitalising and rejuvenating the city centre;
(b) the ACT Government has invested in improving the amenity of the city in partnership with local business;
(c) evidence suggests that slow speed and highly ‘peopled’ environments are a good way to create vibrant, safe and economically successful urban environments;
(d) a large number of cars use the city and it would benefit from improved alternative transport options;
(e) the ACT Government is committed to improving active transport and public transport in and around the city, including through the Civic Cycle Loop, Bunda Street Shareway and future provision of light rail;
(f) the work undertaken by the ACT Government through the City Plan, which engaged the ACT community on the future of the city centre;
(g) recent contributions to the debate on the future of the city centre by various interested parties, including Mr David Tickle, Associate Professor Richard Hu, Mr Hamish Sinclair and Dr Ed Blakely; and
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