Politicians Debate Trail Bike Strategy

24-Mar-2011

Politicians from both sides debated the State Trail Bike Strategy for over three hours in Parliament last night.  Read the Hansard Transcript.

The Opposition moved a Private Members' Bill to try to force the Government to commit to funding the Strategy in the 2011/12 State Budget.

Those who spoke in favour of the Strategy:

• Peter Abetz MLA (LIB)
• Lisa Baker MLA (ALP)
• Roger Cook MLA (ALP)
• Janine Freeman MLA (ALP)
• Hon Fran Logan MLA (ALP)
• Paul Miles MLA (LIB)
• Paul Papalia MLA (ALP)
• Rita Saffioti MLA (ALP)
• Tony Simpson MLA (LIB)
• Chris Tallentire MLA (ALP)
• David Templeman MLA (ALP)
• Hon Terry Waldron MLA (NAT)

Those who spoke against the Strategy:

• Nil.

Notably absent:

• Hon John Castrilli MLA (LIB) - the Minister responsible for administering the current Off Road Vehicle legislation.

Ultimately the Government moved an amendment which watered down the original motion, supporting the Strategy but removing the reference to the 2011/12 budget year.

With such widespread support we keep scratching our heads why it is taking so damn long for the Government to commit the funding and get the Strategy underway.

Minister Waldron referred to the desire to implement the Strategy, but the need to ensure that it is 'right' before allocating the funds.

Our view is that the Strategy is the process for getting it right.  Many of the recommendations contained in the strategy require further analysis and exploration of options - the Strategy acknowledges this.  So there really isn't any justification for further delay.  Get the Strategy going so that these unresolved issues can be properly explored and decisions made.

To put the delay in some perspective, here's the timeline of the project so far...

C'mon - let's get on with it!

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