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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 04 Hansard (Thursday, 1 April 2004) . . Page.. 1624 ..

(1) Yes. The Government is examining the proposal from the National Zoo and Aquarium for expansion, and it has been waiting for the conclusion from the Planning Investigation report on the site undertaken jointly by the National Capital Authority (NCA) and the ACT Government. This site is in a very significant and critical locality. There are many environmental management issues to consider, not the least being the threat of fire and the proper protection of the river corridor. Unfortunately, the site was in the path of both the 2002 and 2003 bushfires and Government considered it necessary that the planning investigation for this site took into account the recommendations of all the relevant studies after the January 2003 bushfire. These included the Draft Canberra Spatial Plan released in November 2003, the Bushfire Recovery Taskforce report “Shaping Our Territory” completed in late October 2003, and the future business of ACT Forests. ACT Forests currently occupy this parcel of land.

(2) The ACT Government’s decision on whether the National Zoo and Aquarium can utilise more land to expand its operations will be made when all the relevant factors have been considered. After receiving the ACT Government’s advice on a direct grant of land, the Commonwealth Government will then consider if it will proceed to vary the National Capital Plan.

(3) Yes the NCA requested information as detailed in my response to Question on notice No 396. The planning information has substantially been addressed in the joint Planning Investigation of the site. The Government is yet to advise the NCA on its position in relation to a direct grant of land. As a joint sponsor of the planning study, the NCA obtained the information at the same time as the ACT Planning Authority in February this year. The advice on a direct grant of land will be provided when the Government has considered the matters relevant to that decision.

Graffiti
(Question No 1289)

Mr Cornwell asked the Minister for Urban Services, upon notice:

In relation to graffiti:

(1) Did he issue a media release US11/04 of 11 February 2004, which stated that the Government will continue to remove graffiti from public property within three working days;

(2) Why is the City Scape depot adjacent to Belconnen Way east of Coulter Drive still with graffiti applied before Christmas 2003;

(3) What control is exercised to ensure contractors fulfill their obligations of three working days for removal of graffiti.

Mr Wood: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) Yes

(2) Graffiti on the external brick wall of the CityScape Depot was removed and the wall re-painted by 3rd March 2004.

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