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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 13 Hansard (20 November) . . Page.. 3821 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

I should congratulate Canberrans because it is quite clear from figures provided by Actew that they had been attending to that. One set of figures I was given was that water use declined in just a few days by 9.5 per cent. The figure varies from day to day. It was a very strong response over the weekend. It was much higher, but citizens need to be aware that a sustained effort is required. If the level of water drops further, those voluntary restrictions will become mandatory.

I saw an interesting ad in the paper today. A little bit of promotion doesn't hurt. It was a Magnet Mart ad. I think this is typical of the community view. It says, "Oi, save our water!" There are advertisements, as you can see, for a whole range of water-related goods, most of which can be seen to ease the outflow of water: things like hand sprays and the watering can you are going to need because you cannot sprinkle.

I read in the Canberra Times today about someone providing hoses to go from washing machines out to the garden, and he cannot keep up with demand. So Canberrans have taken it to heart. I am sure not every Canberran knows about it at this stage because not everybody reads the paper or attends to the news, so a lot of work is yet to be done to publicise this, and that will go on.

Given the enthusiasm of the public, the use of water will decline considerably over the next period. Let's hope we get some rain that builds up the supply in the dams again.

Mr Cornwell: Mr Speaker, I am not sure how this is covered in standing orders, but I think the minister mentioned a statement or a paper.

MR WOOD: Yes.

Mr Cornwell: Will this be circulated to members? I am sorry to interrupt.

MR WOOD: I will take it as a supplementary. I guess it is being circulated. It was released mid-morning, so I guess it is on its way.

Respite services

MR CORNWELL: My question is to the Minister for Health, Mr Stanhope. On 21 August, Mr Stanhope, I asked you about the future of the Dickson and Narrabundah day-care respite services, as there were rumours-well, I think they were a bit more than that-that they were to be closed and their users bussed to Belconnen and Tuggeranong. In the course of a rambling reply, you indicated no decision had been made, that a study was under way and an alternative for the service might be considered. Can you now advise, three months later, if this matter has been settled and, if so, how?

MR STANHOPE: Thank you, Mr Cornwell, for your question. Certainly it is, as you say, some months since you asked the question. I thought you had given up on it, Mr Cornwell. I thought you had lost interest. I am surprised that it has taken you this long to reflect some other interest in your shadow portfolio.

Mr Cornwell: Well, has it taken you this long to get an answer, or am I not going to get one?

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