Page 2357 - Week 06 - Thursday, 10 May 2012
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Undoubtedly it has a history, and it has been identified as a site for sale for some time. I think signs have been up on that site since about 2003, so it is no great surprise to anyone—
Mr Seselja: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, this has been a fascinating history lesson, but it is now two minutes into his answer, and I would ask you to ask the minister to be directly relevant. The question was: were previous consultations successful, and what program for further consultation has been prepared in relation to the future of this block?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, minister, thank you for the context; if you could turn to the specific question now.
MR BARR: The initial part of the question was about the history of the block and there being a 30-year history, as Mr Smyth indicated.
The consultations that occurred in relation to the most recent proposal for sale involved, as I understand, more than 3,500 letters being sent out to surrounding residents notifying of the government’s intention to put the block on the market. As is normally the case, there was a fairly small return—I think about one per cent of those letters were responded to by members of the community. I then understand that further notices were put in people’s letterboxes by a member of this place who might happen to live very near by the area.
Mr Coe: Yes, we know how to letterbox over here.
MR BARR: Well, indeed, yes, so it would seem. I have received a number of representations from people concerned about the nature of those particular circulars. Nonetheless, I have indicated that a further consultation process will occur. I understand that there are a variety of different views as to the nature of any redevelopment that should occur on the site. Some people would prefer just standard residential blocks; others would prefer no development at all. In all of these issues, it will not be possible to please everyone with the outcome. But it is important that people have the opportunity to have their say. So the Economic Development Directorate is convening a series of workshops to discuss options with the community.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, a supplementary question.
MR SMYTH: Minister, does the government intend to sell the block following the consultation?
MR BARR: It is zoned for commercial release. I do not intend to change the territory plan. I have no proposal to do that. Let me be clear: the land will not be rezoned. There is no need to rezone the land. It is current land use policy and, as I indicated in my opening remarks, there are two parcels of land, as I understand. One is zoned urban open space, as is appropriate. Another part of the area that people would identify as the park is zoned for commercial release and has been for some time.
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