Mr WOOD - 2005-03-23
Madam Speaker, this shorter question is on behalf of you as the member for Braitling. I have been advised that your department was to undertake a traffic delay study at the intersection of Larapinta and Lovegrove Drives. I canvassed this matter in my newsletter and received numerous replies from residents. Over 70% were in favour of a roundabout, and over 20% were in favour of traffic lights. It sounds like the rural area of Darwin as well, Madam Speaker. Minister, what was the result of your department’s study? What traffic control will you place at the Larapinta/Lovegrove Drives intersection?
Madam SPEAKER: Another good question.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, over the last couple of days, I have taken the opportunity to visit a number of the sites that have been raised by yourself and other members of this parliament in relation to traffic issues, so I am glad you have raised this one.
Regarding that intersection, I understand that there are delays, particularly in the peak hour in the mornings as people try and turn out against the traffic flow into Larapinta Drive. There is a bit of history here. The former government did have on their capital works list duplication of that road, but they never had it cashed up, which is something that they have form for. Basically, we commissioned a traffic study, as you say. That is due for completion by the end of April. I cannot foreshadow what the results of that may be. It may very well be that the duplication works are looked at again.
There have been other issues raised regarding traffic. It was my pleasure to visit Larapinta Drive with the Labor candidate for Araluen, Mr John Gaynor, a great candidate. He and I had a conversation about traffic issues, and I have taken on board what Mr Gaynor said …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Dr BURNS: The member for Araluen protests. Another issue that she raised with me was the crossing at Ilparpa Road. I arranged to meet the member for Araluen there …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, cease for a moment. I believe the member for Araluen did not protest.
Ms CARNEY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As usual, the minister has got the wrong end of the stick. I did not protest.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I am making a point here that the member for Araluen raised issues. I offered to meet with her and residents out in places. She declines, so I am glad that Mr …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Dr BURNS: Well, you did decline out at Larapinta Drive.
Madam SPEAKER: What is your point of order? Member for Araluen, you realise that if you have been misquoted you can correct that by way of personal explanation?
Ms CARNEY: I do understand that, Madam Speaker. For those present, it is appropriate that the minister be honest. I ask that he do so.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order but, if you have been misquoted, you know what to do.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I will wrap up by saying that I am very attuned to traffic issues in Alice Springs, as I am in Darwin. There are a number of them. I am trying to work through those issues, and I will do that in cooperative way with people like Mr John Gaynor. We will work cooperatively.
Madam SPEAKER: Members of the government, I really do not think this is the place to be doing your electioneering. Perhaps you can do it outside, particularly new candidates. We have heard that name three times and it is beginning to irritate me.
Madam SPEAKER: Another good question.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, over the last couple of days, I have taken the opportunity to visit a number of the sites that have been raised by yourself and other members of this parliament in relation to traffic issues, so I am glad you have raised this one.
Regarding that intersection, I understand that there are delays, particularly in the peak hour in the mornings as people try and turn out against the traffic flow into Larapinta Drive. There is a bit of history here. The former government did have on their capital works list duplication of that road, but they never had it cashed up, which is something that they have form for. Basically, we commissioned a traffic study, as you say. That is due for completion by the end of April. I cannot foreshadow what the results of that may be. It may very well be that the duplication works are looked at again.
There have been other issues raised regarding traffic. It was my pleasure to visit Larapinta Drive with the Labor candidate for Araluen, Mr John Gaynor, a great candidate. He and I had a conversation about traffic issues, and I have taken on board what Mr Gaynor said …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Dr BURNS: The member for Araluen protests. Another issue that she raised with me was the crossing at Ilparpa Road. I arranged to meet the member for Araluen there …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, cease for a moment. I believe the member for Araluen did not protest.
Ms CARNEY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As usual, the minister has got the wrong end of the stick. I did not protest.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I am making a point here that the member for Araluen raised issues. I offered to meet with her and residents out in places. She declines, so I am glad that Mr …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Dr BURNS: Well, you did decline out at Larapinta Drive.
Madam SPEAKER: What is your point of order? Member for Araluen, you realise that if you have been misquoted you can correct that by way of personal explanation?
Ms CARNEY: I do understand that, Madam Speaker. For those present, it is appropriate that the minister be honest. I ask that he do so.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order but, if you have been misquoted, you know what to do.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I will wrap up by saying that I am very attuned to traffic issues in Alice Springs, as I am in Darwin. There are a number of them. I am trying to work through those issues, and I will do that in cooperative way with people like Mr John Gaynor. We will work cooperatively.
Madam SPEAKER: Members of the government, I really do not think this is the place to be doing your electioneering. Perhaps you can do it outside, particularly new candidates. We have heard that name three times and it is beginning to irritate me.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016