Page 2301 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 5 June 2013

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MS PORTER: Minister, how does the Tuggeranong fire station fit into the broader station relocation strategy and what has been the progress to date on other elements of the strategy?

MR CORBELL: An extensive analysis has been undertaken into where ambulance and fire stations need to be located across the territory for the next 20 years. This analysis identified options as to where new ESA stations need to be located to meet current and projected demand based on existing population growth and settlement patterns. In 2011 I released the strategy and implementation plan and announced the commencement of community consultation on phase 1, which is the proposal to locate ESA stations in Charnwood, Aranda and Calwell-Condor.

I recently, as I intimated in my last answer, tabled territory plan variations in the Assembly for re-zoning of land in Aranda and in south Tuggeranong. We are now able to proceed with construction on these sites because of the success of that re-zoning exercise. An amount of $1.65 million was allocated in last year’s budget for due diligence assessments related to new or improved facilities in Fyshwick, Calwell, Greenway, Gungahlin, Pialligo and the city centre area. The due diligence and forward design components of phase 1 of the strategy have now been completed and this is informing phase 2 of the strategy.

Last year the government allocated $21.318 million for the construction of the new collocated ambulance and fire station in Charnwood. The new station is the first in a series of steps to deliver on our commitment to improve and relocate our stations to make sure that we have the fire and ambulance cover our community needs. After an open tender process last year, Manteena was awarded the contract to construct Charnwood and that project is now well underway. (Time expired.)

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Seselja.

MR SESELJA: Minister, given the cost blowouts and problems with the ESA headquarters and the Jerrabomberra fire shed, how will you avoid those problems with this fire station, and can you confirm that this fire station will be big enough to have fire trucks driving in and out?

MR CORBELL: I am very pleased to confirm to members that the members of the Jerrabomberra brigade can quite adequately park and open their vehicles in their shed, as constructed. I am happy to provide photos to Mr Seselja if he is in any doubt. I can also advise members that the Charnwood fire station is both on time and on budget and I look forward to its delivery in the coming months.

Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.

Supplementary answer to question without notice

Health—budget

MS GALLAGHER: I have one matter out of question time. I sold the Health Directorate’s management of elective surgery short; the waiting list is down to 4,035, not 4,700 as I said.


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