Page 3440 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 25 November 1992
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Mr Cornwell: Cornucopia.
MR BERRY: Cornucopia, yes; that is the word. We are not one of those. It is true that the healthy cities program has provided a positive emphasis on the sorts of things that ought to happen in a healthy city, but as far as priorities are concerned, as I have said, we have decided that it is not a priority for the Health Promotion Fund. It remains a matter that we will pursue and exhaust in terms of alternative funding arrangements if they are available. I made it clear from the start that I am not promising anything.
Woden Valley Hospital - Surgical Operations
MRS CARNELL: My question is to the Minister for Health, Mr Berry. Is it true that as a cost cutting exercise the number of operations per theatre session at Woden Valley Hospital has been cut in a number of specialties to one major and one minor operation from what could have been one major and a number of minor operations in any one session? Does the Minister acknowledge that this reduction could easily mean that fewer people will be treated at Woden Valley Hospital and a possible lengthening of waiting lists?
MR BERRY: That is the sort of question that ought to have been put on notice. What I will do, first of all, is examine whether the claim is true and respond as a result of my investigation.
Urban Renewal - North Watson
MRS GRASSBY: My question is to the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning. Will the Minister ensure that North Watson residents have adequate time to respond to urban renewal proposals affecting that area?
MR WOOD: Madam Speaker, yes, I will ensure that. As members would be aware, the Government is undergoing a careful process of consultation with the community of North Canberra, particularly the area of Watson. As part of that consultation and as background information for it - very important information - we are preparing a preliminary assessment. At the request of the community, I extended the period sought for a response to that to 12 February. I am sure that they will be satisfied with that. I might indicate, Madam Speaker, that, in accordance with the Government's policies, it is the Government that has initiated this process of consultation. We have called the public meetings. We are continuing to talk very closely with the groups - a major group and several other groups - in that area and, of course, the affected leaseholders. As a result of that, I think the process will be a very careful and thorough one that should accommodate the wishes for consultation. Obviously, in the future we will be undergoing this path again in other areas of Canberra.
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