Page 2498 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 31 July 2019
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soccer community. Following a complaint from a resident in December last year this community asset has remained in the dark, despite light emissions being well below the allowable limits. Minister, why is the government using heavy-handed tactics and threatening fines of up to $20,000 on a Canberra sports club?
MR RAMSAY: I will take that question in my capacity as minister for regulatory services, noting of course that the work of the Environment Protection Authority has been strong with the McKellar oval and with the Belconnen Soccer Club. There was, I know, an article published about it referring to two particular complaints. The EPA has been active in working with the Belconnen Soccer Club.
It is important to note that there are no regulatory impediments that prevent the use of the lights. The use of the lights is a business decision for the Belconnen Soccer Club and it is not a decision of the regulatory authority, nor have there been any threats, as has just been alleged by the opposition. The EPA does not engage in threats, and I invite the opposition to withdraw that allegation. That is an outrageous allegation against the very capable and committed members of our EPA.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, will there be similar restrictions, warnings or anything similar on the new $20 million “home of football” to be constructed in Throsby?
MR RAMSAY: There is a hypothetical basis for the question. The EPA works on matters that are drawn to its attention, as was the case with the Belconnen Soccer Club. As I say, there are no regulatory impediments at all in place in relation to the use of the McKellar oval. I do not see that there is any advantage in speculating about future work for the very important work that is happening at the home of football.
MR MILLIGAN: Minister, can you give an assurance that the Belconnen Soccer Club will be able to use the ground at night and turn on their lights for matches held at Belconnen?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Milligan for the second supplementary and for the opportunity to repeat something I have just answered in both the primary question and the first supplementary question, that is: there are no regulatory impediments to the use of the lights at the Belconnen Soccer Club. The use of the lights is a business decision for the soccer club.
Transport Canberra—south side bus services
MR PARTON: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, I refer to a Canberra Times article dated 17 July 2019 titled “We’re the forgotten people of the south: bus changes opposition heats up.” Minister, why have so many south side residents lost their local bus services?
MR STEEL: I thank Mr Parton for his question. What we have seen since the end of free travel with the new network is that more people are using our public transport network across Canberra. Today’s paper, in fact, features Julie Peat from Conder, who said, “It used to take an hour and 20 minutes before the bus timetable changed.” The
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