Page 2227 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 August 2016
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MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Chief Minister, what rights or options exist for Aquis regarding this block, and when were the rights or options afforded to them, if they have been?
MR BARR: I am not aware of any such arrangements. The casino lease includes a parcel of land adjacent to the National Convention Centre but that has been part of the casino lease for, as I understand it, the history of the Canberra casino. If that is the block that Mr Coe refers to, that has been under the casino’s control under previous owners, not just the current casino owners.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, when did Aquis first come to the government seeking rights over this block?
MR BARR: I would need to check the record as to whether that question itself is factual in terms of the assertion contained within it and, if that were to be the case, then I will find out what date and advise the Assembly accordingly.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, does Aquis or a consortium or entity linked to Aquis have an unsolicited proposal before the government for this block?
MR BARR: It could only be in relation to their proposal for expansion of the Canberra casino. I will need to check the block in question and the nature of the business case Aquis have put forward. If Mr Doszpot were listening earlier in the debate today in relation to the unsolicited proposals process, he would understand that that level of detail has not yet come before cabinet.
Transport—light rail
MR HINDER: My question is to the Minister for Transport Canberra and City Services. Can the minister provide the Assembly with details about the construction schedule for stage 1 of Canberra light rail and the benefits that this will bring to the Canberra community?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mr Hinder for his question. I am also pleased to confirm that construction on the light rail project is now well underway with the first sod for the project being turned on 12 July 2016 at the site of the future light rail depot in Mitchell. The light rail depot will incorporate a stabling yard for light rail vehicles, a maintenance facility and the operations centre. The depot will be completed in early 2018.
Construction of light rail in the stage 1 corridor will be undertaken in six key zones from Gungahlin to the Civic terminus. These zones are: Gungahlin to Hibberson Street; Flemington Road north; Flemington Road south; the Federal Highway; Northbourne Avenue; and the Civic terminus.
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