Page 871 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 March 1990
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case of Woden Valley Hospital the facilities should operate for 24 hours a day.
Of the existing hospital buildings, only the main tower block and podium and Sylvia Curley House are likely to be worth retaining for alternative uses. These uses will include accommodation for other community and public health services and for students. Such a mix of existing and new facilities will provide a stimulating diversity of functions which will lead to a significant increase in the use of the peninsula by the people of Canberra.
Without infringing sensitive planning controls, this balanced development will produce a more normal and much improved environment for people using the area. It will justify good public transport links with the city, a key factor to the acceptability of any health and community service location on the site. These ideas must all be thoroughly explored and to accommodate this range of uses, the National Capital Plan may require amendment. If so, this would involve the National Capital Planning Authority, public consultation and finally, the approval of Federal Parliament. The Government has decided, therefore, that a planning study should be undertaken immediately by the Interim Territory Planning Authority to assess the appropriateness of the various proposals.
Let me now speak about new services. As part of its strategy to develop and improve health services in Canberra, the Government has decided to provide convalescent beds as proposed in the Social Policy Committee report on the needs of the ageing. This facility will be provided on the Acton Peninsula site and be constructed as part of the overall hospital redevelopment program.
Subject to an agreement with the Commonwealth Government on funding, this centre could also make provision for the special needs of veterans. A birthing centre and hospice facilities will also be provided. These facilities will be collocated with the major public hospitals and will also be developed as part of the overall hospital program. Whether the planning and design process results in refurbishment of existing buildings or the construction of new adjoining buildings, the intention is to ensure that these facilities are provided in keeping with the philosophy central to these particular services. This means such things as separate entrances, discreet identities and staff.
Mr Speaker, as part of the program to upgrade public hospital services, the Government will provide an effective 24-hour mental health crisis service to be based on the Woden Valley site. The various options are being carefully evaluated at the moment and I expect that, subject to budget constraints, this new and essential service will be in operation later this year.
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