Page 4809 - Week 15 - Thursday, 8 December 1994
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I had the pleasure this morning of attending a breakfast at Parliament House hosted by the Federal Minister for Sport, at which he outlined the future role of the Australian Sports Commission, particularly in the lead-up to Atlanta, to Sydney and beyond. I am extremely gratified that all of the participants at that breakfast, representing all State governments, State sporting organisations and national sporting organisations, are committed, in both the able-bodied and the disabled sports movements, to the principle that we need to develop activities that take us beyond 2000 and that we should concentrate on encouraging teams, both nationally and internationally, to see Australia as an attractive venue for them to hone their skills by participating with Australian teams that are internationally recognised. Excellent facilities are available throughout Australia, and in particular here in the ACT. The International Hockey Festival provided us with an opportunity to demonstrate that.
I think it will stand us in good stead that the ACT Government in this last year increased funding for sport by over 9 per cent in terms of its grants program. It has demonstrated a great commitment to the promotion and development of sport and recreation at all levels and for all members of our community. I wish to place on record the comments of the president of the World Federation of Hockey about the standards that apply here in the ACT. I met with him this week. He was extremely impressed with the professionalism of the hockey organisation in the ACT, the standard of the facilities available to hockey players in the ACT, the attitude of the ACT community to the development of sports initiatives, and, in particular, the development of women's sports initiatives. With those few words, Madam Speaker, I pass on the congratulations of the ACT Government to ACT hockey for this successful event.
Noise Control - Fairbairn Park
MR STEFANIAK: My question is directed to the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning. Minister, you indicated to me on Tuesday that your Government would not support the Opposition's Noise Control Amendment Bill, even with the very reasonable compromise offer of 90 decibels at 30 metres by the ACT motor sports bodies that use Fairbairn Park, the main track in the ACT. Minister, I refer you to the following documents: Firstly, a letter dated 23 January 1992 from you to the then MLA, Mrs Robyn Nolan, stating that the maximum noise level applicable to motor sport activities at Fairbairn Park between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm was 95 decibels at 30 metres. Secondly, a minute to you from the then head of the Pollution Control Authority dated 30 September 1992, with a notation from the secretary of the department recommending a new standard of five decibels measured at the nearest residence because "we might as well satisfy one group totally rather than please no-one". Thirdly, a further minute to you by the then head of the Pollution Control Authority, dated 25 January 1993, recommending the current regime of noise measurements and exemptions accepted by you. I seek leave to table those documents, Madam Speaker.
Leave granted.
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