Page 424 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 December 2008
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That said, there is not much more we can say on it without any further detail. But as I say, if the minister is able to clarify those for us—the relocation and fit-out and the Dickson and Kingston master plan differences—that would be useful.
MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo) (9.10): I note one of the items is the green star ratings. We regard it as very important that inefficient buildings in the ACT are audited so that they can be made more energy efficient and used in the most appropriate fashion. Commercial buildings are a significant contributor to the ACT’s carbon footprint and, as part of the ACT’s contribution to dealing with climate change, we must improve them and use them in the most efficient way possible.
We are not sure whether this item is to fund an audit with a view to retrofitting the buildings to make them more efficient or simply to ensure that they are used for the purpose that involves them using less energy. At any rate, we are clear that it is important to be proactive in cutting our use of fossil fuels and we trust that this audit is the first step to doing so for these buildings.
With respect to the Dickson and Kingston master plans, we are in favour of funding these, for a number of reasons. We believe it is important to consider properly the issues of redevelopment and intensification. And it is important to look at redeveloping these areas sustainably. We hope that the planning will concentrate on providing public sector transport infrastructure, community open spaces and people-friendly urban design. We also hope that these plans will be developed by a process that listens to the community and involves genuine and thorough consultation.
With respect to the Mitchell Customer Service Centre refit, we hope that it involves green star principles in the refit.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Planning and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation) (9.12): I can respond to the questions that have been raised in this area. The Mitchell Customer Service Centre fit-out is required because of the end of the tenancy at the current premises. The new premises, of course, do require a fit-out in order to accommodate the Customer Service Centre.
The Mitchell Customer Service Centre largely deals with the trade side of the ACT Planning and Land Authority’s business. So this will provide significantly improved access, amenity and utility for the staff who work at the Mitchell Customer Service Centre and of course for their client base who are largely—
Mr Seselja: How many square metres?
Mr Barr: I do not have the detail in front of me on the square metres. I can get that. That is certainly not an issue. But it would appear to be, as Mr Seselja has commented, very good value for money.
Mr Seselja: Unless it’s 10 square metres!
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