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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 281 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

The other reason that I cannot support variation 174 is that it goes against the desires of so many in the Narrabundah community. The overwhelming view among Narrabundah residents is that they wish to see the area currently utilised by the Hungarian Club maintained as a community facility. This is not surprising, considering that community facilities are few and far between in Narrabundah. This was reflected in the Planning and Environment Committee's recommendation that the government proceed no further with variation 174.

The government, however, argues that this is an inappropriate site for club facilities due to its proximity to residents and the primary school. In relation to the site's residential setting, it is suggested that there have already been numerous noise complaints about the current club and that this situation would be exacerbated should another club take over. Noise concerns can be addressed with good management. Indeed, this happens all over Canberra. Concerned community members checked this out, and they found that one complaint was registered in 2002 and two complaints in 2001. It seems an extraordinary rationale, if that is the rationale, for the variation to the Territory Plan.

I also understand that the club did not address the complaints about noise. They should have done so. They had a responsibility to do it. They were quite dismissive, as I understand it, of complaints that were made. The complaints related to noise in the car park. There was also concern about the club not being compatible with the primary school, but I have not seen any evidence of that having been a problem either.

The only way to make a proper determination of the most appropriate use of this site, and what would bring about the most community benefit, would be to wait for the completion of the community needs study for the area. It is premature for the government to be making decisions prior to such a study. They may find that after removing these community facilities they need them.

The puzzling nature of this decision is further compounded by the fact that the government is currently reviewing concessional leases. Any decision prior to the completion of this review is a reflection of poor planning processes. The government's argument for pre-empting the review in relation to the Hungarian Club is that it is unable to resume the lease until the Hungarian Club volunteers to give it up. But this does not explain the decision to vary the lease before completing the neighbourhood and community facility needs analysis process, in contrast to the committee's recommendations. It is not the only option available if the Hungarian Club is not prepared to give up the lease on just terms to the government.

Mr Corbell's election promise published in the Narrabundah community newsletter in July 2001 suggests a process for the club site:

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