Page 2417 - Week 06 - Thursday, 23 June 2011
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Canberrans. The government will also contribute $300,000 to the upgrade of the playground at the Black Mountain peninsula, a very popular playground, one used by people from across the city.
Members may be interested to know how we determine which playgrounds are chosen for upgrades. First of all, urban parks are visually inspected for safety and cleanliness regularly, and maintenance issues are accordingly identified. We also have a more comprehensive maintenance inspection regime, and the outcomes of these assist in identifying those playgrounds that are suitable for an upgrade. The outcomes of those inspections are used to guide our ongoing maintenance and upgrade program. Of course, it is important that we make sure that playgrounds continue to meet the relevant safety standards, and upgrades also take these issues into account.
I am very pleased that the Labor government is providing $1.2 million to improve the amenity and the quality of playgrounds in our local neighbourhood, helping to make our city an even better place to live.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hargreaves, a supplementary?
MR HARGREAVES: Minister, how has the community consultation contributed to the style and type of amenity, and did the member for Molonglo Mr Seselja contribute to the community consultation in the electorate of Brindabella, where he lives?
MR SPEAKER: Mr Corbell, the second half of the question is out of order. So do not bother to answer it.
MR CORBELL: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The consultation process undertaken by the government is very important in identifying the style and type of amenity that is delivered as a result of upgrades to play spaces. In the lead-up to the upgrade of the six playgrounds I mentioned earlier, a comprehensive community consultation process was undertaken with local residents and local schools.
We have listened very closely to the feedback we received from those communities. For example, in Chapman residents there and the school community there were seeking a play space for a wide range of ages as well as safe and more challenging play experiences. In response to this, the design at Chapman uses a fantasy castle theme, which will be very attractive to children of a range of ages, including a new plastic tunnel slide, climbing elements for both younger and older children and new swing sets.
This is just part of the ongoing program the government puts in place where we listen to what the community has to say and we respond with better services and better facilities for people in their local neighbourhoods.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Smyth, a supplementary question?
MR SMYTH: While we are considering the nature of parks, when will the Fadden Pines, which has been out of operation for some time now, be recommissioned?
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