Page 3756 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 18 October 2005
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Mr Seselja: Is it too small, Simon?
MR CORBELL: No, it is not too small, but the catchment is too small. Catchments for 50-metre swimming pools are extremely large. Indeed, the development of the Belconnen facility, which opened about 18 months or two years ago, was predicated on servicing a population catchment that included Gungahlin. It was the only way to make that facility stack up.
In time, Gungahlin will have a much larger population, probably of the order of 100,000 residents. I want to see the broadest possible range of facilities and services made available to that community. That is why the planning work is taking account of the block of land and the size of the land that is needed to accommodate a large swimming pool.
What Mr Seselja should also remind people, when he is talking on the subject, is that he is in receipt of reports that outline the range of recreation facilities that are possible in this vicinity and that, whilst it is certainly possible to accommodate a 50-metre pool on the site, the recreation facilities studies that have been undertaken to date highlight that more of a recreational facility—that is, a wave pool or a recreational pool rather than a lap pool—is more likely, in the first instance, in the Gungahlin area.
The government has not taken a decision on how to release the site, but if we do release the site to the private sector it would be silly to impose conditions on the private sector that would mean that the site could not be sold.
Industrial relations
MR GENTLEMAN: My question is to the Chief Minister. Members here are only too aware of the alarming package of reforms to the industrial relations law proposed by the commonwealth government. Can you, minister, tell the Assembly if you are aware of any community criticism of the package as proposed? What is the nature of that criticism?
Mrs Burke: I raise a point of order because of my concerns that a select committee is investigating such matters. I seek your ruling and guidance on this one, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: The question was about community concern about the issue. The question was to the Chief Minister about community concern about the IR package; it was not about matters that are before the committee. The committee is not to report until some time into the future and so far has not had any public hearings.
Mrs Burke: Mr Speaker, with respect, that further heightens my concerns. The terms of reference for the select committee are that it is appointed to examine the effect on working families. The effect of industrial changes is just one of those aspects. I believe that this question is out of order and anticipates a debate not yet had, as you rightly said.
MR SPEAKER: It raises the question with the minister about community concerns. It is a bit much to suggest that no questions can be asked for a very lengthy period about a matter that has not yet had any public hearings. There is no evidence before the
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