Page 1269 - Week 04 - Thursday, 5 May 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS CASTLEY: Minister, do you realise the Gungahlin community is not ‘understanding and supportive’ but irate and, as one local put it, ‘My blood is boiling.’
MS BERRY: Yes, I can understand the frustration of the Gungahlin community about the closure of their pool. The government is committed to ensuring that the pool is repaired and that the 50-metre pool will be repaired by August this year. I understand the frustration of the community; however, I know that they will understand that the repairs and maintenance of that pool is important to the longevity of that pool and that it continues to provide a sport and recreation environment for the Gungahlin and Canberra community more broadly.
MR MILLIGAN: Minister, when will the children’s programs recommence at this pool?
MS BERRY: It is intended that the program pool will close in two weeks’ time for the repairs and maintenance of that pool to occur. The maintenance in that pool needs to occur prior to the completion of the repairs to the 50-metre pool because of the potential issue around moisture affecting the repairs and the tiling of the 50-metre pool. It is expected that the program pool will remain closed for eight to 10 weeks.
Public housing—Common Ground Dickson
MS ORR: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. Minister, can you please update the Assembly on the Common Ground Dickson development?
MS BERRY: I am very happy to provide an update on Common Ground in Dickson. The delivery of Common Ground Dickson was a 2016 ACT Labor election commitment. That was reconfirmed during the last election. I am really proud to say that this model of housing support has been implemented across states and territories, across the country, and this is our second in the ACT. It provides a mix of social and affordable long-term secure housing with onsite support and community services.
The development includes residential units with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom dwellings, as well as communal areas, community spaces, onsite support services and, once finalised, a social enterprise business. Common Ground Dickson is designed to provide long-term, high-quality housing options and support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This project supports the ACT government’s commitment to provide secure housing options for households of all incomes and to grow the supply of affordable rental housing in the ACT through investment in community housing.
Common Ground Dickson is almost finished. It is due for completion in the middle of 2022, with the allocation of properties and moving in of new tenants to follow. If you drive past the site now, you will see the significant progress that has happened since we broke ground at the end of 2020. None of us can wait for the next step, when residents will start moving into Common Ground and call it their home.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video