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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 4 Hansard (28 March) . . Page.. 1049 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

needed to be temporarily retained. After all, a rate per square metre cannot be confirmed until the lease is actually signed.

As soon as the lease is signed and registered, this information will be publicly available. This could be a week away at most. There is no attempt to withhold the information. In fact, proper processes apply and this is consistent with the disclosure requirements under ACT law, supported by this government.

This course of action was also consistent with legal advice obtained by CTEC that warned of possible liability consequences if commercially detrimental information was released. I note Ms Tucker has already referred to the letter that I sent to members when it was apparent that I could not release all the information immediately confirming that position.

Ms Tucker appears concerned about access for clients and staff of the corporation. Analysis of the corporation's main constituents was undertaken to see if the airport location posed unreasonable difficulty in access. It did not. Staff surveys were undertaken to identify staff needs. Eleven staff said they would use public transport if it was available. Responding to a subsequent bus transportation survey, three staff confirmed that they relied upon public transport. Brindabella Business Park is now in the process of arranging an appropriate bus service.

There is ample staff parking on site at rates significantly less than they currently pay in Civic. For clients, there is free two-hour parking at the front of the building, and you have to bear in mind that the airport is only 10 minutes from the CBD.

Mr Deputy Speaker, the commercial development of Brindabella Park is not inconsistent with the Territory Plan as the Territory Plan has no jurisdiction on airport land. The plan which does affect the precinct is the National Capital Plan, and for members information the National Capital Plan nominates that the primary purpose of the area is airport-related activities, those that support air-related activities and some ancillary services.

The National Capital Plan was amended by amendment 30, published in September 2000, to reflect developments at the airport. Under clause 8 (iii), the amendment provides for "other uses". Included under the heading "other uses", is "office, provided that individual office buildings (other than offices associated with a primary use) shall not exceed 2,000 square metres in gross floor area".

The National Capital Authority has been involved in the development of the park, to the extent of including changes to the National Capital Plan to incorporate the intentions of the Canberra International Airport, as reflected in its airport master plan. There is no inconsistency with either the Territory Plan or the National Capital Plan as far as the National Capital Plan relates to the development at the airport.

Mr Deputy Speaker, the member refers to the principles of the Territory Plan. Sections 4 and 5, commercial development of the Territory Plan, includes the following principles and policies:

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