Page 1948 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 23 June 2021

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it focuses on long-term planning rather than providing quick fixes, but we have commenced implementing the first phase of actions. I am pleased to say that the implementation of all 10 actions in the first phase is underway.

MS CLAY: Will that implementation of the Entertainment Action Plan or environmental authorisations ensure that festivals like the National Multicultural Festival will not risk closure if those in newly built hotels and apartments lodge noise complaints?

MR GENTLEMAN: That will be a matter for the EPA at the particular time of looking at the permit, but I can say that we have the first phase underway. We have seven actions now completed, including a case study of a trial entertainment area in the city centre, we have investigated options for soundproofing venues to protect existing activity and consideration of noise levels and noise attenuation requirements in entertainment areas, and a review of noise information available on the Access Canberra website.

MR DAVIS: Minister, as part of phase 1, the plan was to trial a temporary special entertainment area in the city centre. When will that trial go ahead?

MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Davis for the question. As we heard earlier, the trial has been delayed somewhat due to COVID restrictions. As soon as the health officer gives us advice, we will be able to look at that.

Housing ACT—complaints

MRS KIKKERT: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. Minister, the Canberra Liberals constantly receive complaints about inaction by Housing ACT, Programmed facilities management and your office. We try and speak to all constituents who complain. Minister, how many times this term have you personally visited public housing residents, other than those brought to your attention by the shadow minister for housing and homelessness?

MS BERRY: I would have to check on the number of times that I have visited public housing properties but, as minister, I am regularly visiting to-be-built, post-built or existing public housing properties. I will take on that detail and provide advice to the Assembly.

MRS KIKKERT: Minister, what feedback do you receive from these constituents when you do visit them?

MS BERRY: Very positive feedback. The ACT government is currently going through a significant growth and renewal program in the ACT, which is about making sure that older homes in the ACT are changed and renewed and upgraded to ensure that they are more sustainable and affordable for public housing tenants to move into. They are very happy in their new environment. That is what the whole program is about. By the end of the program, we will have renewed 20 per cent of our public housing property in the ACT so that it better meets the needs of our tenants.


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