Page 998 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 15 March 2005
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MR STANHOPE: Yes, I met in February with Mr Richard Tindale, one of the proprietors and a director of the zoo and aquarium. We discussed a range of issues in relation to the potential availability of additional groundwater for use by the zoo. We discussed a charging regime that would apply to the water that the zoo would require, were it to expand to the extent that is currently proposed. Water is, of course, a significant issue in that regard.
Those negotiations continue. There were also, Dr Foskey, other issues discussed. These included Mr Tindale’s hopes and plans and vision for a significantly expanded zoo, particularly issues of landscaping and the repair and restoration of different parts of the land that is currently being considered for the expansion. Some of the issues relating to water have not been resolved. They are the subject of ongoing discussion between Mr Tindale and Dr Cooper from Environment ACT.
I am more than happy to see what additional information I can give Dr Foskey in terms of concluded outcomes from those additional consultations and considerations that I know are being undertaken by Dr Cooper, or at least by her staff, with Mr Tindale. If there is any additional information that I can give you about the outcome of the discussions that I had with Mr Tindale about the availability and pricing of water, I will be more than happy to provide whatever information I can.
Building and construction—certifier
MR SESELJA: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Planning. Minister, I refer you to a matter regarding building work to a private home in Holt, in which it has been alleged that a certifier licensed by ACTPLA had acted improperly and that this had been drawn to the attention of ACTPLA staff in August of last year. I note it appears that no disciplinary action was commenced against the certifier until late January of this year. Given the significant concerns raised against this certifier last year, why has it taken your department so long to commence action against the certifier?
MR CORBELL: As I am sure Mr Seselja is aware, there are thousands and thousands of building activities occurring in the ACT every year, all of which require certifiers. If Mr Seselja is able to provide me with the details of the particular case in question, I am happy to investigate it and report back to the Assembly.
ACTION bus service—Bustext
MR GENTLEMAN: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Planning. Minister, today you launched Bustext, the new SMS trial for ACTION. Can you please advise the Assembly how this system will be beneficial to commuters in the ACT?
Mrs Dunne: You are going to get a text message to say that the next bus will be so many minutes away!
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MR CORBELL: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am glad Mrs Dunne thinks it is funny because—
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