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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 8 Hansard (31 August) . . Page.. 2751 ..
MS CARNELL (continuing):
You annotated the last update brief with a note expressing your concern about bringing turf from Cairns to Canberra would not work because the grass would burn off. That concern was raised by others early in our planning for a turf replacement program. The issues around acclimatisation were put to a highly regarded turf horticulturist, Keith McIntyre, who we engaged to consult with us on the replacement program.
He has advised that as long as the turf from Cairns comprises a base grass of couch oversown with a cold climate rye-grass, the issue of acclimatisation is overcome. This is because rye-grass can withstand quite large variations in temperature. It is a cool climate grass species. We have arranged for a very thick oversowing of the base with rye-grass so it will be this grass that provides the main cover and colour. The growing conditions at the moment in Cairns are not extreme, with quite cool night-time temperatures. The base couch grass will be well developed and it will provide the cushioning and feel of the surface.
Mr Corbell: What is the date of that, 1 April?
MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, I understood that you had already warned Mr Corbell.
MR SPEAKER: Order, please! The Chief Minister is explaining a matter of some importance to the people of the ACT. I think the opposition can stop making a joke of the whole thing.
MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, you have already warned Mr Corbell.
MR SPEAKER: I have already warned Mr Corbell. There will be a few other members over there who will be warned very shortly.
MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, it is interesting because those opposite do not like the truth, obviously.
Mr Kaine: You can always spray-paint it green.
Mr Hargreaves: Somebody has grassed on us.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Chief Minister.
MS CARNELL: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The brief continues:
Given the fact that the need for substantial replacement became apparent as late as June (following the snow in May) there was only one way to get the required turf to grow in time, that is in a warm climate. I wish to assure you that expert advice has been sought and the risks have been assessed. We will make the decisions concerning the extent of replacement to be undertaken at the end of this month.
Mr Speaker, we have talked about ministerial responsibility. I actually believe it is the role of the minister to question issues like turf from Cairns, which I did in the brief that was provided to me at the end of June, or before the end of June. Yes, that particular brief is about the end of June 2000. So, yes, Mr Speaker, I questioned it, and that is the response. That response is dated 21 July. That is ministerial responsibility-to question;
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