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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 7 Hansard (4 June) . . Page.. 1832 ..

MR SPEAKER: Would you come to the question?

MS DUNDAS: Articulate your commitment to the community service needs of areas such as Kippax and West Belconnen, which have been calling for action for a number of years?

MR CORBELL: As I just indicated, the government set out in its election policy a three-year program for neighbourhood planning. We anticipated that it would take three years to complete master planning across the inner north and the inner south of Canberra, Woden and Weston Creek, and so we are working to that program. However, as I have also indicated, master planning and associated planning exercises will also take place on a case-by-case basis around the rest of the city, and that includes areas such as Kippax.

The government is already undertaking a number of studies that relate to Kippax, and some of the other recommendations of the previous Planning and Urban Services Committee's report on draft variation No 158 will also be considered through that process. Reviews are currently being undertaken by various ACT agencies in relation to the provision of library, health and community facilities in the Kippax and West Belconnen areas. These will provide updated information on the needs of the community, which have changed significantly over the last 20 years. The results of these studies are due in September this year.

At that time, the government will begin work on the preparation of a strategy for unleased territory land in Kippax. I know this is an issue of some concern to residents in the Kippax area. I am prepared to make a commitment here today, on the record, that the government will not release any of the unleased land between the existing library and Kippax Fair before that strategy for managing unleased land is completed, and before the government has made decisions about future community facility needs in Kippax, informed by the studies that are due at the end of September this year.

The government has a clear commitment to making sure the planning process for Kippax is orderly and comprehensive, and that it addresses the demands and concerns of the community. In that regard, I think my colleague Mr Wood has already indicated quite clearly that the government will also be focusing on, and has a commitment to maintain, library facilities in Kippax as a matter of course. The government has a comprehensive approach to planning in Kippax. I hope the points I have raised address Ms Dundas' concerns.

Gungahlin Drive extension

MRS DUNNE: My question without notice is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, on radio 2CC on 23 May, you admitted in relation to Gungahlin Drive-and I will use your exact words-"We haven't done the basic planning work". You went on to assert that there was a conspiracy against you on this issue, and again I will quote from you: "It's an expensive business, it's detailed, it's quite long and very involved. We're in a position now where we can't do the necessary planning that's required to get the western route under way."

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