Page 4650 - Week 12 - Thursday, 15 October 2009

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The review was necessary because of changes to parking arrangements close to the Floriade site.

In response to Question 4, the scope of the services provided was changed so that appropriate security, signage, traffic management and public advice of the changes involved could be communicated.

B)Light Rail System Feasibility Study

The Treasurers Advance funding contributed $0.170m toward the cost of this project.

In response to Question 1, see table above.

In response to Question 2, see table above.

In response to Question 3, access to Treasurer’s Advance was agreed as the necessity for progressing the project fell outside the budget cycle. Stage One of the project involved the preparation of a business case to inform the light rail aspects of the ACT’s submission to the Infrastructure Australia Audit.

In response to Question 4, the scope of the services provided was changed as the consultant was required to undertake additional work associated with transport modelling for the project at the request of the Department of Treasury.

C)Parks, Conservation and Lands - Maintaining Service Levels

In response to Questions 1 and 2, the budgeted cost of delivering services under Output 1.4 Land Management, at levels consistent with the 2007-08 year, indicated that a projected cash shortfall of $6.721m could be expected. The projected shortfall was primarily due to a wide range of increases in price and growth in areas to be managed. The increase in price was projected to occur in the areas of: employee expenses; contract staff; vehicle and equipment leasing; and contracted services. The growth in area and assets managed results primarily from the urban open space, parks, playgrounds, trees, and related community infrastructure received from green field development.

The projected short fall of $6.721m was reduced to $4.218m during the year due to significant fiscal restraint and a one off gain related to the sale of standing timber at Fairbairn.

In response to Question 3, spending was budgeted initially however the quantum at year end could not be deduced until the outcomes of fiscal restraint and revenue initiatives were known.

In response to Question 4, the scope of the services provided was changed in a number of areas to reflect the need for fiscal restraint.

D)Management of Civic and Tuggeranong Pools

In response to Questions 1 and 2, during the 2008-09 financial year both the Canberra Olympic Pool and the Lakeside Leisure Centre were closed for refurbishment works funded via the capital works program. In addition a competing gym facility opened next to the Lakeside Leisure Centre. A payment was made to meet the estimated reduction in revenue and adjustment to costs as a result of the refurbishment closures, and the loss of revenue due to direct competition. The payment was timed to provide supplementation while negotiations were undertaken.


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