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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 3 Hansard (5 March) . . Page.. 550 ..

MR SPEAKER: Beware of preambles. I am red hot on preambles.

MS TUCKER: I didn't give a preamble. I just asked the question. Could I please have a copy of this agreement and any papers that describe the basis of the valuation of the land?

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I would be happy to provide that documentation. I will just need to clarify whether or not the deed agreement is a document that can be made available. I will seek advice on that and I will get back to Ms Tucker on those matters.

Latham shops

MR HARGREAVES: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Planning. I am sure the opposition will be delighted to be reminded about what they did not do over the last four years and to hear what this government has done.

My question relates to the further measures the government has taken to fix the longstanding debacle left by the previous government in relation to the Latham shops. Will the minister inform the Assembly what action the government has taken to ensure the site no longer poses a safety threat and that the people of Latham can look forward to a local centre they can be proud of?

Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: wasn't this question asked in almost identical wording during the last sitting?

MR SPEAKER: If you are asking me that question, I do not think it was. I do not know that that is a point of order.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, my understanding of Mr Hargreaves' question is that he asked what further measures have been taken since he last asked the question. It is a new question that he asked. I am very happy to answer it.

It is, indeed, Mr Hargreaves, a positive progress report for the residents of Latham. I am pleased to advise the Assembly that, since the last sitting, Planning and Land Management has issued an order against the lessee of the Latham local centre, requiring demolition of the derelict building within 30 days. I am further pleased to inform the Assembly that, as a result of that order, the lessee moved, the following day, to have the building demolished.

I am pleased to advise that the building is now partially demolished. Some further issues were identified about the adequacy of safety fencing, which temporarily halted demolition. That safety fencing, I understand, is now in place and I am advised that the demolition will be completed during this week.

Mr Speaker, unlike the previous government, which over two years did absolutely nothing with the Latham shops, leaving the residents of Latham with an eyesore which was, quite frankly, a disgrace, this government has moved to ensure that at least the building is cleaned up, and demolition is now under way.

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