Page 2230 - Week 06 - Monday, 11 May 2009
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(i.e. carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, lead and particles) in Australia.
In relation to particles, the national standard requires monitoring and reporting of results for particles that are 10 micrometres in diameter (PM10). Due to new scientific findings concerning health effects of PM2.5, the national standard was varied in 2003 to add an advisory reporting standard for PM2.5, which does not have a timeframe for compliance associated with it (i.e. this is a temporary standard and jurisdictions do not have obligations to comply with it). The goal was to gather sufficient data nationally to facilitate a review of the national standard, which is currently underway.
I am advised that the national standards were set on the basis of available scientific studies of air quality and human health. Australian conditions (i.e. climate, geography and demographics) were taken into account in estimating the likely exposure of Australians to these major air pollutants. The national standard requires jurisdictions to monitor levels of the six specified air pollutants and report on their performance concerning the reduction of these levels. The national standard does not give a safe or unsafe level guide for air pollutants including particulates. I am advised that there is insufficient scientific evidence to suggest a threshold below which no adverse health effects may occur. Consequently, the ACT Government does not declare any level as safe or otherwise in relation to PM2.5.
(4) ACT Health continues to monitor PM2.5 fraction at the ACT Health Monash air quality monitoring site.
Marlow Cottage—refurbishment
(Question No 161)
Ms Hunter asked the Minister for Children and Young People, upon notice, on 2 April 2009:
Has work commenced on the refurbishment of Marlow Cottage as a Therapeutic Unit for children and young people with high and complex needs; if so, when will it be completed.
Mr Barr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Yes, construction has commenced. The estimated completion date is late June 2009.
Planning—code track systems
(Question Nos 162 and 163)
Mr Seselja asked the Minister for Planning, upon notice, on 2 April 2009:
(1) In relation to the code track system, (a) how many applications are currently in the code track system, (b) how many applications have been processed since 1 January 2009 and how many of these were (i) approved and (ii) rejected, (c) what is the current average time for an application in the code track system to be approved and what was the average time in 2008, and (d) what is the (i) total and (ii) average value of applications currently in the code track system.
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