Ms ANDERSON - 2006-02-23
How is the Martin government’s strong budget management, delivering three surpluses in a row, providing benefits for Alice Springs residents?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is important that this government, through our financial management in delivering three surplus budgets and putting record amounts of cash into record infrastructure programs, has been able to deliver significant benefits and projects to the people of Alice Springs.
The upgrade of Taffy Pick causeway rossing was carried out in response to residents’ concern about safety at the intersection and the need for improved traffic management. This upgrade, which is worth more than $300 000, included installing bollards along South Terrace, a raised centre median island to control turning, painted medians in South Terrace, and reconstruction of left turns into and out of Stephens Road to confine large vehicles to the left side of the road.
During the election campaign, it was my pleasure to doorknock that area and hear the views of residents and look at that particular intersection first-hand and start the process of remediating some of the concerns of that particular intersection.
Pedestrian safety on Larapinta Drive near the Blain Street intersection has also been an issue raised with me by the local community.
Ms Carney: And the local member. You did it! You followed through on a promise. Thank you, Chris.
Dr BURNS: The local member, whom I have asked to meet a few times in Alice Springs, has not turned up. When you go to her office it is always closed, so it is a bit hard.
Ms Carney: I see you coming from the other side of the road.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Following the installation of high visibility pedestrian warning signs on Larapinta Drive, the government awarded a contract worth $185 000 to install a signalised pedestrian crossing at the site. Work was completed this month and the government has received very positive feedback from local residents and parents of children who attend nearby schools.
I would like to read this lovely note sent to me by a resident of Alice Springs. It is about the Larapinta crossing. It says:
Dear Mr Burns,
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am very concerned about my colleague on the other side of the parliament. He must be distressed about the length of his answer.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Dr BURNS: This is community feedback, and if the opposition does not like it, too bad.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: …
I would like to table that letter. I should add that that upgrade was carried out by an Alice Springs company, JSD International Consultants Pty Ltd, so good luck to them.
We are also committed to the Alice in 10 strategy, and that is all about improving public amenities and public safety in Alice Springs. As part of this project, a network of pedestrian pathways along the Todd River, from Heavitree Gap to the Telegraph Station, the Todd and Charles Rivers project, is ongoing. We have committed $400 000 to improve the riverbank parkland on Leichhardt Terrace next to the central business district, and a further $100 000 for rechannelling part of the Todd River.
Construction of a pathway on Stephens Road at a cost of $137 000 is due for completion in early April. We have also committed to improving the visitor experience to Alice Springs through our $170 000 contribution to the upgrade of Alice Springs Railway Station, and our $400 000 committed to the construction of the Discovery Walkway and perimeter fence.
These projects are the dividend of good budget management, and a great capital works project with record cash against it. It is improving the amenity of Alice Springs, and I am sure they appreciate it, just like this good lady here, unlike the member for Greatorex who, time and time again, just seems tohe rubbish to Alice Springs …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Get behind the town, member for Greatorex, and the place will be happier.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is important that this government, through our financial management in delivering three surplus budgets and putting record amounts of cash into record infrastructure programs, has been able to deliver significant benefits and projects to the people of Alice Springs.
The upgrade of Taffy Pick causeway rossing was carried out in response to residents’ concern about safety at the intersection and the need for improved traffic management. This upgrade, which is worth more than $300 000, included installing bollards along South Terrace, a raised centre median island to control turning, painted medians in South Terrace, and reconstruction of left turns into and out of Stephens Road to confine large vehicles to the left side of the road.
During the election campaign, it was my pleasure to doorknock that area and hear the views of residents and look at that particular intersection first-hand and start the process of remediating some of the concerns of that particular intersection.
Pedestrian safety on Larapinta Drive near the Blain Street intersection has also been an issue raised with me by the local community.
Ms Carney: And the local member. You did it! You followed through on a promise. Thank you, Chris.
Dr BURNS: The local member, whom I have asked to meet a few times in Alice Springs, has not turned up. When you go to her office it is always closed, so it is a bit hard.
Ms Carney: I see you coming from the other side of the road.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Following the installation of high visibility pedestrian warning signs on Larapinta Drive, the government awarded a contract worth $185 000 to install a signalised pedestrian crossing at the site. Work was completed this month and the government has received very positive feedback from local residents and parents of children who attend nearby schools.
I would like to read this lovely note sent to me by a resident of Alice Springs. It is about the Larapinta crossing. It says:
Dear Mr Burns,
- I refer to the above project and wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and all concerned upon completion (inaudible).of
same. Not only will the crossing benefit and ensure our children’s safety, but will now assist pedestrians ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am very concerned about my colleague on the other side of the parliament. He must be distressed about the length of his answer.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Dr BURNS: This is community feedback, and if the opposition does not like it, too bad.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: …
- … but will now assist pedestrians who previously had trouble in patronising the shopping centre at Diaorama.
Thanking you for your notification, also in appreciation’.
I would like to table that letter. I should add that that upgrade was carried out by an Alice Springs company, JSD International Consultants Pty Ltd, so good luck to them.
We are also committed to the Alice in 10 strategy, and that is all about improving public amenities and public safety in Alice Springs. As part of this project, a network of pedestrian pathways along the Todd River, from Heavitree Gap to the Telegraph Station, the Todd and Charles Rivers project, is ongoing. We have committed $400 000 to improve the riverbank parkland on Leichhardt Terrace next to the central business district, and a further $100 000 for rechannelling part of the Todd River.
Construction of a pathway on Stephens Road at a cost of $137 000 is due for completion in early April. We have also committed to improving the visitor experience to Alice Springs through our $170 000 contribution to the upgrade of Alice Springs Railway Station, and our $400 000 committed to the construction of the Discovery Walkway and perimeter fence.
These projects are the dividend of good budget management, and a great capital works project with record cash against it. It is improving the amenity of Alice Springs, and I am sure they appreciate it, just like this good lady here, unlike the member for Greatorex who, time and time again, just seems tohe rubbish to Alice Springs …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Get behind the town, member for Greatorex, and the place will be happier.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016