Page 3477 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 19 September 1990
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My understanding - and we have researched this as best we can - is that some years ago, in the early 1980s, in June 1983, the planning authorities gave this site a commercial and business land use purpose. This was, I understand, done by the NCDC. At that stage, it was anticipated that a commercial gallery might be built on the site. In due course, Solander Gallery accepted an option on the nearby block rather than this particular block - but it is clear that this block has in the past been zoned for commercial and business operations and could, indeed, in the future be so zoned.
Alternatively, I would say to this Assembly that it is abundantly clear to anyone who has driven past this site that it could be zoned for residential use. It could be developed with adequate on-site parking - - -
Mr Collaery: I would not like to live there.
MR CONNOLLY: I would be quite happy to live there. It is a very nice address.
Mr Collaery: A bit noisy.
MR CONNOLLY: I am sure the Italian Ambassador does not mind living exactly the same distance from Adelaide Avenue in - - -
Mr Moore: Nor Bob Hawke.
MR CONNOLLY: Indeed, as Mr Moore says, the Prime Minister seems to be able to tolerate living on that terrible site, so I guess that if it is good enough for the Prime Minister it is good enough for others.
We are continually referring to this block, of course, as a site in Deakin, but - - -
Mrs Grassby: Mrs Nolan would not mind having that block.
MR CONNOLLY: Certainly. I certainly would not mind having the block. It is a fabulous piece of real estate. We keep referring to the school site in Deakin which, of course, it is, according to the plans. But this is, of course, the little neck of Deakin that is ensconced comfortably in Forrest. We are really talking about the prime residential area of Canberra - and this site is being given away.
The best justification that the Government has come up with is that since 1987 three other pieces of land have been given to schools: a new school at Calwell, a new school at Isabella Plains and some additional land at Weston - I will give you the benefit of the doubt and say that is additional land to a school at Weston. But in no way is that comparable. I understand that the school has been interested in this site and has been eyeing it off for many, many years. It is a long established school. It has
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