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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 7 Hansard (2 July) . . Page.. 2151 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

Dr Jill Landsberg from the CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology was commissioned to prepare the report which was completed on 19 March 1999. The report concludes that no simple answer can be given as to whether horses should be permitted in reserve areas and that each reserve had to be assessed individually according to the criteria recommended in the Landsberg report. Mr Speaker, the Government accepts the recommendations of the Landsberg report, and I can advise the Assembly that the assessment methodology contained in the report can be used to assess the areas of a Canberra Nature Park where horse riding historically has been undertaken. The result of this assessment has been incorporated into the management plan for the Canberra Nature Park.

The Government is able to agree with or note the remaining recommendations, except for recommendation 15, which concerns the separation of the position of the conservator from that of the executive director of Environment ACT. On this matter the Government has decided to retain the current conservator arrangements. However, I do note that there is a private members Bill on this subject and that the issue will be further debated in the context of the Bill.

Mr Speaker, the Government notes recommendations 17 and 18 dealing with whether the provision on public land of means of access, signage and related matters can constitute an outdoor recreation activity and with the power of any agency to undertake work in designated areas. The Government considers that these recommendations are adequately covered in the management plan or by the provisions contained in the Territory Plan.

The Government has given careful consideration to the committee's recommendations, and I am now able to table an improved final management plan for the Canberra Nature Park. I would thank the committee for their work on that. I also table for the information of members the Landsberg report, the full title of which is "Horse Riding in Canberra Nature Park" and an Environment ACT policy document entitled "Horse Riding in the Canberra Nature Park - Management Principles and Policies" that reflects the criteria set out in the Landsberg report.

Debate (on motion by Ms Tucker ) adjourned.

MR MOORE (Minister for Health and Community Care) (3.08): Mr Speaker, for the information of members I present the strategic plan for disability services in the ACT and I move:

Mr Speaker, I seek leave to have the presentation speech incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows:

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