Page 988 - Week 03 - Thursday, 23 March 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
need of significant upgrade. What progress, if any, has been made on the upgrade of the Gugan Gulwan facilities?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Milligan for his question. Of course, this issue was raised in the annual report hearings. It is an ongoing issue, and it has been an ongoing issue over a number of years. I am certainly aware of that.
I met with Gugan Gulwan on 7 December 2016, and that issue was raised with me by Ms Davison. Gugan Gulwan has advised Property Group that they require a location near transport links and in reasonable proximity to their current facility in Tuggeranong; outdoor space to allow children and babies to participate in the programs; and sole tenancy of a property. Those were the requirements that they had previously articulated.
On return from my meeting with Gugan Gulwan, I requested that the Community Services Directorate get in touch with Property Group and with Gugan Gulwan to ensure that Gugan Gulwan fully understood what Property Group needed from them in terms of information so that they could continue to progress this request. I understand that progress is now being made on that matter.
MR MILLIGAN: Minister, what consideration, if any, has been given to a new purpose-built premises for this important service?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Milligan for his supplementary question. At the moment and up until this point the focus has been on identifying an existing property that would be appropriate for Gugan Gulwan. I am not in a position to say whether previously any consideration had been given to a purpose-built facility. At the moment the focus is definitely on finding an appropriate property within the existing Property Group managed properties.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, how long do you expect that this community organisation will survive without proper facilities to operate its programs?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mrs Dunne for her supplementary question. Certainly I am aware that Gugan Gulwan has raised some concerns about its current facilities, but those concerns are managed on an ongoing basis with Property Group while the search for a new premises continues. I expect that that will continue to be the case. As I have said, I understand that progress is being made on finding a new home for Gugan Gulwan.
Woden town centre—renewal
MS CODY: Chief Minister, can you please provide an update to the Assembly on what steps the government is taking to encourage renewal of the Woden town centre?
MR BARR: I thank Ms Cody for the question. It is with great pleasure that I can announce a series of ACT government commitments to the Woden town centre, not least of which has been the positive actions that my government has taken to fill the terrible void that has been left by those opposite and their colleagues up on Capital
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video