Page 1117 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 30 March 2011
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Flynn site would be ready by the end of the year, I would have said yes. I would have said that DHCS is on target to complete the works on time, and I would have reaffirmed this government’s commitment to accommodate these centres in Flynn in time.
Let us recount some of the recent history of this development. When I announced in last year’s budget an investment of $4 million to find accommodation solutions for Gumnut and Alkira, those centres warmly welcomed the news. In fact, the headline of the Chronicle was that “Childcare providers are overjoyed with their new home”.
I agree that it is a challenge to achieve this work in the time we have. It is a challenge to achieve the adaptive reuse of a purpose-built building, a reinforced concrete building. It is a challenge to bring together two independent childcare providers and a long-term viable organisation to continue to serve the childcare needs of the community. It is a challenge to respect the design and visual qualities of a building and the moral rights of its architect as substantial modifications to the building fabric are carried out. It is a challenge to include the broader Flynn community to deliver improved community services in the face of disruptive and legal actions of one small group. However, these are challenges that are worth facing to achieve better childcare in west Belconnen.
The tenders have already been called for the project manager who will manage the construction of the childcare centre. I understand that those tenderers are due to be inspecting the site this afternoon and are examining existing buildings and site works. Within the next few days, the development application for the external works for Flynn childcare will be submitted to ACTPLA. Within the next two weeks, the project manager will be confirmed, and by mid-April, or thereabouts, the project manager will be commencing work on a range of internal works that can proceed prior to developmental approval.
Mrs Dunne is aware of some of these challenges and actions, as she has attended public meetings in which we have engaged with the community. She has inspected the buildings and has seen first-hand the challenges they represent. Again, I am happy to offer her briefings as we continue through the months ahead.
The time challenges facing the Flynn precinct have been recognised from the outset. Our childcare providers, such as Noah’s Ark at Rivett and groups such as the ACT Playgroups Association at Cook have moved into new accommodation in refurbished school buildings. In fact, more than 40 community organisations and service providers are currently occupying the completed regional community facilities constructed by this government. The Flynn refurbishment has been held up by appeals and objections by a small group of people. This stands in stark contrast to the completed refurbished work at Cook, Holt, Weston and the Chifley regional community hubs.
That said, the government is responding to the time challenges to ensure a good outcome for the young families at west Belconnen. Flynn primary school was subject to applications for listing on the ACT heritage register. The application was refused by the ACT Heritage Council and their refusal upheld by ACAT. Notwithstanding this,
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