Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 8 Hansard (21 August) . . Page.. 3103 ..


social behaviour occurred late at night. The vast majority of this behaviour was undertaken by persons who entered the area in a vehicle.

(3) No meaningful statistics are available due to the short period of time that the access restrictions have been in force, combined with the disruption to normal patterns of visitation in the aftermath of the January bushfires.


The sub-contractors responsible for maintenance of Pine Island visitor facilities have not reported any major damage from vandalism since the restrictions were introduced, though minor acts of vandalism such as graffiti have occurred.


The level of drug and alcohol use is difficult to determine. There has been a large reduction in the number of used syringes found by the sub-contractors in the course of their duties, providing indirect evidence of the reduction. The access restrictions have prevented car-based groups (often using drugs and alcohol) from gathering in the reserve at night.


Neither Environment ACT nor the maintenance sub-contractors are aware of any violent acts within Pine Island since the access restrictions were introduced. The Police have not advised of any incidents.

(4) As in answer number 1, the restriction is still in place.

Vintage Cellars, Oaks Estate

(Question No 785)

Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for Planning, upon notice:

In relation to lease of premises at 4 McEwan Avenue, Oaks Estate, known as Vintage Cellars:

(1) What were the lease arrangements pertaining prior to the issuing of the 1981 lease;

(2) Is the Government satisfied that there has been historical consistency in the lease provisions and their enforcement;

(3) Can a change-of-use charge be levied on a business that has been in operation for 40 years;

(4) What discretionary powers can be exercised to ensure that the existing owners are not held liable for previous mistakes not of their own making;

(5) What efforts are being made by PALM to resolve this matter equitably and in a manner that does not penalise the owners.

Mr Corbell

: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

(1) The Commonwealth acquired the freehold of the above premises on 15 January 1974. The former owner accepted outright compensation in full settlement of his claim on 16 February 1977.



Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .