Page 2632 - Week 07 - Thursday, 2 August 2018
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investment can help prevent the cycle of homelessness and get more people into secure housing. This year’s budget is delivering on the government’s commitment to support public housing and people who are experiencing homelessness.
Land—Molonglo stage 3
MS LEE: My question is to the minister for planning and environment: in May you signed off on an exemption for an environmental impact study for Molonglo stage 3 despite concerns over sewage contamination and explosive ordnance waste. Last year the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment stated she was uncomfortable with moves to exclude the same project from the environmental impact statement process. Minister, why did you decide to exempt Molonglo stage 3 from the EIS process despite concerns over sewage contamination and explosive ordnance waste?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Lee for the question. It is an important question as we look at future planning for Canberra and the use of previous studies in the area. That is the reason for the decision. The Molonglo River reserve, of course, is a new reserve comprising about 1,280 hectares that follow the river from Scrivener Dam downstream. The draft plan describes the values of the Molonglo River reserve and defines objectives. Consultation on the plan concluded on 23 March this year and submissions received during the consultation period are being reviewed.
In regard specifically to environmental impact statements and the opportunity to look at prior work, the directorate gives me the opportunity to look at all the prior work that occurred in the area to inform me on whether or not an EIS exemption can be granted. It is probably not very good terminology to call it an EIS exemption because, really, it looks at all the previous environmental study work that has occurred. If you like, the work has been done, and that is why we can give that terminology and allow development to go forward.
MS LEE: Minister, have you received correspondence or a briefing from the commissioner about proposals to exempt Molonglo stage 3 from the EIS process, and what was your response?
MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, we did have a briefing, more on the whole area, and the study that the commissioner has been doing. Indeed she brought up some concerns that she had about previous study recognition. We have taken those on board, and we will be responding to that in the near future.
MR HANSON: Minister, will you table the documents related to the decision to exempt Molonglo stage 3 from an EIS in the Assembly by the end of today?
MR GENTLEMAN: I think I have already outlined those documents. If there is further information I am happy to bring it to the Assembly.
Floriade—financial management
MRS KIKKERT: My question is to the Minister for Tourism and Major Events. I refer to media reports of 23 June about significant financial management issues with
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