Page 2342 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 12 August 2014
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but addresses only automated energy settings and user behaviour. We can only assume from the limited information we have received that whilst this government talks about investing in a more efficient government the lack of detail provided proves otherwise.
Moving on to the portfolio of sport and recreation, it has always been a difficult area to examine in the estimates process. It always appears to be a second-tier issue and little time is allocated to discussion of sports-related issues. Yet sport is something that is clearly identified in the everyday lives of Canberrans. In recent years, the now former Minister for Sport and Recreation has been pleased to herald his successes at the national and international sports levels. We have spent millions of dollars upgrading Manuka Oval to get into international one-day cricket matches, and we have recently heard of the prospect of international tennis matches coming to an upgraded Lyneham tennis facility. Less popular, I suspect, is the money being directed to six new, purpose-built beach volleyball courts, apparently in response to the huge and growing demand for the sport in Canberra. I will be very interested to see that demand and how big the growth is, Mr Barr.
Given the overworked ovals and rundown courts in all codes of football, hockey, baseball, softball, little athletics and netball, not to mention the state of some our swimming pools and local tennis courts, I know many sports followers are somewhat bemused and angry about the need for Canberra to have international standard beach volleyball courts as opposed to services that so drastically need upgrade within our community. Perhaps it is all part of a secret plan the Treasurer is hatching to pitch for the Olympics in a decade’s time. Anything is possible with you, Mr Barr.
I welcome the appointment of Mr Rattenbury to the sports portfolio. I am hopeful with his interest in local sports that we may start to have more of a local focus on sports than we have previously seen in this place. As I have laboured the point in this place and now direct it to our Greens sports minister, I remain concerned about the use of diesel line markings on our sports grounds. I get approached about it on a regular basis and I would be surprised if those same people had not at some stage made a formal complaint to this government.
I note the recommendation in the estimates committee report for the government to detail any cost of using diesel line markings on ACT ovals, including the restoration of damage caused by its use. It is not just physical damage to users of local grounds as a result of the indents and rutting but also the environmental damage caused by the diesel. (Second speaking period taken.) I have heard the arguments about cost effectiveness vis-a-vis paint, but when local grounds and local councils all around New South Wales no longer use diesel, one has to ask why they can afford it and see it as important when the ACT government does not.
There are always ongoing arguments about local sports grounds and the substandard facilities local sports clubs are required to use and pay for. I know last year the directorate’s quick grab for increased hire rates was met with widespread criticism, and it was pleasing to see the minister back down. I trust that future ground hire fee increases are preceded by appropriate consultation from the new minister for sport. It is difficult to explain to a local sports club that has to run sausage sizzles and sell
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