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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 1 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 91 ..

MR QUINLAN (continuing):

throughput, equipment and system development and cost pressures; and $950,000 to the implementation of a range of planning initiatives, including the establishment of an independent planning authority, commencement of master planning programs for neighbourhood plans and local centres and the establishment of neighbourhood planning groups and the community advisory panel.

The bill will provide for three environmental election commitments. The first of these is for nature conservation: $250,000 will provide additional resources for the ACT parks and conservation services and will be used to assist in the development of an integrated nature conservation plan, establish an environment ACT community sport and education program and implement a strategic species and communities management plan.

The second environmental initiative is an incentive program to householders to encourage the purchase of solar hot water heaters. A rebate will be between $750 and $1,000. The government will provide $100,000 to fund the initiative for this financial year.

The third environmental initiative is the feasibility and planning assessment of a cycle link between Downer and Woden. This will require funding of $250,000.

The bill will also provide for three initiatives that are directed at enhancing business opportunities in the region. Funding of $1.5 million to the Chief Minister's Department represents the government's commitment to the Knowledge Bank. It will establish a fund for companies and other institutions in the territory to develop knowledge-based initiatives. We will provide $50,000 to assist in the operation of a knowledge-based economy board, which is to be established by representatives from the universities, other research establishments, the business sector, venture capitalists and government. Their role will be to provide advice on industry priorities and development. We will provide $250,000 for the development of an economics white paper to assess and identify industry development opportunities for the ACT.

While this appropriation seeks funding of $32.1 million, the bill's operating impact is limited to $14.4 million. Of that, $7.8 million is already factored into the Department of Treasury's update of forward estimates, released on 2 October 2001. The remainder of the act relates to the implementation of the government's key election commitments. I commend this bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Humphries) adjourned to the next sitting.

Financial Management Amendment Bill 2001 (No 4)

Mr Quinlan, by leave, presented the bill and its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MR QUINLAN (Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Business and Tourism, Minister for Sport, Racing and Gaming and Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Corrections) (4.20): I move:

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