Page 1326 - Week 05 - Thursday, 18 June 2020
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MRS KIKKERT: What notification was given to schools who depend on such rentals?
Ms Berry: I am sorry, I could not quite catch that.
MADAM SPEAKER: Can you repeat the question, Mrs Kikkert.
MRS KIKKERT: What notification was given to schools who depend on such rentals?
MS BERRY: I should remind the Assembly that ACT public schools do not operate independent of the government; they are all funded by the government and part of one government system. If schools need additional support, they will get it. I am not sure what time frame was provided for that announcement, but we are all working closely together to make sure that everybody gets the same chance and that, as we in the ACT navigate our way through this international health pandemic, there are sports groups and community groups to get back to once it is safe to do so.
Planning—green space
MS LE COUTEUR: My question is to the minister for planning and relates to artificial grass and whether or not it is living infrastructure. Minister, the Republic development in Belconnen has installed artificial grass where the approved plans say turf is required. Apparently, turf can be either grass or plastic manufactured to look vaguely like grass. Does ACTPLA actually ever require real, growing grass or is artificial always acceptable?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Le Couteur for her question. It is indeed an interesting observation on how we treat our landscapes across the ACT. I have noticed, particularly on my walks, a lot of people choosing to use artificial grass rather than real grass. I think we know that natural vegetation across the ACT is far more beneficial than those artificial—
Ms Le Couteur: On a point of order, the question is whether ACTPLA actually requires grass, not whether people plant it.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes. Mr Gentleman, to the point of the question.
MR GENTLEMAN: I was getting to it—18 seconds into the answer. Indeed, my observation is—
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, allow the minister to answer the question.
MR GENTLEMAN: the landscaping provisions do require real grass and real plants for landscaping purposes on a number of occasions. But I would imagine there would be some negotiation where proponents would want to use artificial grass.
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