Page 277 - Week 01 - Thursday, 15 December 2016
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Festival organisers are also in contact with stallholders regarding other accessibility concerns, particularly around stall height and the positioning of stalls near pavement gutters to improve the overall experience of people in wheelchairs.
We will continue to work with peak disability organisations, stallholders and volunteer organisations to make the 2017 festival and future festivals accessible and inclusive for all.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how many people are expected to attend the 2017 festival, and what is the festival expected to generate for the ACT economy?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary question. Figures from previous years are used to estimate attendance and, on this basis, the benefits to the ACT economy. Estimates of attendance at this year’s festival ranged from 238,000 to more than 280,000, with about a quarter coming from interstate and overseas. If the growth seen over previous festivals is any indication, it is looking to be a very busy three days in the heart of Civic. A key focus for event organisers is to ensure that the expected large numbers of attendees can be accommodated safely.
As for the effect that the festival will have on the ACT economy, I will again point to the economic boost that has been seen in previous years. The impact on the economy is, of course, related to the number of visitors attending the festival, the money they spend on the wonderful food at the festival and what they spend elsewhere in the ACT. Based on the number of people who reported staying in paid accommodation overnight, the 2016 festival is estimated to have brought more than $2 million to the ACT economy through accommodation alone. After accounting for the tourism multiplier, the 2016 festival was estimated to have added $12 million to the ACT economy.
According to the website, the 2017 festival will kick off in 63 days, eight hours, 33 minutes and eight seconds. I would encourage all members to spend some time at the festival, to promote the festival in your electorates and networks, and to encourage family and friends to get involved.
Mr Barr: On that happy note, Madam Speaker, I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Trade unions—workplace health and safety funding
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: Madam Speaker, during question time yesterday Mr Hanson and Mr Coe asked me questions related to the ACT government’s deed of grant with UnionsACT to support a work health and safety liaison officer. Mr Hanson asked whether the recommendations of the 2014 review of the WHS officer liaison funding had been implemented. I can assure him that they have.
A key recommendation of the review was that a formal funding agreement be put in place. As I noted yesterday, a new deed of grant commenced on 1 July 2016, and its purpose is to meet the objectives I outlined in my answer yesterday. The deed requires
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