Page 3781 - Week 12 - Thursday, 25 November 2021
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Mr Steel: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Two sites have been identified as potentially suitable for accommodating the RSPCA site, these sites are located at Symonston and Pialligo. A decision on the preferred site will be dependent on future consideration by Government.
(2) The ACT Government has not yet made a decision on where to build the future RSPCA facility. However, the potential site at Pialligo would not protrude into prescribed airspace of the Canberra Airport.
(3) Consultation with Canberra Airport has been undertaken and is ongoing. All airport related activities are being managed with Canberra Airport directly.
(4) Yes.
(5) The Department of Defence has been consulted about the project and during this process have advised that they have no operational concerns with RSPCA potentially being located at the Pialligo site.
(6) The Government has not received specific advice about the history of emergency landings from light aircraft planes travelling to and from Canberra Airport occurring within the Duntroon Horse Paddocks. However, Canberra Airport has provided advice about the impact of the potential relocation. Based on their advice, National Airport Safety Framework (NASF) Guidelines would apply to the facility if this site were chosen.
(7) As the city of Canberra grows the use of land may change from time to time for the benefit of the broader community. This may impact on some previous or current land uses. The ACT Government continues to put significant effort into measures that either mitigate or reduce the impact of development on land that is currently being used for other purposes. As an example of this effort, work has been undertaken at Pialligo (former Abattoir Holding Paddocks) to improve the pasture and infrastructure to make this suitable for horse equestrian use. This project is expected to have areas available in 2024 that may be suitable for horse agistment and other equestrian activities. As the majority of horses housed in the ACT are in private agistment complexes, future investigations will be undertaken to ensure there is capacity within the private sector to support the agistment needs of Canberra’s equestrian community so they can continue to pursue and enjoy their equestrian endeavours.
(8) Yes. A noise impact assessment has been undertaken and identified a low to medium risk which is considered manageable. Further noise studies will be undertaken as required.
(9) The potential location of the facility at this site considered the need to have minimal impact on horse paddock users.
(10) Feasibility assessments of any necessary road upgrades to improve safety will be considered as part of government’s deliberations on the preferred site location.
(11) Landcare groups play an important role in the protection of the environment within the ACT. The Landcare Group located at Duntroon should be commended on their efforts in that area and congratulated on their previous awards.
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