Page 2364 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 16 September 1992
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MR BERRY: The Racecourse Development Fund would be providing the backing for that sort of approach. I presume that the - - -
Mr De Domenico: You are the Minister.
MR BERRY: We have indicated to the Racing Club that we will provide support for that interest. One option that was considered in the past was the SLISS program, but I do not think all options are closed at this point. It is clear that the Racing Club will have to borrow some money to complete the project.
Mr De Domenico: How much?
MR BERRY: I think the overall project is a little over $2m. I do not have the exact figures in front of me right now. There will be an interest obligation, and we have said that we will give support to the Racing Club. On issues of principle, I think that is the way to deal with it. The Racecourse Development Fund did not have the money to fund the whole project and they wanted to get on with it. The interest that is paid by the club will be supported.
Commissioner for the Environment
MRS GRASSBY: My question is to the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning. In yesterday's budget the Government announced that a new position of Commissioner for the Environment would be established. How will the Canberra community benefit from this initiative, and when will the commissioner's position be filled?
Mr Kaine: "And can I have the job?".
MR WOOD: To answer the second part of the question first, we will provide a good officer to do that job, so I think we have just ruled Mr Kaine out. We are not satisfied with his environmental credentials; and, secondly, we do not want to get rid of him. We are very happy with you, Mr Kaine.
Mr Kaine: I know. It is because I am full of charm and personality. That is why you like to have me here.
MR WOOD: That is debatable, Mr Kaine. Initially, the position will probably be filled in an administrative way with a permanent officer, before we get legislation up, so that we can act quickly on this and have it all in place. Canberra is very proud and careful of its environment. I believe that our environment is good. We have to do more than simply maintain it; I believe that we have to improve that environment.
The commissioner will, very broadly - I will not get into all the detail - hear complaints about the environment, where people have concerns about what is happening. He or she will deliver an annual report on the state of the environment and will further issue reports on specific and important matters as he or she considers appropriate or as directed by the Government. I table a document concerning the Commissioner for the Environment so that members may see it and comment. I am making this document widely available in the community as we draw up the legislation.
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