Page 1900 - Week 05 - Thursday, 16 May 2019

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Whilst I have only been in this place for two years, this Labor government has had almost 20 years to get this stuff right, and it keeps on failing. For the past two years I have asked the government where the study is. I have been repeatedly told, “It’s coming soon,” “It will be released by the end of the year,” “It’s very close,” and even today I was told again, “It is coming soon.”

For years the communities of Gungahlin, Belconnen and Woden have asked where is the infrastructure they need. Since waiting for this report we have seen the rise of new communities like Molonglo Valley and Ginninderry. To say the ship has sailed is putting it mildly. Once again this government has developed land for building and then tries—and fails—to retrofit infrastructure. The established parts of Canberra are stuck with ageing and inadequate facilities.

I will keep on asking the question and I will keep advocating for greater sport and recreation in the ACT. What is the government doing? Announcing another review, another example of Mirror Man—looking into something but not producing anything positive for our community and not supporting our community. Now it is lawn bowls they are targeting. We all know how Mr Barr feels about seniors in the ACT—the largest group who participate in this sport. We also know how Mr Barr feels about developing recreational spaces into residential developments, and EPIC comes to mind.

I am very wary of the results this study will yield. Hopefully, the Canberra community does not have to wait as long for the lawn bowls study as they have for the indoor sports feasibility study. At least that way the current lawn bowls greens may stay and Mr Barr will not get his hands on that land.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The Assembly adjourned at 6.58 pm until Tuesday, 4 June 2019 at 10 am.


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