Page 1894 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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Commonwealth will have to intervene. Can the Chief Minister advise the Assembly whether the Commonwealth Government has been approached to this end, and when does the Minister anticipate the flaws will be corrected?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Ms Maher very much for the question. It has been a long wait. Indeed, I did see the report in the Canberra Times that Ms Maher has referred to and I believe it refers to defects that were associated with the granting of leases to the ANU, the CCAE and certain churches. It is true that section 29(3) of the Act limits the right of the ACT Government to grant leases for periods of greater than 99 years unless the Commonwealth Government by regulation under the Act has provided for leases to be granted for greater periods.
It is also true that legal advice has been received that perpetuity could not be considered to be a period as provided for in the Act. There is a bit of a difficulty there. Regulations have been made to allow for terms of leases of 999 years for the Australian National University, CCAE and some churches. The current leases to the ANU, CCAE and churches already granted in perpetuity remain valid and the restriction only applies to new leases.
The other allegation that was contained in that article refers to matters concerning the proposed redevelopment of the former Canberra Times site. As members know, that is a matter that is currently under consideration by the Assembly's Committee on Planning, Development and Infrastructure so I do not think it is appropriate for me to comment any further on that.
Ms Maher asked finally whether I had taken this matter up with the Commonwealth Government. No, I have not, but I think, subject to some further advice on the matter, I will consider whether that would be appropriate.
Road Upgrading
MR JENSEN: My question is directed to Mrs Grassby, the Minister for Housing and Urban Services. I have received some representations concerning the poor condition of the Fairlight and Mountain Creek Roads in the Uriarra Crossing area. Can the Minister advise when much-needed improvements to these roads will be undertaken?
MRS GRASSBY: Unfortunately, I am not sure whether that is in our budget, and I will check that out and get back to you tomorrow. I do not think it is in the budget. If it is not, they will not be done this year.
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