Page 3871 - Week 12 - Thursday, 29 October 2015

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Undoubtedly the use of touch screens and digital information rather than a 1980s booklet and pamphlet style approach is going to be at the forefront of our new visitor information centre. The team at VisitCanberra have been working closely with the National Capital Authority with a view to co-location of a range of tourist information facilities—noting, of course, that the national capital exhibition is contained within the Regatta Point location.

Certainly that building provides a fantastic outlook over the central national area of our city and many of our city’s most significantly well known tourist attractions. It is on the main road in the city, Commonwealth Avenue, and has a significant car parking facility adjacent to it.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.

MR SMYTH: Minister, what problems will the lack of parking at Regatta Point have for tourists seeking assistance at the visitor centre?

MR BARR: I believe actually there is more car parking adjacent to the Regatta Point centre than there is available in the space near the visitor information—

Mrs Jones: Caravans?

MR BARR: Including large spaces, because there are a lot of tourist buses, as I am sure Mrs Jones would be aware, that park to access the national capital exhibition.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, what problems will the lack of public transport have on tourists seeking assistance at the visitor centre, given the nearest public bus stop is many hundreds of metres away?

MR BARR: It is my understanding that there will be bus stop facilities on Commonwealth Avenue, and that is a short walk from the centre.

MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, will Regatta Point be even less accessible for tourists once Floriade is relocated?

MR BARR: No, and in fact the enhancement of pedestrian traffic infrastructure associated with the first stage of the city to the lake project, including additional pedestrian crossings across Commonwealth Avenue and a change to the intersection configuration, will make the area more accessible for those coming in to park in any of the surrounding car parks but, importantly, will also make the facility more accessible for pedestrians.


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