In relation to litter around Woden town Centre.

(1) What steps are being taken to reduce the amount of litter around the Woden Town Centre, particularly the open area between Easty and Cavanough Streets adjacent to the cemetery; and;

(2) Will more litter bins be placed in these areas to encourage responsible disposal of rubbish.

(1) With regard to the litter removal around Woden Shopping Centre precincts, the precinct is cleaned daily. I am advised that a Canberra Urban Parks and Places Officer inspected the area on Monday 17 December 2001 and found the area to be generally in a clean condition. However, the open space area between Easty and Cavanough Streets adjacent to the Cemetery was in need of cleaning and was cleaned on 20 December 2001 and the Contractor has been reminded of his responsibilities in regard to this area.

(2) In relation to litter removal in urban as well as national parks, it has long been accepted that people using neighbourhood parks and other public places are responsible for the collection and disposal of their own litter, including dog faeces. In most instances, this means that people would take their litter home for either composting or hygienic disposal in their wheeled bins. Litter bins are, however, provided in high-use public parks where the number of visitors involved exacerbates problems with litter. Canberra Urban Parks and Places will also consider providing bins for litter in other public places where specific problem sites become apparent. It is considered that there are enough litter bins currently in the Woden Town Centre precinct, and the area between Easty and Cavanough Streets is considered low use, however Canberra Urban Parks and Places will monitor the area for littering in the coming months.