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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1995 Week 7 Hansard (18 October) . . Page.. 1833 ..

Mr Kaine: The recreational fishing is fantastic.

MR STEFANIAK: Mr Kaine mentions fishing. Fishing is something that is done by about a third of Canberra's people - young, old, disabled, men, women. It is a most popular recreation and something that this Government is very keen to push. I understand that my colleague Mr Humphries is taking action now in relation to issuing electric powerboat licences, which we promised we would do in our fishing policy. A fishing policy is a first, might I add, for any party, I think, in Australia going for election. I am delighted to see the restocking of lakes and streams around Canberra on an ongoing basis so that this very popular form of recreation can be assisted. We are certainly making a number of improvements in relation to that type of recreation. Recreation is important and I will be keen to pursue it. I regard that as a fair comment in terms of something that could have been dealt with further in this paper. A lot of work has been done, and a lot more further work will be done.

Mr Moore also talked of the question of balance in relation to sport and music. Yes, we do need balance. I indicated to him earlier today, in terms of schools, that it is a question of redressing a lack of balance in the past. I think our commitments are very much on track. As some speakers have mentioned, we are encouraging all Canberrans to maximise their leisure time. The sport and recreation development grants program continues. Everyone is aware now of what is in the budget. I suppose that we cannot do everything at once, but we certainly have a plan there and a funding increase where appropriate, even in very difficult times. I personally, as well as the bureau, consult regularly with the sporting community, from ACTSport to individual sports.

In relation to such things as facilities, a 10-year strategic plan for sport and recreation facilities is about to be released for public comment. I will be interested to see what comments come back in relation to that, so that we can progress that further. I think I said enough earlier in relation to the economic benefit of sport, Mr Speaker, and the Government's initiatives in special events and sports tourism. The actions of this Government over the few months it has been in power in this area have been very positive and of great benefit to the Canberra community.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Motion (by Mr Stefaniak) proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

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