Page 3371 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 21 October 2014

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places where it is considered appropriate. That is done on a case-by-base analysis. If there are particular examples, I am happy to take up the question for members; otherwise, it is hard to give a general answer except to say that Roads obviously makes an assessment of the appropriate places for appropriate treatments.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, how will the government ensure that the targets for the coming year are met and the territory’s roads do not continue to deteriorate?

MR RATTENBURY: Territory and Municipal Services will use the budget available to get as much work done as possible on the ACT’s road network.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, when was the last time that the ACT government met the municipal and territory roads resurfacing target?

MR RATTENBURY: I will take that question on notice.

OECD livable cities report

DR BOURKE: My question is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, two weeks ago an OECD regional wellbeing report declared Canberra the most livable city in the world when compared to 362 other regions amongst 34 member nations. According to the report, why did Canberra achieve this incredible title, and how does this report’s finding align with the ACT government’s priorities and future agenda?

MS GALLAGHER: I thank Dr Bourke for the question. I am sure all members in the Assembly would have been pleased with the findings in this OECD report, which declared Canberra the most livable city in the world when it was compared to 362 other regions amongst the 34 member nations. Canberra scores were consistently outstanding in a number of different areas: access to services, our civic engagement, education, jobs, the environment, income and health. In safety, the ACT was rated 10 out of 10, putting it in first place across Australia—and also in housing, with a score of 8½ out of 10. This is independent analysis. It is very comprehensive. I think that for all of us who live in this city it is very hard to disagree with.

The findings also align very well with the priorities of this government, which are about creating economic opportunity and providing world-class services and world-class infrastructure, but also a community that cares for and looks after those who are less fortunate, the disadvantaged and those who are unwell—and of course a place which encourages and promotes a place of strong community and shared spirit.

For me, as a person who has been born in this city and lived in this city all my life, I was very proud of the findings in this report. It is something that this Assembly should be rightly proud of and should celebrate.


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