Page 3261 - Week 12 - Thursday, 19 November 1992
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I think that says a great deal for their own interest in that land on which they live and work. Indeed, the report has been well received not only by the rural lessees but also by the environmentalists. I think that says a great deal about the quality of the report and it is certainly a factor in our response to it.
There was comment from both speakers about the eastern grey kangaroos and the effect they may be having. I will keep an open mind on that. I will talk again with the park rangers and those who survey these things and have an interest. It is my understanding that there is no real evidence to suggest that there is a problem. If we are to undertake research, there is no small number of other areas of higher priority; but I will not close that off.
As for the railway line, I will undertake to talk again about that. You dragged me into that quite well, Mr Moore. Maybe I have compromised my position by way of my interjections. It certainly is the case that the railway line is outside ACT territory and we have to be very cautious - I am not suggesting that you have any other thought - about approaching New South Wales and saying that the railway line has to stay. We need to be sensitive in our relations. I would not want the New South Wales Government to be making strong suggestions as to what we should do in some parts of Canberra that are also adjacent to the border. It is a matter of concern. I will talk about it informally at this stage, perhaps with the Heritage Committee, and see what might happen with that.
Mr De Domenico asked about a timeframe. We are moving on all these things. I believe that negotiations have commenced with the Rural Lessees Association on a range of matters. I met their representatives about a month ago and had a very fruitful discussion about how we might proceed. We are going down that track. Legislation that may become necessary as a result of this - legislation to acquire land - will be prepared to overcome any problem that may emerge as a result of this. We are moving on it. I cannot give a precise timetable on each item. I do not think that is necessary or is asked for. It remains high on the priorities list, obviously, of the committee and of the Government, and I can assure you that we are moving quite properly, with all necessary dispatch, to conclude these arrangements.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
TOURISM
Ministerial Statement
Debate resumed from 21 October 1992, on motion by Ms Follett:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
MR DE DOMENICO (11.50): I am delighted to stand up and talk to the statement presented by the Chief Minister as Minister for tourism the other week. I would like to make some very brief comments, Mr Deputy Speaker, because I think enough was said yesterday in terms of the tourism situation. I would like to comment briefly on what the Chief Minister said about the National Tourism Awards. They were a delight to attend. It seems to me, Mr Deputy Speaker, as a former chairman of the local ACT Tourism Awards, that the awards seem to get bigger and bigger every year as the chairmen get taller and taller. That is one thing on which I can remark.
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