Page 382 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 February 2010
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(9) How much economic benefit does the ACT receive from motorsport events each year.
(10) How many tourists visited the ACT in each of the last four financial years to attend motorsport events.
(11) What ACT Government support was provided to the Rally of Canberra, including financial and “in-kind”, for the (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007 and (d) 2008 financial years.
(12) Which venues were available for the Rally of Canberra for the (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007 and (d) 2008 financial years.
Mr Barr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The Government takes a risk management approach to the management of recreation and other land uses in water catchments. Motorsport is not permitted in water catchments except in parts of the ACT Murrumbidgee catchment. The policy for the upper and middle Cotter catchments is established in the Namadgi National Park Draft Plan of Management (2005). The policy for the lower Cotter catchment is based on the Lower Cotter Catchment Strategic Management Plan and the related draft Recreation Strategy. The policy for the Googong Catchment area that is managed by the ACT Government is supported by the Googong Foreshores Plan of Management (2007).
The Murrumbidgee catchment in the ACT has only relatively recently come online as a water supply catchment and there is currently no formal catchment-wide policy for motorsport. This catchment differs markedly from others in ACT in that it encompasses a wide range of land uses including urban residential, industrial and rural, as well as nature conservation and recreation. The Murrumbidgee River Corridor Plan of Management (1998) covers a small proportion of the ACT Murrumbidgee catchment and allows for consideration of motorsport as a ‘special activity’ on a case-by-case basis. Motorsport is currently permitted in some parts of the Murrumbidgee catchment such as parts of the Pierces Creek and Miowera pine plantation areas.
(2) There is clear evidence that sediment movement from roads contributes to turbidity and nutrients in streams. Advice from ACT Health (Health Protection Service) and ACTEW Corporation supports the current ACT Government position that motor sport rallies are not compatible with water quality. This advice is based on a national approach to water quality that advocates a multi-barrier approach to protecting water quality. The primary barrier is the health and stability of water catchments. Activities that displace sediment and have potential for pollution of water supply streams and reservoirs, such as high speed rally driving, are not compatible with water quality objectives.
(3) Assessments have been made during the preparation of the individual management plans and strategies outlined in (1) above.
(4) No organised groups of any recreational pursuit have unlimited access. A permit system applies to all organised groups.
(5) Dual Sports Motorcycle Riders Association, Brindabella Motor Sports Club, Light Car Club of Canberra and Bates Advanced Driving (rally tuition - not events).
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