Mr RIOLI - 1994-11-23
Can the minister explain how, 20 years after Cyclone Tracy, staff of emergency services still do not have the power to require landowners to keep their property clear of potentially fatal debris during the cyclone season?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I believe this a matter for local government, but I agree that it is worth having a look at it. Many people who live in Darwin now did not live here during Cyclone Tracy. A few years ago, when the cyclone was fresh in most people's minds, they needed no prompting to clean up loose debris around their properties because they understood the dangers. Recently, I stated that we will examine whether there is a need for us to legislate in this area.
Nevertheless, I draw to members' attention the fact that the community spirit is strong enough for clean-up activities to occur in some communities. I refer to the work done by Anula Neighbourhood Watch, with help from the emergency services and a
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number of other people throughout our community, in organising a community clean-up. It was done by means of volunteers with utilities and trucks, and emergency services personnel with heavy trucks. The Power and Water Authority supplied a large, heavy-lift vehicle. That community clean-up day was very successful in terms of participation. The exercise has been carried out for a number of years and, this year, collected 7.5 t of rubbish. Much of it was taken to the Red Cross for recycling, and the rest was taken to the dump. That is a better way of doing things - not by imposing a Big Brother idea, but by encouraging people to look after themselves by coming together as a community.
Areas of the member for Arafura's electorate are ideal for encouraging a little self-help among the community because what we are really talking about is people rolling up their sleeves and doing a couple of hours' work. Certainly, that is a worthwhile community activity. Thus, I encourage the member for Arafura to do what a number of people in Darwin do - enthuse their electorates, organise some dates and contact emergency services and others, such as local government bodies, to get together and carry out those clean-ups.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I believe this a matter for local government, but I agree that it is worth having a look at it. Many people who live in Darwin now did not live here during Cyclone Tracy. A few years ago, when the cyclone was fresh in most people's minds, they needed no prompting to clean up loose debris around their properties because they understood the dangers. Recently, I stated that we will examine whether there is a need for us to legislate in this area.
Nevertheless, I draw to members' attention the fact that the community spirit is strong enough for clean-up activities to occur in some communities. I refer to the work done by Anula Neighbourhood Watch, with help from the emergency services and a
Page 307
number of other people throughout our community, in organising a community clean-up. It was done by means of volunteers with utilities and trucks, and emergency services personnel with heavy trucks. The Power and Water Authority supplied a large, heavy-lift vehicle. That community clean-up day was very successful in terms of participation. The exercise has been carried out for a number of years and, this year, collected 7.5 t of rubbish. Much of it was taken to the Red Cross for recycling, and the rest was taken to the dump. That is a better way of doing things - not by imposing a Big Brother idea, but by encouraging people to look after themselves by coming together as a community.
Areas of the member for Arafura's electorate are ideal for encouraging a little self-help among the community because what we are really talking about is people rolling up their sleeves and doing a couple of hours' work. Certainly, that is a worthwhile community activity. Thus, I encourage the member for Arafura to do what a number of people in Darwin do - enthuse their electorates, organise some dates and contact emergency services and others, such as local government bodies, to get together and carry out those clean-ups.
Page 308
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016