Page 4287 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 13 October 2009
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An acoustics study has been conducted as part of the Adult Mental Health Unit design process which concluded that there is no reason for the proposed site not to be used as the facade can be engineered to mitigate noise intrusion. Further, in relation to the proposed carpark the study concluded that as traffic travel at low speeds in carparks the consultants do not expect elevated noise levels from the completed carpark.
Urgently review the community's preferred option of an alternative site for the carpark, and in particular on Yamba Drive west.
ACT Health has assessed the site across Yamba Drive for the new carpark. However there were a number of problems with this option including an inefficient structure due to the narrowness of the site; left turn /northbound access only; greater disruption to Yamba Drive due to queuing to get into the carpark at peak times; and the extra walking distance (for patients, visitors and staff).
Save the existing 3 storey Bateson Road carpark for night staff and disabled
ACT Health has undertaken a comprehensive and detailed master planning process for the Canberra Hospital which I believe has arrived at the optimum solution for the future of the campus. The location and design of the new multi-storey carpark is a product of this planning process.
The Government has now approved the construction of the new carpark in its current location, which will require the demolition of the existing 3 storey carpark. On balance, this is a solution that both meets the needs of the campus for adequate car parking, and provides for a high quality, appropriate new mental health facility for the ACT.
Ministerial responsibilities—resignation
Ministerial statement
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Disability and Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Corrections): I wish to give an explanation about why I wish to seek leave, Mr Speaker, with your indulgence. I am aware that a convention and agreement amongst members hitherto has been that ministerial statements per se will be circulated an hour or so beforehand. However, I believe that the content of what I wish to say this morning needs to be said now and not in an hour’s time. So I seek leave from colleagues to make this statement at the moment.
Leave granted.
MR HARGREAVES: I thank members sincerely for that.
Yesterday, I announced my resignation from the ACT government ministry, effective from midnight on 31 October 2009. However, I intend to continue in the Legislative Assembly as a Labor member for Brindabella. The good people of my electorate re-endorsed me as their representative in the 2008 election and I will continue to serve them as their local MLA.
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