Mr WOOD - 2005-05-04
I also attended a Development Consent Authority meeting on the waterfront. What was stated is that the boating lagoon at the waterfront is to be reduced by 20%. Why has the government not advertised that the boating lagoon at the waterfront is to be reduced by 20%? Why has the government not advertised the variations in environment, waste, run-off, road management plans and utility plans, etcetera? Why are some of the design details, such as the pipeline which was replacing the lock across the sea wall, not available until financial closure, as was stated at the meeting? Are you not rushing this project at this late hour without proper public consultation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, again, I welcome a question on the waterfront and am looking forward to financial close shortly. Every aspect of the waterfront development is being dealt with in great detail. Some elements are subject to the details of financial close, but all will be made public and accountable after that. We are working closely with Darwin City Council on some of the aspects you raised about roads and so on. We are working to make sure every element of what happens at the waterfront will be up to a very high standard. It is interesting that the member for Nelson reiterates what the opposition has been saying, and that is: slow this down.
If I listened to what was being said on that side of the House, I would be absolutely beaten up by our tourism industry. Our tourism industry wants that convention centre. It is the centrepiece of the waterfront. They know how important it is for the future of tourism in the Top End, and they want it. They are working with us to achieve financial close, they are encouraging us to reach financial close so that we will be able to start construction.
All the details will be dealt with effectively through the Development Consent Authority, through all the elements of government where approvals have to be given. It will be done accountably and effectively. I look forward, with much excitement and enthusiasm, to this project and reaching financial close, and I am sure Territorians do, too.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, again, I welcome a question on the waterfront and am looking forward to financial close shortly. Every aspect of the waterfront development is being dealt with in great detail. Some elements are subject to the details of financial close, but all will be made public and accountable after that. We are working closely with Darwin City Council on some of the aspects you raised about roads and so on. We are working to make sure every element of what happens at the waterfront will be up to a very high standard. It is interesting that the member for Nelson reiterates what the opposition has been saying, and that is: slow this down.
If I listened to what was being said on that side of the House, I would be absolutely beaten up by our tourism industry. Our tourism industry wants that convention centre. It is the centrepiece of the waterfront. They know how important it is for the future of tourism in the Top End, and they want it. They are working with us to achieve financial close, they are encouraging us to reach financial close so that we will be able to start construction.
All the details will be dealt with effectively through the Development Consent Authority, through all the elements of government where approvals have to be given. It will be done accountably and effectively. I look forward, with much excitement and enthusiasm, to this project and reaching financial close, and I am sure Territorians do, too.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016