(1) Eight letters were received by my office in 2001 relating to various parts of town, none in 2002, and one so far this year relating to the Page shops.

(2) The government has jurisdiction where the bins are placed on unleased Territory land. Such placements require a permit under the Roads and Public Places Act 1937.

(3) The above mentioned permit requires the bin site to be inspected at least twice weekly, and any donated items or rubbish lying on the ground within a 3m radius of the bin is to be cleared when discovered or within 24 hours of receipt of advice from the Department.

(4) A committee comprising all Canberra charities who have bins and officers from my Department is implementing a jointly developed Strategic Action Plan aimed at optimising the successful operation of the charity bin network and minimising problems associated with clothing bins.

(5) Untidy sites are being addressed through a range of measures in the Strategic Action Plan. This issue can also be addressed by invoking provisions in the Roads and Public Places Act permit including its termination.

In relation to the sewerage leak that closed sections of Lake Burley Griffin on 22 March 2003:

(1) What was the cost of the clean-up of this spill.

(2) What was the name of the contractor concerned.

(3) Will there be any permanent damage to the environment as a result.

(4) How did the accident occur and will action be taken against the contractor by way of fines and recouping of clean-up costs.

(5) If no financial penalties are to be made, why not.

Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member's questions is as follows:

(1) Initial costing of repairs to the rising main pipework, site clean up and monitoring of lake waters as a result of the ruptured main is $11,925.50.

(2) An ActewAGL crew was on site at the time of the incident. Investigations are continuing into the incident to determine how it happened and who was responsible.