Page 2831 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 17 August 2005
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Following their selection, the artists collected community contributions over two weekends in April, and there was a quite fantastic response in the provision of bricks and inscriptions and the contribution of photographs. Planning approval has been granted by ACTPLA. Work commenced on 1 August, and the earthworks will be completed this week. Work has commenced with the artists on site to ensure that their design work requirements are met. Of course, the artists will maintain an on-site presence for the next four months to put in place the detailed design elements. I think members are aware that the work is planned for completion so the memorial can be dedicated on 18 January 2006, the third anniversary of the fires.
The memorial will be an important site for the community and a contemplative place for the future. It has been specially located next to Cotter Road to be close to the community and to be somewhat separate from the main recreation areas of Mount Stromlo. Advanced casuarinas will be planted around the first part of the memorial. Around the contemplative area will be a mix of exotic and native plants, with some advanced trees closer to the memorial. I am particularly pleased with the progress that is being made. The project is very important for residents directly affected by the fires, but also, I think, a very important project and memorial for all the people of Canberra.
Mr Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Bushfires—recovery
MR STANHOPE: Yesterday, the shadow Attorney-General asked me to give consideration to the tabling of an evacuation plan. I undertook to discuss the issue with the relevant minister, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The minister has advised me that his advice from the Commissioner for Emergency Services is that aspects of the planning work that the territory has done should not be made public for reasons of safety. However, I had previously arranged with the Leader of the Opposition for him and the shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services to be fully briefed on all aspects of the disaster planning that has been undertaken by the territory.
I have arranged for all plans to be made available to the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services for their perusal. The advice I have is that those plans should not be tabled, but that offer stands. It is a standing invitation to the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services at any time at their request or any time that I think it appropriate for them to be fully apprised of the work that the territory is doing.
Bushfires—coronial inquest
MR STANHOPE: Today, the shadow Attorney-General asked me a question about draft adverse findings or recommendations that may have been conveyed by counsel assisting the coroner to me or indeed to officials representing the territory. I am advised by the ACT Government Solicitor through the acting head of the department of justice that no draft adverse findings have ever been provided to any ACT government official at any time and they are not aware of the existence of any such draft adverse findings. On the
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