Page 3819 - Week 13 - Thursday, 18 October 1990
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MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I cannot answer Mrs Grassby's question without taking that on notice. The number of school places would be available in the document that was issued - well, it would be extrapolated from that document - at the time of the budget. I am happy to take that question on notice and supply Mrs Grassby with the answer.
Belconnen Skateboard Park
MR STEFANIAK: My question is to the Minister for Finance and Urban Services, Mr Duby. A number of people have expressed to me some concern as to when the skateboard park in Belconnen will be constructed and be available for use? Would you be able to tell me when that facility will now be constructed and when it will be able to be used?
MR DUBY: I thank Mr Stefaniak for the question. I know Mr Stefaniak's concerns in this matter because of his interest in complaints that have been received around the city about young people who use skateboards in shopping centres and public places. I am pleased to advise that the Belconnen skateboard park, which is an exciting complex designed to cater for skateboarders of all categories of skills, was originally estimated to be completed at the end of this month. However, there have been delays due to wet weather and the fill nature of the site. I am assured that the first stage is now expected to be completed by the beginning of December in time to be used for the Christmas school holidays.
It must be remembered that the vast majority of people who use facilities like this are teenagers and young people, and many of them still attend schools and colleges. It is at that time of year that they probably pose the greatest threat to pedestrians in public areas.
The first stage, as I said, is due to be completed at the beginning of Christmas, in time for school holidays. That stage includes structures such as a three-metre high steel and timber construction called a half pipe, a two-metre recessed concrete bowl called a donut, the concrete snake run and a flat street skating area. I am very pleased to announce that a contract is about to be let to construct a performance bowl. That facility will ensure that interstate competitions and international skateboard demonstrations will be able to be held at the park, thus putting Canberra on the list of international and national skateboarding venues. The construction of the performance bowl will not interfere with the continuing use of the first stage of the park to cater for the young people of the area and, indeed, of the city. Landscaping work is also to be undertaken and this will be commenced early next year.
Mr Berry: Come on, that is enough.
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