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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 6 Hansard (13 June) . . Page.. 1658 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

Speaker, that I am concerned at any interpretation of our standing orders which might place difficulties, even if they are unintended, in the way of a parliamentary committee hearing the point of view of those affected by a matter before the parliament.

Moving on, Mr Deputy Speaker, I want to point out that another reason why this inquiry was complex was the particular issues it raised affecting the Kippax Group Centre. I know this shopping centre well and I know that it has given difficulties as well as opportunities for its traders and users. I know that the local people have appreciated the work that has been done to improve the look of the car parks near the shopping area known as Kippax Fair.

I also know, however, that some local business people are concerned about proposals to expand the existing retail core by too great an amount, especially if one consequence of such expansion is to divide the retail area into two separate parts. At the end of the day, that is what the members of this committee felt would happen if we permitted draft variation 163 to stand.

We have therefore recommended a limited expansion of the retail area at Kippax but not the very large amount set out in draft variation 163. We have also taken the opportunity to recommend that the current situation in regard to the number of retailers and retail space at Charnwood does not change. We have seen in these areas other smaller centres which have gone by the by.

Mr Deputy Speaker, we have grasped this opportunity to redress a long-standing concern of mine about Kippax, which is the absence of a permanent and comprehensive community centre within the shopping precinct. This community centre has to include a permanent library and some meeting rooms so that local people can schedule meetings and discussions in their own building, such as opportunities for elected members to meet their constituents at this place. Of course, the need for an expanded library has long been recognised, but a solution has been deferred pending clarification of these planning changes at Kippax Group Centre.

Now, with this report by the committee, and assuming that the government acts on our suggestions, especially recommendation 8, the way is clear for a permanent community facility and library to be constructed for Kippax. I note, Mr Deputy Speaker, that this year's budget sets aside funds for the initial design of such a facility. In light of our report, I urge the government to immediately begin the detailed planning of a permanent facility.

Turning now to another longstanding issue at Kippax, the members of the committee learnt during our inquiry about the under-usage of the existing health centre within the shopping centre precincts. We were also told about plans for its refurbishment or possible relocation. The committee considers that the best site for the health centre is within the proposed community facility, right on Hardwick Crescent, Kippax, where it is clearly visible and clearly part of the community complex. So that is another recommendation in our report.

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