Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 5 Hansard (13 May) . . Page.. 1292 ..

Mr Humphries: Mr Speaker, I have to take a point of order. There has been a continuous barrage of interjections from those opposite throughout this question time. I would ask you to indicate at least that some members will suffer some consequences if they do not start to obey the standing orders that are here for the protection of all members.

MR SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order and I caution members again to listen to the answer.

MRS CARNELL: Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. If, as Mr Berry says, nobody uses the private hospital, HCOA will lose $20m. The ACT Government will not lose one dollar.

MR HIRD: Mr Speaker, my question is to Mr Humphries in his capacity as Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning. What is the Minister doing to further develop Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve as a major tourist attraction? Can he inform the parliament as to what action he intends to take?

Mr Berry: Charge them $8 and they will all stay home.

MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Mr Hird for the question. I think, given the developments taking place at the moment - - -

Mr Berry: Put in place disincentives so people do not come and muck up the place.

MR SPEAKER: You have a lot to say, have you not, Mr Berry? I would suggest that you be very careful. Continue, Mr Humphries.

MR HUMPHRIES: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Given the developments taking place at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, I think it is a timely issue. Tidbinbilla, in many ways, is the jewel in the crown of the ACT's parks and reserves system. It is now just over 60 years since land was first set aside for a public reserve in the Tidbinbilla area. In that time the initial reservation of 810 hectares has grown to 5,450 hectares, and today it is the Territory's premier nature-based tourism destination, and a very valuable one too.

In order to develop the great resource the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve represents, we have prepared a management plan and a draft public works implementation plan which will be available at the end of this week for members to peruse, and members of the public as well. They will give details on works under way and proposed for the park. The public works implementation plan, specifically, sets out works under way at the reserve, and they include a new entry feature, a food outlet, extending the car park at the visitors centre and realigning a number of roads, upgrading the water supply, upgrading trails within the animal enclosures, new signage and increased interpretation for the animal enclosures.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .