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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 2 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 401 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

Planning and Land Management has advised the lessee, following that letter, that the territory will now commence steps for the immediate demolition of the building. This course of action is now being actively pursued, and I anticipate early next week that the provisions of the land act will be exercised to require the building to be demolished.

MR HARGREAVES: My supplementary question is: can the government therefore commit to the shops being demolished in the near future?

MR CORBELL: Yes, the government can commit to that course of action. The lessee has been cooperative in some respects in undertaking remedial work in relation to the existing safety measures around the building-the fencing and hoarding around the building. However, we are not satisfied with the progress of this issue to date. Unlike the previous government, which took between April and October to do absolutely nothing in relation to this site, this government has moved promptly to ensure the demolition of an unsightly eyesore in the Latham community and resolution of redevelopment of the site.

Strategic transport plan

MS DUNDAS: Mr Speaker-

MR SPEAKER: I remind you, Ms Dundas, that you have asked a question and some other members have not yet.

MS DUNDAS: I recognise that, Mr Speaker. Unfortunately, I was not to my feet quickly enough to ask a supplementary question before Mr Smyth rose and I am wondering whether I can do so now. I have had a quick flick through the standing orders and have found nothing to stop me asking a second question. If necessary, I will seek leave of the chamber to do so.

MR SPEAKER: It is really subject to the wish of the Chief Minister. You can ask as many questions as you like until the Chief Ministers asks for further questions to be placed on the notice paper. I am perfectly happy to take another question from you.

MS DUNDAS: Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. My question is, of course, to the minister for transport. I welcome your comments about the success of the integrated transport plan being dependent upon community consultation. However, you have said at other forums that you expect the process to take six months. In such a short timeframe under the proposed consultancy that you have mentioned today, what form will the community consultation take?

MR CORBELL: I do not think that I have indicated that the strategic planning process will take six months. I am happy to stand corrected on that, but I do not believe that that is the timeframe I had previously outlined. The exact process of community consultation is not one that has been determined yet in relation to the strategic planning process. As I indicated in my previous answer, I anticipate making an announcement some time in March around the exact processes surrounding the development of a strategic plan for the city, including a strategic transport plan as a component of the overall plan, as well as outlining the consultation process that will be undertaken. I can assure Ms Dundas that the process will be a rigorous one and there will be significant opportunity for community comment throughout the process as it is undertaken.

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