Mr McADAM - 2004-12-02
Can the minister update the Assembly on the release of new residential land for development in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as many members would be aware, there have been blocks released in Larapinta Stage 4. A Territory company, Asland, has been issued with a lease to develop and release the first 40 residential blocks in Alice Springs. This is a historic milestone for Alice Springs, despite the negativity of some members opposite to this particular project.
This has shown that we can work well with the native title holders, agreement can be reached, and there can be successful progress in such things. It also restores our faith in Father Christmas, because there was one member here last year who asked, as a Christmas wish, for land to be released in Larapinta. It is happening, member for Greatorex - ho, ho, ho!
Dr Lim: It has been released three years late!
Dr BURNS: I will pick up on that interjection. It could never be fulfilled under the previous government because they would never have negotiated in such a way with the native title holders in Alice Springs. Ideologically, in Alice Springs at least, I believe they were opposed to that kind of approach. I also mention the member for Macdonnell, who urged the government to pay the native title holders off and just bog the whole process down within the courts - probably, as I have said before, for several years. Well, that did not occur; we and the native title holders negotiated in good faith. I congratulate Lhere Artepe; they have done very well.
I also congratulate Asland for winning the tender to develop the first 40 blocks. I know that people like Mr Michael Hannon and Mr Michael Sitzler are very enthusiastic about the process.
Next year, there will be a further release of 45 blocks by government. The next area will be Mt John Valley. Members will also be aware of potential developments along Ragonesi Road which are very close, from my information, to getting the tick. The outlook is bright for Alice Springs, under this government that is moving the Territory ahead.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as many members would be aware, there have been blocks released in Larapinta Stage 4. A Territory company, Asland, has been issued with a lease to develop and release the first 40 residential blocks in Alice Springs. This is a historic milestone for Alice Springs, despite the negativity of some members opposite to this particular project.
This has shown that we can work well with the native title holders, agreement can be reached, and there can be successful progress in such things. It also restores our faith in Father Christmas, because there was one member here last year who asked, as a Christmas wish, for land to be released in Larapinta. It is happening, member for Greatorex - ho, ho, ho!
Dr Lim: It has been released three years late!
Dr BURNS: I will pick up on that interjection. It could never be fulfilled under the previous government because they would never have negotiated in such a way with the native title holders in Alice Springs. Ideologically, in Alice Springs at least, I believe they were opposed to that kind of approach. I also mention the member for Macdonnell, who urged the government to pay the native title holders off and just bog the whole process down within the courts - probably, as I have said before, for several years. Well, that did not occur; we and the native title holders negotiated in good faith. I congratulate Lhere Artepe; they have done very well.
I also congratulate Asland for winning the tender to develop the first 40 blocks. I know that people like Mr Michael Hannon and Mr Michael Sitzler are very enthusiastic about the process.
Next year, there will be a further release of 45 blocks by government. The next area will be Mt John Valley. Members will also be aware of potential developments along Ragonesi Road which are very close, from my information, to getting the tick. The outlook is bright for Alice Springs, under this government that is moving the Territory ahead.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016