Page 4057 - Week 13 - Thursday, 10 November 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
MR WOOD: Madam Speaker, rather than rely on memory in that instance I will check the records on what consultancies were used and what payments were made. Certainly, that Sydney based firm did have a heavy involvement in design because of their expertise.
Sport and Recreation Grants
MR BERRY: My question is directed to the Deputy Chief Minister in his capacity as Minister for Sport. Minister, could you advise the Assembly of progress which is being made towards the announcement of funding under the ACT sport and recreation grants program for 1995?
MR LAMONT: I thank Mr Berry for his question, Madam Speaker. I am currently considering the recommendations of the ACT Sport and Recreation Council. Sports grants, with the agreement of sport, traditionally have been paid on a calendar year basis. Early this year, at the behest of ACTSport, my predecessor requested that the grants evaluation process and announcements be brought forward to allow sports extra time for planning into the following year. I have worked with my council to ensure that this request is met. I am able to advise that I will be announcing details of funding for 1995 within the next two weeks. Madam Speaker, 141 organisations have sought assistance from this program, and the funding which I will announce will reflect the Government's commitment to assisting sport and recreation organisations in developing planning strategies for the future.
Sport and recreational activities are an integral part of our business and community life, and it is essential that those in charge of our sport and recreational organisations are fully equipped and trained for planning towards the year 2000 and beyond. In striving to make Canberra the sports capital of Australia, it is important that the Government encourage sport and recreation groups to develop self-help and self-sustaining organisations and programs which rely less on government handouts and more on providing innovative and cost-effective ways of encouraging local as well as visiting tourists' participation. The Government will be working in partnership with ACTSport and the Sport and Recreation Council to conduct a major planning and development seminar in 1995.
Madam Speaker, in real terms, the Government has increased funding to the grants program by almost 9 per cent. Special access programs for women, the disabled and active girls will continue into 1995. The volunteer involvement program initiated last year will continue, with the Government encouraging sport and recreational organisations into self-help and self-development projects. These three strategies signify the Government's ongoing commitment to the development of sport and recreation opportunities for Canberra citizens. They also emphasise the importance of cohesive partnerships as we plan for the future. The integration of well-developed programs and sensibly designed facilities will help to identify Canberra as Australia's true sporting capital, Madam Speaker.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .