Page 1095 - Week 04 - Thursday, 29 March 1990
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I would like to assure the Assembly that the staged development of the parkland at Lake Tuggeranong is proceeding. Tenders will be called shortly for the development of the section of the park fronting the fast food village and the work will proceed as quickly as possible. Studies by hydraulic engineers indicate that there is indeed adequate water in the lake for irrigation - even in times of severe drought - contrary to the allegations made by Mr Whalan in the article.
Use of lake water or second class water, as it is known, for park irrigation has been carried out successfully at Lake Burley Griffin, Lake Ginninderra and recently at Lake Tuggeranong. Indeed, the previous Labor Government issued a document entitled Environment ACT. I am amazed to see that section 3.21 of that document, headed "How water quality will be improved in the medium term", says quite categorically that the previous Government was committed to investigate expanding the use of lake water for the irrigation of parklands - something which Mr Whalan criticised vehemently in his article.
Using second class water saves taxpayers' money. It can cut water bills by up to 30 per cent. Even more importantly, the use of this water can delay the need for further and very expensive town water storages. We are all aware of the problems associated with the water needs of the ACT. Problems with siltation and algae are being overcome by using equipment of improved design. Finally, Mr Jensen, I would be very happy to arrange a briefing on the Lake Tuggeranong developments for Mr Whalan. At least then he could base his remarks on facts and not spread unnecessary concern in the community.
Griffin Centre Site
MS FOLLETT: My question is to Mr Kaine in his capacity as Minister for Planning. I would like to congratulate him on the fulsome nature of his previous two replies; I hope he will do me the same courtesy. Mr Kaine, has your Government established or is it establishing a working group of officials to examine proposals for the redevelopment of the Griffin Centre site? Has your Government refused to grant a lease to the Griffin Centre management committee because of these redevelopment proposals?
MR KAINE: I am not certain how I would be involved in this, but there may be something happening at the official level of which I am not aware. I certainly have not appointed a committee of officials for any such matter.
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