Page 2824 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 13 August 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
safer and more accessible. These measures include finishing the refurbishment of the centre’s toilets, repairing its elevators and upgrading flooring and handrails.
Residents living in Dunlop and Fraser, as we have heard on quite a few occasions today, will also enjoy new and improved infrastructure. The Dunlop shops—and, despite what the Leader of the Opposition said, I think it is pretty normal to call shops “shops” even if there is just one shop—will benefit from the installation of a community noticeboard, bollards to improve pedestrian safety, and a shade sail at the existing playground. Upgrades to the Fraser shops—there is more than one shop—are still being finalised but will draw on some of the ideas raised as part of a 2016-17 feasibility study. I know how much the people who frequent those shops are looking forward to it, because they tell me every time I go there.
As Canberra continues to grow, it is important that we make it easier for people to get from A to B. That includes travelling via public transport. We are now one of 400 cities worldwide that enjoy the benefits of light rail, something that is not outdated technology but is having an even greater uptake right across the globe. Stage 1 was finished ahead of schedule and under budget—in fact, $32 million under budget. Since the launch of the new bus network and the operation of light rail, more and more people have been travelling via bus or light rail. We have heard those statistics repeated by Minister Steel here and in the media. On the back of this success, the government now turns its attention to delivering stage 2 to Woden.
It is no surprise to anyone in this chamber that it is the eventual third stage of light rail that I am most looking forward to. While it is a little way off, stage 3 will better connect Belconnen to the city and the rest of the ACT by providing the east-west link to complement the north-south spine.
A new integrated public transport system needs a state-of-the-art ticketing system. That is why we are also investing $450,000 in this year’s budget to deliver just that. I am really excited about the emerging technologies in this area.
As Belconnen continues to grow, we need to ensure our roads are better equipped for more cars, more buses, more cyclists and more pedestrians. A common concern among my constituents is the safety of busy intersections. We have listened throughout this term of government. Following on from last year’s commitment to Tillyard Drive and Ginninderra Drive, which anyone who has been there knows is well underway, this year’s budget commits $14 million over four years to upgrade a number of intersections across Canberra including, importantly, Belconnen Way and Springvale Drive, and the intersection of Southern Cross Drive and Starke Street.
More than 300 vehicles, on average, travel through these intersections during peak periods alone and both intersections have frequent accidents. Between 2011 and 2017 there were 42 crashes at each intersection resulting in property damage and a total of 14 crashes leading to serious injuries. We have to do something. The installation of traffic lights will make these intersections safer and easier to navigate. As someone who passes through there frequently, I am personally very much looking forward to them. If you have an older car, having to turn right on a busy multi-lane intersection
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video