Mr MITCHELL - 1995-06-20
In view of the result of the Fannie Bay by-election, will the minister advise whether the government still plans to pursue a solution to the problems caused by Richardson Park?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for his question. He would be aware that, in response to the problems at Richardson Park, which were brought to the government's attention by Margaret Lyons during the recent ...
Mr Stirling: I can't wait.
Mr POOLE: Fair is fair. Certainly, the candidate ...
Mr Stirling: The unsuccessful candidate!
Mr POOLE: The unsuccessful candidate for the Fannie Bay by-election did all in her power to resolve the difficulties at Richardson Park. Certainly, she brought the matter to my attention as the Minister for Sport and Recreation, and I thank her for that.
The government has negotiated a long-term solution to these problems. As Minister for Sport and Recreation, I would like to outline the details of this solution. Some changes will begin immediately, but it should be understood that the government's commitment is a term commitment. As a result of discussions with the government, the Darwin Rugby League has agreed to negotiate a good neighbour policy with Ludmilla residents to ensure that residents' complaints are addressed and resolutions are sought. Through a good neighbourhood committee, it will also ensure that residents are informed about all activities at Richardson Park. I take the opportunity to thank the former member, Marshall Perron, for his advice and the fact that he produced this good neighbourhood policy which apparently is used by sporting clubs in some areas in Sydney.
The Darwin Rugby League has agreed also to limit night sporting fixtures to 4 times per week, pending its negotiation of the good neighbourhood policy. Darwin Rugby League has agreed to impose limitations and, in some cases, bans on loudspeaker announcements. The government will provide funds to install additional small speakers which have more local directional control. The Conservation Commission will landscape the area south-west of the ground to provide a light and noise buffer that will integrate with the surrounding bushland to protect nearby homes. The government will replace existing lighting in order to cut lighting spill on neighbouring properties. The government will design and cost the relocation of the kiosk to the northern end of the ground, and build a new gatehouse at that end. The Darwin
Page 646
Cubs, the soccer team, will move back to Marrara. It has always been intended that, as part of the master plan for Marrara, Darwin soccer will have its own venue. It is intended that baseball will also have its own home, either at Marrara or at the Archer complex in Palmerston. Access to Richardson Park will be improved so that all arrivals and departures are from the north, and an all-weather carpark will be built at the end of the ground.
Ludmilla School oval will be upgraded, and the school will allow Darwin Rugby League to use the oval in preference to using training grounds next to residential properties. The school will negotiate with the league to allow junior games to be played outside school hours. In return, some of the children's play areas will be upgraded and new play equipment will be provided for the school.
In addition, the Darwin Rugby League has given the government a written commitment that it plans no further extensions, expansion or development. In turn, the Territory government has committed not to fund any such further development except where there has been full and satisfactory consultation through the good neighbourhood committee. In trying to balance the competing demands of all concerned, the government has committed itself to a range of projects, including some budgetary items that need to be planned for in a responsible way. In the long term, the solution outlined above should improve the quality of life for residents whilst enabling Rugby League to continue to develop without being a drain on the taxpayer. At the same time, as a matter of funding policy, the government will continue to encourage sporting groups to make use of the first-class facilities at Marrara, as was always intended.
Page 647
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for his question. He would be aware that, in response to the problems at Richardson Park, which were brought to the government's attention by Margaret Lyons during the recent ...
Mr Stirling: I can't wait.
Mr POOLE: Fair is fair. Certainly, the candidate ...
Mr Stirling: The unsuccessful candidate!
Mr POOLE: The unsuccessful candidate for the Fannie Bay by-election did all in her power to resolve the difficulties at Richardson Park. Certainly, she brought the matter to my attention as the Minister for Sport and Recreation, and I thank her for that.
The government has negotiated a long-term solution to these problems. As Minister for Sport and Recreation, I would like to outline the details of this solution. Some changes will begin immediately, but it should be understood that the government's commitment is a term commitment. As a result of discussions with the government, the Darwin Rugby League has agreed to negotiate a good neighbour policy with Ludmilla residents to ensure that residents' complaints are addressed and resolutions are sought. Through a good neighbourhood committee, it will also ensure that residents are informed about all activities at Richardson Park. I take the opportunity to thank the former member, Marshall Perron, for his advice and the fact that he produced this good neighbourhood policy which apparently is used by sporting clubs in some areas in Sydney.
The Darwin Rugby League has agreed also to limit night sporting fixtures to 4 times per week, pending its negotiation of the good neighbourhood policy. Darwin Rugby League has agreed to impose limitations and, in some cases, bans on loudspeaker announcements. The government will provide funds to install additional small speakers which have more local directional control. The Conservation Commission will landscape the area south-west of the ground to provide a light and noise buffer that will integrate with the surrounding bushland to protect nearby homes. The government will replace existing lighting in order to cut lighting spill on neighbouring properties. The government will design and cost the relocation of the kiosk to the northern end of the ground, and build a new gatehouse at that end. The Darwin
Page 646
Cubs, the soccer team, will move back to Marrara. It has always been intended that, as part of the master plan for Marrara, Darwin soccer will have its own venue. It is intended that baseball will also have its own home, either at Marrara or at the Archer complex in Palmerston. Access to Richardson Park will be improved so that all arrivals and departures are from the north, and an all-weather carpark will be built at the end of the ground.
Ludmilla School oval will be upgraded, and the school will allow Darwin Rugby League to use the oval in preference to using training grounds next to residential properties. The school will negotiate with the league to allow junior games to be played outside school hours. In return, some of the children's play areas will be upgraded and new play equipment will be provided for the school.
In addition, the Darwin Rugby League has given the government a written commitment that it plans no further extensions, expansion or development. In turn, the Territory government has committed not to fund any such further development except where there has been full and satisfactory consultation through the good neighbourhood committee. In trying to balance the competing demands of all concerned, the government has committed itself to a range of projects, including some budgetary items that need to be planned for in a responsible way. In the long term, the solution outlined above should improve the quality of life for residents whilst enabling Rugby League to continue to develop without being a drain on the taxpayer. At the same time, as a matter of funding policy, the government will continue to encourage sporting groups to make use of the first-class facilities at Marrara, as was always intended.
Page 647
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016