Page 734 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 1 May 2007
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housing development at west Macgregor and, perhaps, in response to the government’s concern that its continued existence may compromise the ACT’s UNESCO biosphere proposal. My question to the minister is: has Pace Farm contacted the ACT government about a compensation package in the event of its closure? If so, what stage have the negotiations reached?
MR STANHOPE: I thank Dr Foskey for the question. To respond to your question, after question time today I will seek more direct information as to whether the ACT government or any agency or part of it has been involved in negotiations in relation to the egg farm. I am not aware of any. I am not aware of any suggestion that there is any concern that the location of an egg farm at Parkwood in any way impacts on, or is affected by, residential development or proposed development at west Macgregor. I know of absolutely no concern from within government or by the owners and operators of that facility.
I read the report in the Canberra Times. I must say I have not followed up on it, but I read it and was surprised by it because it had never been brought to my attention. Subsequent to that particular newspaper report, I have not received a briefing on it. I am not able to say that no such contact was made or that no such concern has been expressed, but none have been brought to my attention and I am not aware of any. I was reasonably closely involved with the development proposals in relation to west Macgregor. This is an issue that would have been brought to my attention, and I can tell you that it was not.
In response to your question, Dr Foskey, I will seek some additional advice because it may be that there are officers within the ACT public service that have been involved in conversations. But I can say to you that I have not received any information. I have not had a single conversation where the issue was raised. I am not aware of any concerns and I cannot imagine that they would be valid or relevant. The distance between west Macgregor and the chook farm is even further than between Jerrabomberra and the jail.
My colleague Mr Gentleman may have some more up-to-date information about the implications of a UNESCO biosphere incorporating a chook farm, but I am not aware that that would be an inhibiting factor. If it were, I would abandon the biosphere reserve proposal rather than abandoning the chook farm.
It is interesting to note that Parkwood eggs, whilst only one of the 88 rural producers in the Australian Capital Territory, actually produces in dollar terms exactly 50 per cent of our agricultural output. It is a very significant and important part of our rural industry or collective. We have 88 rural producers, and the largest and most significant rural producer in the Australian Capital Territory is our very own chook farm. It is an important part of our industry and I am very supportive of it. I am not aware of any concerns at all about its continued existence. But I will follow this up and provide Dr Foskey with any other information that there may be.
DR FOSKEY: I ask a supplementary question. Is the Chief Minister aware that an earlier Labor government actually passed legislation which, had it been endorsed by other states and territories, would have outlawed both the production and sale of farm eggs? You seem to be going back on that commitment.
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