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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 13 Hansard (9 December) . . Page.. 4099 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

the east of central Canberra and the last is in south Canberra near Jerrabomberra.

The Belconnen site has a potential market from household income and age distribution in the area. The area is also flat enough to build on (see topographic map). However, according to our exclusion areas, there is not enough space left to build on.

The location to the east of central Canberra has suitable flat ground and is far enough from urban areas. It is a site that has a smaller target market than a position to the north or south, but it could be seen as a compromise solution. Unfortunately, the airport occupies much of the useable space, with the remaining areas being close to the flight path.

The site in the inner south of Canberra near Jerrabomberra is our preferred option as it is close to the large target market in Tuggeranong and still within reasonable driving distance (approximately 20 minutes) of the northern parts of Belconnen. To the west of this site there is also a considerable ridge which would shield nearby urban areas from any excess noise. This area of Canberra is well serviced with road access from the Monaro Highway.

So that was their conclusion, Dave.

Mr Kaine: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: Can we assume that this was a pre-prepared answer to a dorothy dixer from a crossbencher?

MR SPEAKER: I think the Minister just has a very detailed knowledge of his portfolio, Mr Kaine.

MR RUGENDYKE: I even have a supplementary, Mr Speaker. Minister, given that these experts from Melba High School have chosen a site close to the proposed site for the ACT gaol, would you agree that they should have been the team employed by government to do the feasibility study for the location of the gaol?

MR STEFANIAK: I thank Dave for his supplementary, and I tell you what: I think it is a shame we just found out about this great showing by the students, because I think they would have been well and truly in the running, had we known about them earlier, to help locate the site for the gaol.

MR WOOD: My question follows some of the questions I raised last week on the annual reports. It concerns issues of claimed lack of care or neglect or even extending to abuse that may arise in the area of disability services, both government and non-government. Minister, what measures are in place to report any such incidents as there are for adverse incidents in hospitals? In particular, what is in place for training, counselling or other measures which may be necessary where an incident occurs?

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