Page 3866 - Week 12 - Thursday, 29 October 2015
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MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I was saying, this involves the acquisition and disposal of assets at various points during that cycle and the government’s commitment under the asset recycling initiative is to a minimum benchmark in relation to public housing provision. I say again, for the benefit of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, that the government’s intent and our great hope through this process are not only to increase the quality of public housing but to be able to add to its supply. (Time expired.)
Westside village—costs
MR WALL: My question is to the Minister for Economic Development. Minister, regarding the Westside container village, what was the projected number of patrons promised to businesses located at the site and how many people have actually visited?
MR BARR: I do not believe there ever was a number promised, but I am aware that over the various events that have been held at the site, more than 50,000 people have attended.
Mr Hanson: Was that to see your mad hatter’s hat?
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MR BARR: I know that there is a major event associated with one of our city’s major spring festivals to be held at Westside this weekend. Although I should not respond to interjections from the Leader of the Opposition, I will say this: he and his colleagues know more about the Tea Party than I ever will.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, how much money has the government spent at the Westside container village to date?
MR BARR: I understand the government’s investment in the infrastructure and the associated works is around $970,000. That is consistent with the government’s stated objective around activation of the precinct. With more than 50,000 having attended events there, and a strong program underway for the remainder of this year and a strong program being developed for 2016, we look forward to more than 100,000 people enjoying various activities and events, including the regular weekly markets, at Westside Acton Park.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, how many businesses have cancelled their leases or left the building since it opened?
MR BARR: I am not aware of many. There may be one or two. I will need to take advice in relation to that. In recent times there have been more businesses wanting to join. In fact, I have had the opportunity to officially open one or two of them in the
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