BUDGETING NORTHSIDE SERVICES, WELL-BEING

Today, Ms Mary Porter MLA, Member for Ginninderra, thanked the government for the aspects of this budget that will greatly benefit the constituents in her electorate.

“I am pleased to see the resources in this budget which will benefit to the people of Ginninderra, in a number of ways,” said Ms Porter.

“Over four million dollars have been allocated to develop Park’n’Ride facilities across Canberra, including for Belconnen. This is an important initiative that speaks of this Government’s determination to encourage Canberrans to encourage people to use public transport.

The Government has made the provision for bike shelters in Belconnen as part of the Bike’n’Ride Initiative, to accommodate between 20 and 25 bikes.

“This also acknowledges the need to encourage Canberrans to lead healthier lifestyles. Obesity has overtaken smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia and there is a critical need to encourage members of our community to make healthier lifestyle choices.”

“My constituents will also benefit from other environmentally-focused initiative. Over seven million dollars has been assigned for Stage 1 of the Belconnen to City Transitway which will develop the Barry Drive and College Street sections. It is another initiative to help the people of Ginninderra to use public transport whenever possible.

“The provision of childcare is a critical resource to contemporary Australian families. This budget has allocated four million dollars to refurbish a site in Flynn to use as a dedicated childcare centre that will offer 100 to 120 places to families in Ginninderra,” Ms Porter said.

Ms Porter also pointed out that a robust economy was not the only end game in the 2010-2011 Budget.

“My government is not merely concerned with providing opportunities for the people of Canberra to participate in a strong economy. We are also determined to cultivate the idea that life-quality is central in the government’s thinking. In Ginninderra, two hundred thousand dollars has been allocated to improvements at Strathnairn Homestead, including a provision for extra studio space.

“Such expenditure to improve access to quality art brings creative expressions as part of our everyday life. It resonates because it is locally relevant and of considerable quality. I am a constant visitor to Strathnairn and enjoy the work of these local artists,” Ms Porter said.

“Our young people have not been forgotten in this budget. Two hundred thousand dollars has also been allocated for the design of the Belconnen skate park.”

“This government has tabled a responsible budget that addresses key areas such as health and education, provides for valuable infrastructure for the ACT and promotes positive action on climate change.

“My electorate will greatly benefit from this budget and I believe that those residing in the north of Canberra will appreciate the new projects and initiatives this budget has bestowed,” Ms Porter said.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775