Page 3931 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 September 2017

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As individuals, this can be done, of course, through Access Canberra fix my street, which will always result in an officer from city services meeting to discuss and investigate opportunities to improve the quality and amenity of the public space affecting these people. But I acknowledge, and again congratulate, the Mitchell traders for forming a group so that their voices as a whole can be heard within government and also the Canberra Business Chamber, which I know has valued engaging with them.

I just repeat my caution to Mr Wall about his comments earlier in this debate that “not once”—his words—was there an opportunity for Mitchell traders to participate in the consultation. That is patently not the case. There was extensive consultation. I would, of course, note that—

MADAM SPEAKER: Minister, I remind you that you need to move your amendment.

MS FITZHARRIS: Yes. I move the amendment circulated in my name:

Omit paragraphs (1) and (2), substitute:

“(1) the important contribution that businesses in Mitchell make to the ACT economy;

(2) that Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) and Minister for Transport and City Services has met with representatives of the Mitchell Traders Group;

(3) the ACT Government has conducted extensive consultation on planning for light rail, especially since 2011, as part of an integrated transport network for Canberra;

(4) that the Canberra Liberals have persistently and extensively opposed the introduction of light rail services for Canberra;

(5) as part of the extensive consultation for Light Rail Stage 1 from Gungahlin to the City, a number of potential stops were considered, with 13 stops agreed and announced in late 2014 for consideration in the business case, subsequent procurement and the construction now underway. A stop at Sandford Street, Mitchell was not one of these 13 stops;

(6) the ACT Government recognises, however, that Mitchell is a growing area and will be positively impacted by the growth of Gungahlin and Canberra’s northside and has committed to build a light rail stop in Mitchell in the future;

(7) that provisioning for a future stop at Sandford Street, Mitchell was included in the procurement and current construction;


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