Page 1774 - Week 06 - Thursday, 19 May 1994
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The recommendation of the working party spoke of a release of up to seven sites. Only the three sites I previously mentioned are being released to the market at this time, as we believe that this will be sufficient to give the market a long-term stimulus. As I indicated, this we see as a once only intervention in the market. We would not expect to go through this process again. Sites at Gold Creek and Gilmore, Isabella Drive and Monaro Highway, referred to in recommendation 11, are not presently available, as changes to the Territory Plan would be required for their release separately as service stations. Planning work will, in any event, continue on these sites to enable their eventual operation as service stations either separately or in conjunction with tourist developments.
There are a number of other matters I would like to mention. First, no guarantee is being given by the Government that the sites purchased by successful eligible independents will be exclusive of service station sites in their immediate area. Subject to planning, traffic and environmental requirements, other service stations may open in the future in direct competition with an independent site. Secondly, I wish to make it clear that successful eligible independents will have to meet the normal environmental standards prescribed under ACT law. There will be no diminution of such standards. I also want to make it clear that the sites will be subject to normal land tax and rates and other charges.
Madam Speaker, this Government stands resolute in its determination to see the ACT community get a good deal when buying petrol. We will continue to do our utmost to ensure this result through the implementation of the recommendations of the working group. I commend the determination to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
CENTENARY OF FEDERATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ministerial Statement and Paper
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (3.24): Madam Speaker, I ask for leave of the Assembly to make a ministerial statement on the presentation made to the Centenary of Federation Advisory Committee.
Leave granted.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to inform the Assembly of the presentation I made to the Centenary of Federation Advisory Committee on Monday, 16 May, at Old Parliament House. The advisory committee was formed by the Council of Australian governments last year to advise all Australian Governments on how best to prepare for and commemorate the centenary of Federation. In preparing the ACT's submission, the Government has been aware of the potential danger in overemphasising the historical elements of the centenary of Federation at the expense of using it as an opportunity to look forward, and at the risk of perhaps marginalising those groups in our society excluded from the Federation festivities 100 years ago. The creation of the Federation ought not to be seen as an event that ended 100 years ago. It is an ongoing process.
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