Page 1128 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 30 March 2011

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are. I think having a single expert body examine this is an important step in coming up with the answers, because once we agree on what the problems are, we can then start to talk seriously about the solutions.

It is worth saying at this point that I am aware that the NCA have undertaken some work on the lake quality issue, but we have not yet seen any clear indication of what they will do. It may well be they will need to allocate some significant resources to remedying this problem, but there is no point spending money to fix the problem if we do not remedy the underlying causes. I hope that out of the investigation by the commissioner we can see some very clear ideas as to what needs to be done and how that can be addressed, particularly across the jurisdictions.

I welcome the feedback that I have had from members on the motion. I understand there will be some amendments and I appreciate the spirit of those. I think they are not in conflict with the intent of what we are trying to achieve here. I think we all recognise the need to do something about the lake. We recognise what an important asset it is to the people of Canberra. The important thing now is to get on and actually make something happen. I think for too long we have identified and recognised the problems, but we simply have not got things moving. That is what we need to do. I commend the motion to the Assembly.

At 6 pm, in accordance with standing order 34, the debate was interrupted. The motion for the adjournment of the Assembly having been put and negatived, the debate was resumed.

MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (6.00): Mr Speaker, I move the following amendment circulated in my name to Mr Rattenbury’s motion:

Omit paragraph (2), substitute:

“(2) calls on the ACT Government to:

(a) work with the relevant NSW State and local government agencies and the National Capital Authority to develop an action plan for improvements to the quality of water flowing into Lake Burley Griffin;

(b) table the action plan in the Assembly by the close of the last sitting period in the 2011-2012 financial year; and

I thank Mr Rattenbury for moving this motion today. I think it is an important issue. The quality of the lake is an issue that has occupied me from time to time over the years I have been a member of this Assembly. It is the case that we are less likely to see people swimming in the lake and there are issues for those who conduct water sports.

I recall the occasion whilst dragon boating that Mr Smyth and I were speared by a group of grammar girls who thought that would be quite fun. We ended up in the lake.

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