Page 2752 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 16 August 2017
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As Mr Steel has already mentioned, in February this year I helped launch the park-and-pedal scheme at the National Arboretum. It allows Canberrans to combine their commute to and from work with a short bike ride. But the park-and-pedal scheme is not a stand-alone one. Park and ride also offers Canberrans the opportunity to integrate driving, a brief walk and bus riding.
Anyone driving, cycling or taking the bus up and down Athllon Drive will notice that the park-and-ride facility at Wanniassa is coming along brilliantly. This is a much-needed facility for the Kambah area servicing students, families and workers during the busiest time of the day. When I was doorknocking the Kambah area during the election campaign, many residents spoke about what having a park-and-ride facility nearby would do. It would be a fantastic priority for a number of local residents.
This is another example of how the ACT government is listening and delivering vital city services to the local community. Earlier this year Canberra also celebrated Walk and Ride Week, which encouraged locals of all ages to walk and ride to school or work and to catch public transport as often as possible for local journeys. Walk and Ride Week and National Ride2School Day are essential to building healthy lifestyles at an early age. They lay the foundation for a life of engagement, activity and sport.
As already noted by Mr Steel, Minister Fitzharris launched bike stops across Canberra this month. This great initiative will encourage cyclists and businesses to work together to encourage active travel options. I am looking forward to leaving my motorbike and L plates at home and accessing some of these opportunities when they come together and being exposed to Canberra’s fantastic local businesses.
The government recognises that opportunities for active and integrated travel build active lifestyles. That is why the government remains committed to building diverse transport options incorporating light rail, buses and cycling for those living in Canberra now and into the future. I am happy to support Mr Steel’s motion.
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra) (10.54): The story of Harry Potter has been capturing the hearts and minds of readers for nearly two decades. JK Rowling spun us a new world of magic, courage, friendship and betrayal that has enthralled a generation. As we know, the books took on a life of their own. And what began it all? A train ride. JK Rowling was catching a crowded London train in 1990 when a scrawny, bespectacled boy visited her imagination.
Opposition members interjecting—
MS CHEYNE: Calm down. Public transport is good not just for the environment and your wallet, it can also provide a time for reflection and creativity; a time for catching up on your emails and messaging with friends and family—as some of our members are doing now—a time to get lost in your thoughts; a few peaceful moments in a bustling life.
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