Page 3649 - Week 08 - Thursday, 19 August 2010
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MR STANHOPE: The deterioration of the brickworks—the fabric? My advice in relation to that is that the actual fabric of the brickworks is stable. They are not actually suffering any deterioration at this point that would represent a concern in relation to the need to rush in and do work now.
Certainly, we accept that it is time for us to make longer-term decisions. We have actually funded and completed a conservation management plan. In the context of the conservation management plan that has been concluded over the last year, of course, it will be very relevant to decisions that are taken into the future.
To suggest or actually raise the spectre that we need to undertake urgent works—immediately, at this time—is not consistent with advice that I have received in relation to the structure. But certainly, going forward, subject to decisions that we make, we will ensure that we invest absolutely in the future preservation. There is work to be done but as I am advised it is not something that we need to do today. It certainly is on the horizon; hence, all the work that we are doing.
Canberra Hospital—pay parking
MR COE: My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, I refer to an article in the Canberra Times of 11 July 2010 entitled “Parking chaos hits hospital”. The article states:
She—
that is you, minister—
ruled out pay parking but said the Government might need to reconsider it after the new car parks are built “even though it will be politically inconvenient to do it.”
Minister, how long will parking at the Canberra Hospital remain chaotic, and when will the government tell the Canberra Hospital staff, patients and visitors when and if pay parking will be introduced?
MS GALLAGHER: The construction of the southern car park is going very well. It will be due for completion, as far as I know—apart from the wet weather we have had this week, which might change it a little—on time. It is hoped that 600 car parks will be available for use in the lower storeys of the car park towards the end of November this year.
I have to say, enormous effort has gone into managing the car parking requirements at the Canberra Hospital whilst we build the new car park. That has included a range of different measures being put in place for staff. I have not had any complaints from patients and visitors visiting the hospital, which shows, I think, that we have got the visitor and patient car parking probably pretty right. In fact, I think using the Yamba Street car park for visitors has improved access to the hospital for visitors.
Mr Hanson: The number of nurses that are angry at you.
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