Page 2300 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 1 August 2017
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The bill also extends to light rail vehicles existing offences relating to placing leaflets on vehicles. This amendment reflects the safety risks associated with people seeking to place messages on the outside of a light rail vehicle.
As part of the territory’s proactive approach to emerging forms of personal transport, the regulation permitting the private and commercial use of a segway-type device in the ACT commenced on 1 July this year. To support this change, the 2018 edition of the ACT road rules handbook will include content about segway-type devices and new questions about these devices will be added to the road rules knowledge test. As I mentioned when this bill was introduced, to support the use of these devices more broadly and this government’s commitment to addressing alcohol-related crashes, the bill extends existing offences about drinking and intoxication while driving or riding to users of these devices to ensure they are used in a manner that is safe for the user and other road users.
This government is committed to developing a light rail network across Canberra that will provide an integrated public transport network. An integrated and efficient transport system improves the livability of Canberra. It also allows people to move about the city more easily, creating opportunities through development of new business along the light rail corridor.
Light rail is integral to this government’s planning, transport, climate change and health strategies and I would like to take this opportunity to remind the Assembly of the government’s commitment to sustainable transport policies and their role in improving road safety. These policies include a commitment to active travel modes like walking and cycling that have positive impacts on the environment and the health of Canberrans. With the highest car dependency of any Australian capital city and a growing population, a reliable public transport network is essential to reducing travel times and congestion on our roads and addressing the demands of a growing city. A reliable public transport network from which Canberra can grow will ensure that Canberra is a prosperous and livable city with people-friendly communities.
The first stage of the light rail is being delivered to the area within Canberra that is experiencing the highest growth. With that growth comes increasing congestion. Without light rail, it is estimated that the commute from Gungahlin to the city would take more than 50 minutes by 2031. The inclusion of an effective light rail network in a city has proven to be a catalyst for change on land value, development of activities around the light rail and better use of urban spaces. You do not need to look too far to see the heavy emphasis on transport-oriented development in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast where business and residential opportunities around the light rail are highly sought after. This trend is being reflected in the developments along the Northbourne corridor.
I would like to put on the record my thanks to the Minister for Transport and City Services, our respective directorates and Canberrans for their support and understanding at this exciting time in our city. The government is committed to making Canberra a sustainable and modern city and further legislation will be
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