Page 988 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 31 March 1993
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touch the blue-green algae; but finding a solution to the problem, to see that it is removed, is a little different. It is a matter that has been very extensively examined across Australia.
The ACT Government, through the Department of the Environment, Land and Planning, is a full partner in the CRC in freshwater ecology, predominantly established at the University of Canberra under Professor Cullen. It is that level of work that is required to see whether we can determine ways of preventing the outbreaks that have marginally affected our lakes in the last few weeks. I was interested to hear on the radio today that, again, someone is speculating that carp may be a factor as they churn up the mud at the bottom of the rivers or the lakes. I suppose that there is a logic to that; but time will tell, as more intense research gets under way. We are very happy to have supported the cooperative research centre. It is going to be doing a very important job for the whole of the Murray-Darling basin and, beyond that, for all the fresh waters of the continent.
In one respect we have built in a problem, I suppose. Lake Tuggeranong, for example, is certainly designed as a recreation area, but it is also part of the containment measures to protect the Murrumbidgee. Lake Tuggeranong and the ponds above it, and the other works we put in place, are designed to prevent the run-off into the major river systems. By doing that, of course, it tends to gather the nutrients upon which the algae feed. The answer will take a little longer to work out, but I am very pleased to be able to say that, through that CRC, we will be playing our role.
ACTEW Enterprise Agreement
MR HUMPHRIES: My question is to the Chief Minister. The Minister will be aware that shortly before question time began today the lights in this building went out. Can the Minister offer any explanation as to the origin of that problem? Can she rule out the possibility that the lights going out in this building was part of the Government's present dispute with the union movement concerning an enterprise agreement in ACTEW? If this power failure was to do with that dispute, what steps will the Government take to make sure that the workings of this Assembly are not interfered with in the future by industrial problems between the Government and unions?
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I can shed no light whatsoever on the little blackout we had. I am unaware of its cause or of its antecedents. I would say to Mr Humphries that questions regarding the operation of the Assembly might be better addressed to the Speaker.
I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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