Page 977 - Week 03 - Thursday, 19 March 2015

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Answers to questions

Legislative Assembly—presentation costs
(Question No 364)

Mr Coe asked the Minister for Planning, upon notice, on 11 February 2015:

(1) What was the total cost of the presentation by Jan Gehl Hon FAIA held at the Legislative Assembly on 5 February 2015 including (a) speaking fee, (b) transport, (c) accommodation, (d) incidentals and (e) any other costs associated with the presentation.

(2) What other projects has the ACT Government engaged Mr Gehl to work on since 1 January 2013.

(3) What is the cost of the projects in part (2).

Mr Gentleman: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) The total cost of the presentation by Jan Gehl Hon FAIA held at the Legislative Assembly and attended by 140 people on 5 February 2015 was $3917.80.

(a) The ACT Government did not pay a speaking fee to Jan Gehl.

(b) The ACT Government paid a $2000 contribution towards Mr Gehl’s travel costs.

(c) The ACT Government paid for two night’s accommodation in Canberra at a cost
of $590.00.

(d) Incidentals $1116.80.

(e) Hire of the Reception Room at the ACT Legislative Assembly and its facilities
cost $211.00.

(2) The ACT Government has not engaged Jan Gehl Hon FAIA to work on any projects since 1 January 2013.

Jan Gehl did give a second presentation on 6 February 2015 to 45 ACT Government staff from the Environment and Planning Directorate, Territory and Municipal Services, Land Development Agency and Capital Metro Agency. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session.

This second presentation was delivered at Quality Hotel Dickson at a cost of $670.00 for venue hire. There were no other costs associated with this second presentation.

(3) Nil costs.

Jan Gehl’s visit to Canberra was initiated and authorised by the Director-General EDP as it was directly relevant to the work of the ACT in relation to climate change adaptation, town centre master planning and active travel (walking and cycling). Jan Gehl is an internationally recognised expert in urban planning and design, credited with helping to generate the cycling culture of Copenhagen. The ACT was able to take advantage of the fact that the NSW Government had organised for him to be in Australia and undertaking work in Sydney and Wollongong. I attach a copy of Jan Gehl’s citation in Wikipedia for information of the member.

(A copy of the attachment is available at the Chamber Support Office).


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