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Mr STEVEN PRINGLE: My question is directed to the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Transport. Will the Minister advise on progress to open the former Windsor goods yard, which is adjacent to Windsor railway station, to make the land available for public parking?
Mr JOHN WATKINS: I thank the Independent member for Hawkesbury for his question, Just 24 hours out of the clutches of the extremists and he is asking questions about transport policy. We do not get questions like that from Opposition members. They do not have any transport policies, other than the Leader of the Opposition wanting to put trams down George Street. It would end up the biggest car park in Sydney if that happened. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition has transport policies, but he is not allowed to utter them. If he did, he would highlight the fact that his leader is a dope.
Mr Adrian Piccoli: Point of order: I am aware that the Minister for Transport had a good Catholic education. I am sure the nuns at St Marys would be offended to hear his disgraceful language.
Mr SPEAKER: What is the point of order?
Mr Adrian Piccoli: My point of order is that the Minister should refer to members of Parliament by their proper title and quit making insults. It is demeaning, even for a rat from Ryde.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Murrumbidgee will resume his seat. I call him to order.
Mr JOHN WATKINS: That hurts! I digress, the former Liberal shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Transport asked me about Windsor station. As a result of recent representations from you, Mr Speaker, I am aware that access to parking at Windsor station is an issue for local commuters and residents. I am pleased to advise the House that work is under way to improve parking at Windsor station. I am advised that transport planners are undertaking a study to look at proposed designs to improve existing parking and expand the number of spaces available. We also want to make sure that the area is safe for pedestrians, bus users and rail commuters. The study will look at the operation of the existing parking area to examine how parking and pedestrian safety can be improved. I am advised that options for separating vehicle and pedestrian activity will be investigated. Bus routes in and out of the station area will be reviewed and the introduction of kiss-and-ride facilities will be considered.
I am advised that the intention is to improve the existing at-grade parking area and look at expanding parking into the adjacent disused goods yard. I understand that further meetings to discuss these options will be held next month with a view to completing the preliminary study by early in the new year. I will keep you, Mr Speaker, the Independent member for Hawkesbury and the wider community informed on the progress of commuter car parking at Windsor. I once again thank the Independent member for Hawkesbury for his question.