Page 4443 - Week 14 - Thursday, 1 December 1994
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MR LAMONT: I thank Ms Szuty for her question and, in particular, for the advance notice. Canberra Rotary's operation of the trash and treasure market at Belconnen was the subject of some discussion in the media over a period of time, as were actions that were, at least on the surface, designed to remove the operation of Rotary's trash and treasure market from the Jamison car park. I provided Rotary with an assurance from this Government that it was our intention to continue to allow Rotary to operate their trash and treasure market at the Jamison site. We believed that it was an appropriate location for the trash and treasure market and that it was reasonable that they be offered a degree of certainty over a longer period than that which had previously applied. They had previously applied under the Roads and Public Places Act 1937. The duration of licences issued under that Act is 12 months. We have advised Rotary that the most appropriate way to secure what they want and what this Government wants - which is long-term security for Rotary - is to give them a three-year lease over that site under the Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991. Rotary have been made aware of that. In fact, an application was forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Land and Planning, and I understand that it will be approved.
There are a number of issues associated with persons who come to the market. Because it is such a desirable activity, some of the stallholders are now turning up as early as 6 o'clock on the evening before the markets open. That is of some concern. We are negotiating with Rotary to ensure that there is public access to that car park until such time as the markets normally start. People start arriving in the area at about 4 o'clock in the morning, and it is then marked off. Because of the significant public benefit which is derived from the contributions that Rotary make to very worthwhile activities in Belconnen, it has been drawn to my attention by Mr Berry, the Speaker and also Mrs Grassby that it would be appropriate if we were to consider providing relief to Rotary by way of waiver of the licence fee that would apply under the Act. Such a request has been made to the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning. I understand that, at the moment, he is giving consideration to that. I also understand that favourable consideration will shortly be notified to Rotary.
So, that is principally where we are up to. The licence conditions are being negotiated with Rotary. Obviously, the Government is very supportive of their activities; but we wish to ensure appropriate public access to the car park for the shopowners of that area while that car park is required for the normal conduct of business, other than during the trash and treasure market time. I am confident that we will be able to resolve those issues. I am confident that Rotary will continue the very fine work that they do and that, under this Labor Government, the trash and treasure markets have a secure future.
MS SZUTY: I have a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. The Minister did not address the second part of my question, which was whether the agreement is likely to be extended after three years. Perhaps he could address that part.
MR LAMONT: Obviously, that would be the subject of an application by Rotary if they desire to do so. The level of support which is evidenced by what I have already said, Ms Szuty, would clearly indicate that this Government would be very happy to continue such an arrangement; but, obviously, that would be subject to an application by Rotary. Rotary have been informed of that. I look forward, as Minister, in three years' time, to being able to support their continued application.
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