Page 1118 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 30 March 2011
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the government recognises the building has some architectural qualities and visual values to the local community.
To this end, an independent heritage adviser has been appointed to assist in the process. In addition, the architect for the childcare centre has been working with the original architect about the proposed changes. I am advised that he supports the designs to be submitted to ACTPLA, and in this process it is important to ensure that moral rights issues under the Copyright Act are satisfactorily addressed and do not delay the project.
Regular meetings have been held with the Flynn Community Group. Briefings have been held with service providers and peak bodies in Belconnen, and public representations have been made. The views expressed in these meetings have been considered in the development of plans. I can inform the Assembly that the good progress has been made possible because of the willingness of the staff and parents associated with the two childcare centres working cooperatively with the project team and the architects. Their input into the layout and features of the childcare centre has been critical in reaching this stage. They and I both recognise the importance of starting works as soon as possible.
The principal assistance being provided to Gumnut and Alkira is the provision of modern, well-provisioned, secure accommodation on a scale that underpins their ongoing operational and financial viability. This is the support they need. This is the point that does not seem to be appreciated by Mrs Dunne. It is important that we not only add new childcare places but we also support existing childcare places and childcare operators whose small size or ageing premises make it difficult for them to respond to the new national standards.
Mrs Dunne has also asked about contingency planning for the continued operations of Alkira and Gumnut in the event that there are delays. Working through the stimulus funding for housing, the last nine months with the rain have reminded us that the construction process is subject at times to unforeseen interruptions and delays. But as I have committed to the good folk of Alkira and Gumnut and as I will commit here, everything in front of me assures me that we will finish to completion and have Gumnut and Alkira moving in at the end of the year.
Also we have been asked about upgrade plans and for plans of works to be tabled in the Assembly. For the information of members, I table the following paper:
Flynn Childcare Centre—Functional design brief—Part Block 7 Section 18, Bingle Street, Flynn ACT, prepared by the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services in conjunction with Philip Leeson Architects, dated 10 August 2010.
I understand that copies are coming through. These documents will soon be on public record. Once the ACT Planning and Land Authority has checked the development application documentation, plans will be available to all members of the public on the planning authority’s website as part of the consultative process.
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