Page 1292 - Week 04 - Thursday, 4 May 2006
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(1) Did the consultants' report to the National Capital Authority (NCA) on the expansion of the National Zoo and Aquarium Centre recommend that the zoo and equestrian centre relationship be further investigated to investigate what, if any, mitigating measures may be adopted by the relevant authorities;
(2) Has any further study been conducted into the impact of the Zoo expansion on current activities in the immediate region;
(3) How will community organisations be involved in planning for public access, including equestrian, in the expansion and redevelopment of the Zoo;
(4) Have the NCA and ACT Government conducted any consultation on site so that all potentially affected people can discuss the issues and inspect the boundary created by the 1:100 year flood line;
(5) How will excluding development in the 1:100 year flood line guarantee horse riders' access at a distance far enough from the enclosures to ensure that horses (often carrying children and other learner riders) will not be disturbed by the sight and smell of the animals in the zoo.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Yes, Section 5.4.3 of the Report, concerning Adjacent Land Uses, included this statement. Section 7 of the Report, Further Investigation, subsequently provided the list of issues to be addressed through processes such as the amendment to the National Capital Plan and the Preliminary Assessment required for leasing purposes. This list included “continued use of the trails along the river corridor, and within Block 1502, for equestrian activities, including those on adjacent leases to the south west of the study area”.
(2) No
(3) In December 2005 the National Capital Authority released Draft Amendment 52 to the National Capital Plan, seeking public comment on the specific land use proposal for the block identified for the Zoo expansion.
A Master Plan will also be required by the ACT Government to inform the Preliminary Assessment prior to the granting of a lease. This will be subject to public consultation.
(4) No
(5) Zoo development is excluded from the 1:100 year flood line due to practical considerations. It would not be desirable for the Zoo to develop and maintain land areas that are subject to flood hazard. This land is better incorporated into Open Space Park.
The Master Plan required to be prepared as part of the Preliminary Assessment process should determine the most appropriate use of fencing, plantings and setback distances for animal enclosures. Equestrian trail activity will be considered in making these determinations.
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