Page 942 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 29 March 2011

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MS BURCH: I ask my department questions; I expect honest and fair replies. If there is an allegation seeping from over there that my department is in some way not providing information to me—that is, giving me incorrect information—I take that as a slight on all the good work that the executive of my department do, from the chief executive, from the assistant chief executive, to the newly appointed executive director of the office for children and young people. She has come into this job in a very challenging time. She has risen to the occasion. She has been in no doubt about the demand that I have on the department to ensure that safety, wellbeing and restorative programs are in place in Bimberi. That is what this government and this department will do.

Planning—rural leases

MS BRESNAN: My question is to the Minister for Planning and concerns the length of rural leases in the Naas Valley, south of Tharwa. Minister, there are many residents in the Naas Valley who were unable to get 99-year leases previously, as there were plans for building the Tennent Dam in the valley. Now that the Cotter Dam is being built and Mark Sullivan, CEO of Actew, has now stated that the Tennent Dam is no longer necessary for Canberra’s water supply, why are these rural leaseholders only being given 20-year leases?

MR BARR: I will need to take some advice on that. I understand there are a number of issues that are pertinent there. I do not have that information in front of me now. I will take advice on that and provide an answer to the Assembly.

MR SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Bresnan?

MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, what information has Actew given ACTPLA about the need to maintain the option of building a dam in the Naas Valley?

MR BARR: I will need to find out from the Planning and Land Authority I do not have that information in front of me.

MS HUNTER: Supplementary, Mr Speaker?

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Hunter.

MS HUNTER: Minister, is ACTPLA aware of the inappropriate hydrogeology of the Naas valley site for water storage, and what plans does ACTPLA have for the area?

MR BARR: I do not believe this is a matter for ACTPLA, Mr Speaker.

MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary.

MR SPEAKER: Ms Le Couteur, a supplementary?


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