Page 212 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 13 February 1991

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winter that there would be inadequate heating? What operating funds have been allocated for the operation of that autistic children's unit? Finally, if these situations are correct, what can be done?

MR HUMPHRIES: I am grateful to Mr Stevenson for raising this matter. I certainly was not aware of any problems experienced by that unit at Hughes. To my knowledge it has not been raised with me or with my department by any of the parents there. Clearly, there is some concern and I assume that that has been conveyed to Mr Stevenson. That is why he asked this question. I am very happy to investigate that matter and report back to Mr Stevenson and the Assembly as soon as possible.

School Closures

MR STEFANIAK: My question is to the Chief Minister. Following some concerns expressed in recent days about the schools situation, I wonder whether the Chief Minister could tell us what the current situation is regarding the surplus schools that were closed by the Commonwealth Labor Government back in 1988.

MR KAINE: The disposal of those schools is proceeding satisfactorily. Perhaps I should take them one by one. The approved planning policy for the Fisher Primary School, for example, and the grounds there provides for medium density housing and open space retention in that area. We did receive expressions of interest for that area to be developed as an aged persons retirement village. There is a proposal under consideration and the Government expects a lease to be awarded for that very shortly. Fisher Primary School has proved to be an area that has attracted some interest for that purpose.

The buildings of the Pearce Primary School are to be used for unsubsidised community use, and the grounds are to be developed for medium density housing. I do not think there has been any secret of that. Public open space and tree planting will be provided along the south-eastern boundary of the school ground to preserve the essential current amenity of residents whose dwellings adjoin those grounds. There was concern expressed that developing that area would cause some difficulty for the residents already there. We have taken care of that matter.

Page Primary School will be developed for medium density housing. There will be some open space there. There is an approved policy plan for that which is available if anybody wants to see it. It may be of interest to know that both the Pearce and Page primary school sites were sold recently; in fact, on 6 December. The Pearce site brought $1.02m and the Page site, $1.1m.


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