Page 2880 - Week 13 - Thursday, 23 November 1989
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Matters for which the commissioner is to assume responsibility under the Act include the determination and redetermination of unimproved values of land and the recording and notification to owners of the values; the assessment of rates and land tax; the enforcement of rates and land tax payments provisions; and the remission of interest on unpaid rates and land tax in appropriate circumstances.
The amendments do not affect the Minister's powers to exempt an owner from the payment of rates and land tax; refund or remit amounts of rates and land tax; determine the rate of discount for the payment of rates in full; or determine the rate of interest on unpaid rates and land tax. I now present the explanatory memorandum to the Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Kaine) adjourned.
CONSERVATION, HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT - STANDING COMMITTEE
Reference
MRS GRASSBY (Minister for Housing and Urban Services) (10.35): I move:
That the following matter be referred to the Standing Committee on Conservation, Heritage and Environment for inquiry and report -
The future use of the tracking stations in Namadgi National Park.
Mr Speaker, members will be aware that two deep space tracking stations located in the ACT played a major role in the United States' space exploration program. When the space program ended, the tracking stations were handed over to the then Commonwealth Government free of charge. They are now an ACT responsibility.
I wish to bring to members' attention the current state of disrepair of these facilities and the need to make a decision about the future of these facilities. I have moved a motion to have the House of Assembly Standing Committee on Conservation, Heritage and Environment conduct an inquiry and make recommendations on the future of the tracking stations.
The buildings are in a state of gross disrepair. Vandals have smashed windows, damaged doors and walls, and ripped up floorboards, while copper piping and even bricks have been stolen. This, coupled with the possible presence of asbestos and other dangerous chemicals and structures in the buildings, makes them a substantial health hazard. Since the completion of the Apollo program, the Namadgi National Park has been established, and these two sites now represent a safety hazard to park visitors and an eyesore in the national park.
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