Page 1889 - Week 06 - Thursday, 9 June 2016
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The visit by the Wellington mayor was highly successful and presented a significant opportunity to engage with the City of Wellington about economic and cultural exchanges following the announcement of direct flights between our two cities and Singapore. The visit was an opportunity to share ideas such as knowledge exchange, urban renewal, major infrastructure projects, major project implementation, the development and implementation of public transport solutions, tourism, tertiary coordination, and collaboration on social, cultural, sporting and artistic initiatives.
I am pleased to advise the Assembly that on 11 May 2016, the Wellington City Council agreed in principle to adopt a Canberra-Wellington sister city relationship. The council also agreed to potential areas of cooperation between Wellington and Canberra, including business partnerships, tourism, education, cultural exchanges with national institutions, capital civic programs, biodiversity initiatives, smart city technologies, affordable housing solutions and, of course, our very friendly but intense sporting rivalries.
Madam Speaker, Wellington and Canberra share much in common. There are great opportunities for our two cities to work together and to seek ways to continue to grow our respective economies, support our respective business communities and continue to enhance the cultural and social fabric of two cool little capitals.
Mayor Wade-Brown’s visit to Canberra provided the opportunity for her delegation to gain practical insights into a range of initiatives and programs that could form the basis of a formal agreement. A formal cooperative agreement with the City of Wellington will be another step in my government’s strategy to connect Canberra more directly with key international partners and to ensure the flow of talent, investment and trade that follows from such deeper engagement.
Most members would be aware that on 20 January this year, Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer Mr Goh Choon Phong announced at Canberra Airport his airline’s decision to fly direct international services from Singapore to Canberra and from Canberra to Wellington. The capital express route is set to commence from Singapore on 20 September this year.
Direct connectivity between Canberra and Wellington will provide strong benefits that were initially forecast in the research for the business case for direct flights between Canberra and Auckland. That research found that daily flights would generate $51 million per annum in gross regional product for the Canberra catchment and an additional 395 full-time jobs for our region. There will also be obviously significant time savings and convenience benefits for outbound travel between Canberra and Wellington.
The government’s view is that there are clear economic and social benefits for the ACT community as a result of the direct international services and the engagement that will undoubtedly strengthen between the cities of Canberra and Wellington. Most people from around the world now have the opportunity to connect with and to share in the many diverse experiences and opportunities that Canberra offers.
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