Page 1305 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 25 March 2009
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MR BARR: It has been released. It is interesting, of course, that that Floriade report showed a 25 per cent increase in overnight stays as a result of a number of innovations to Floriade 2008. That report showed a record number of visitors through the gates of Floriade. It showed that, in combination with a number of other major events—I am particularly grateful to the National Gallery of Australia for the partnership that we have been able to have with them and to the National Museum and a couple of other national attractions, such as the “culture shock” promotion that occurred over the summer quarter—we have had some very positive feedback on the strength of the local tourism industry.
Of course, the government provided an additional sum of money for a winter marketing campaign that will kick in in the winter months over the course of 2009. I look forward to making some further announcements on the territory’s new autumn event, and I am sure Mr Smyth is eagerly awaiting that.
Swimming pools—swimming lessons
MS LE COUTEUR: My question is to the minister for sport. Minister, given that the government appears to be standing by and watching Deakin Swimming Ltd, which is a not-for-profit operation, collapse, can you confirm that on current estimates at the best only 70 of the more than 1,100 students currently enrolled in learn-to-swim classes in Deakin can be accommodated elsewhere, which means that 400 students will be left without facilities for swimming classes?
MR BARR: I think Ms Le Couteur said 700—
MS LE COUTEUR: I did say 700, yes.
MR BARR: Thank you. I thought you might have said 70. My understanding is that between the Civic pool and the Tuggeranong pool there is capacity for 700 additional positions for learn-to-swim classes. That of course does not exhaust the range of available pools. I am advised that CISAC in Belconnen also has capacity for additional learn-to-swim places. We are of course engaged in a refurbishment of the Erindale leisure centre, another publicly owned facility; the government is upgrading that. There are other private pools that are available, and I would like to commend the Canberra Grammar School for making their swimming pool available—
Member interjecting—
MR BARR: Gee, Mr Doszpot—
Members interjecting—
MR BARR: Well, gee—
MR SPEAKER: Please continue with your answer.
Mr Hanson: I want to take the credit for—
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