Page 695 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 2018
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The ACT Government manages over 500 playgrounds across Canberra, including three in Torrens. Playgrounds are prioritised for upgrade based on recommendations from annual safety audits along with current demographic, spatial and social information. This process ensures that safety standards are maintained and public investments are suitably targeted.
The most recent playground audit found that the equipment in the three playgrounds located at Torrens Place, Parsons Street and Horrocks Street in Torrens meet Australian safety standards and are in good condition for use. Hence, there are no current plans to upgrade the playgrounds in Torrens.
The request for sun protection for the playground has been noted and will be considered as part of any future shade sail installations. Shade sails are generally installed in large, centrally located play spaces across Canberra where the frequent visitation rates and longer visits show that they will benefit the greatest number of children.
Thank you for raising this matter. I trust the information is of assistance.
Mitchell light rail stop—petition 6-18
MS FITZHARRIS (Yerrabi—Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Minister for Transport and City Services and Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research) (11.44), by leave: I would like to address the Assembly today on the petition I have tabled on the Mitchell light rail stop. I have sponsored this petition on behalf of the Mitchell Traders Association. They should be commended for the strong and productive engagement they have undertaken with local businesses, the local community and government since they formed last year. I, as a local member and as the minister, my office and the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate have met with the association and its members on a number of occasions. I have been impressed by their energy and focus in promoting local businesses and advocating strongly on behalf of their members.
Firstly, I would like to address some of the concerns raised by the association and others that a light rail stop at Mitchell was removed from construction. As I have previously advised the Assembly, considerable consultation was undertaken during the early planning stages in 2014 to identify suitable stop locations for stage 1.
The government conducted rigorous analysis that included current and projected demand along the route, various technical assessments, access to stops and connectivity with local communities. The government also consulted with the community to seek feedback on potential stop locations. There were many put forward for stage 1 of light rail. During this process, the ACT government facilitated consultation which considered the potential for a light rail stop at many locations along the route, including a number at Mitchell. This consultation ran from June to August 2014 and recorded over 16,500 interactions with the local community and stakeholders.
The community was asked to provide feedback through a variety of channels, including through online surveys, direct mail to homes and businesses along the light
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