Page 1580 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 2 June 2021
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We will continue to update the community. The hazardous materials management plan for the Former Transport Depot will be updated following completion of remediation works to reflect the extent of works undertaken and to ensure ongoing active management of the site into the future.
Madam Speaker, we acknowledge that, unfortunately, not all the stock and equipment that has been stored in the building can be cleaned for safe use. Stallholders and the market operators will be reimbursed by the ACT government for property that has to be disposed of. Last week, artsACT—through the market operator—contacted stallholders to outline the process for the return or reimbursement of items affected by the disturbed dust. The communication acknowledged that, while artsACT’s general preference is for reimbursement, many items are bespoke. It may be the preference of stallholders for those bespoke items to be cleaned and restored, and we will attempt to do that where possible.
As part of this process, artsACT is working with the market operator and stallholders to prepare an inventory of all privately owned property in the building, and determining and what items can be cleaned, depending on their suitability for reuse. Generally, children’s items, items made from or incorporating porous materials, fabric, food products, food and drink preparation items and catering equipment like fridges cannot be cleaned and must be disposed of. On the other hand, hard surfaces that are well sealed can generally be cleaned, including metal, plastic and well-varnished wood.
Madam Speaker, we acknowledge that the uncertainty in time frames has been difficult for the operators of the markets and for stallholders. This is particularly the case for stallholders whose stock or equipment has been stored in the building and may have been impacted by lead dust disturbed in the recent works, but it is also the case for stallholders whose business has been interrupted for longer than planned and whose customers have been waiting to get back to the shopping they love.
I want to thank the many Canberrans whose patience and understanding we are relying on while we ensure that the cleaning, remediation and reimbursement work is carried out. I want to especially recognise and thank the stallholders. Your patience and understanding is greatly, greatly appreciated.
I know that these delays are frustrating and I want to assure the community that the Old Bus Depot Markets will reopen as soon as possible following the completion of the building remediation. Like many in this Assembly, and across the community, I am looking forward to when the doors of the Old Bus Depot Markets are open and we can enjoy the craft, clothing, art and food on offer at this beloved Canberra institution. I present a copy of the following paper:
Former transport depot lead remediation—Ministerial statement, 2 June 2021.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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