Page 1203 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
There is an issue on resourcing and there is an issue on timing of the different aspects of the implementation of the Griffin legacy. To be specific in relation to the question, there is work continuing in relation to the plans of management, for instance, for the Albert Hall precinct. The ACT government remains actively interested in the prospect of advancing those aspects of the Griffin legacy that relate to West Basin.
But there is, of course, a current issue in relation to Constitution Avenue. Constitution Avenue is one of the major ways or lines into Civic, and the Griffin legacy plans for Constitution Avenue will result ultimately in the development of a wonderful boulevard or access between Russell and the city.
The commonwealth did, in quite detailed and extensive negotiations with the ACT government, commit a sum for the upgrade of Constitution Avenue—a total package of the order of $40 million which was negotiated by the ACT government with the NCA and, indeed, involved discussions between me and the then Treasurer, Peter Costello; just as there were discussions between me and Mr Costello in relation to the Kings Avenue roundabout/flyover which actually are continuing. Part of those negotiations did, of course, deal with Griffin legacy aspects or implications for road upgrades and maintenance and, most specifically, Constitution Avenue.
The commonwealth’s enhanced interest or the priority the commonwealth was prepared to give at that time to Constitution Avenue was a result, as much as anything, of major developments which are proceeding or are planned for Constitution Avenue to be upgraded out to the RSL. In that particular precinct the commonwealth proposes to construct a new headquarters for ASIO and the Office of National Assessments, to the east of Anzac Park East, and the refurbishment of both Anzac Park East and West, with the prospect of an additional 7,000, 8,000 or 9,000 public servants and others working along Constitution Avenue within the next five years.
There is an urgency around the need to upgrade Constitution Avenue. I continue to work with the commonwealth. I am in correspondence with both the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation in relation to the decision the commonwealth has announced. I have asked that it be reversed, and I will continue to agitate for the moneys that have previously been promised for Constitution Avenue.
MR SPEAKER: Supplementary question?
MRS BURKE: Chief Minister, what adverse implications are being incurred by the ACT and the ACT economy as a consequence of the cut in funding for the Griffin legacy?
MR STANHOPE: The adverse implication is that the upgrade and redevelopment of Constitution Avenue will be delayed unless the money is restored or unless the moneys are sourced from elsewhere. That is the adverse implication: there will be a delay.
The timing of significance for an upgrade of Constitution Avenue is as work proceeds on, particularly, the proposed new headquarters for ASIO and the proposed new
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .