Mrs BRAHAM - 1994-09-01
As the minister will recall, the initial plan for the development of the heritage precinct in Alice Springs was not without controversy. However, I notice from the newspaper over the last week that he said that these issues have been addressed and a new management plan will be released soon. Will the issues be addressed in that management plan, when can we expect the release of the document and will it be open to public comment?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. Unfortunately, I am unable to give an exact date for the release of the Alice Springs Heritage Precinct Conservation Management Plan, but it will be mid-September. It will be on public display within the next 2 weeks. We intend to place it in the Ford Plaza, the Larapinta Shopping Centre and the Alice Springs City Council Chambers. We hope to attract the maximum input possible from the Alice Springs community.
The reason I have not put the conservation management plan on public display yet is that the Heritage Advisory Council will meet to discuss the plan and how we will deal with each of the issues surrounding it. It will consider the issues, including the non-listing of the old maternity ward. The reason was, of course, that the building has been altered significantly and there may well be a need to use that site for future hospital expansion. I expect that the decision will not be without controversy. Many people in Alice Springs either have given birth in it or were born in it. However, the building has been altered quite significantly since it was first constructed.
The other matter of interest is that the Heritage Advisory Council will consider also the listing of the front section of the old jail, thus clearing the way for the development options at the back. In any case, it is obvious to all who have an interest in Alice Springs heritage matters that the front buildings have credibility and integrity, and will make an interesting and valuable
Page 147
addition to the precinct. However, there is one large cell block that we would like to remove in order to have a better range of options available for the development of that block.
Once the Heritage Advisory Council has viewed the modified plan, it will go on public display for 28 days. I intend to introduce this plan into the Legislative Assembly at the November sittings and to have it formalised by Christmas. I am not sure whether that meets the commitment to 90 days, as the time that it would take to complete the process, that I gave the former member for Greatorex. Members may want to jump to their feet and say that I have misled the parliament, but the facts are that we have covered most of the issues. There has been wide consultation with the people of Alice Springs. That was necessary. Indeed, staff from the Leader of the Opposition's office have received a briefing. We have recommended that some of the outside toilets, which were in the Hartley Street precinct, be retained - 'if at all possible' are the words. Two of them will remain and the rest will be retained if possible.
I met with the Alice Springs Town Council recently. I ask all the people of Alice Springs, including the council, to get behind the idea for this heritage precinct. We talk about the old Alice. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage the occupiers and people who have property in that area to get behind the spirit of the heritage precinct. I have asked the council to consider rate relief or any other matters that will enhance the area or encourage people within the precinct to add to its flavour. Certainly, I hope that the council is able to consider rate relief - perhaps with a sunset clause that allows for 3 or 4 years or by making it dependent on a covenant for items such as signage or period furniture - and will report back to me when the plan goes on public display.
It will not be without controversy. Many people will insist that the large jail cell block, the maternity ward and perhaps even the outback toilets remain. However, once the people of Alice Springs see the proposal, I believe they will agree that probably it is one of the best compromises in terms of the options for the development of this precinct.
Mr Bailey interjecting.
Mr COULTER: It will be a 2-toilet policy, not a 7-toilet policy. I do not know how many outside toilets you have to view before you gain some feel for the nostalgia and the 6 inch by 6 inch pieces of newspaper hanging on a hook behind the door.
The Northern Territory government intends to spend $150 000 on period lighting, period furniture and a range of other items so that everybody in Alice Springs can be proud of our heritage and the people who made the Northern Territory the great place that it is today.
Page 148
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. Unfortunately, I am unable to give an exact date for the release of the Alice Springs Heritage Precinct Conservation Management Plan, but it will be mid-September. It will be on public display within the next 2 weeks. We intend to place it in the Ford Plaza, the Larapinta Shopping Centre and the Alice Springs City Council Chambers. We hope to attract the maximum input possible from the Alice Springs community.
The reason I have not put the conservation management plan on public display yet is that the Heritage Advisory Council will meet to discuss the plan and how we will deal with each of the issues surrounding it. It will consider the issues, including the non-listing of the old maternity ward. The reason was, of course, that the building has been altered significantly and there may well be a need to use that site for future hospital expansion. I expect that the decision will not be without controversy. Many people in Alice Springs either have given birth in it or were born in it. However, the building has been altered quite significantly since it was first constructed.
The other matter of interest is that the Heritage Advisory Council will consider also the listing of the front section of the old jail, thus clearing the way for the development options at the back. In any case, it is obvious to all who have an interest in Alice Springs heritage matters that the front buildings have credibility and integrity, and will make an interesting and valuable
Page 147
addition to the precinct. However, there is one large cell block that we would like to remove in order to have a better range of options available for the development of that block.
Once the Heritage Advisory Council has viewed the modified plan, it will go on public display for 28 days. I intend to introduce this plan into the Legislative Assembly at the November sittings and to have it formalised by Christmas. I am not sure whether that meets the commitment to 90 days, as the time that it would take to complete the process, that I gave the former member for Greatorex. Members may want to jump to their feet and say that I have misled the parliament, but the facts are that we have covered most of the issues. There has been wide consultation with the people of Alice Springs. That was necessary. Indeed, staff from the Leader of the Opposition's office have received a briefing. We have recommended that some of the outside toilets, which were in the Hartley Street precinct, be retained - 'if at all possible' are the words. Two of them will remain and the rest will be retained if possible.
I met with the Alice Springs Town Council recently. I ask all the people of Alice Springs, including the council, to get behind the idea for this heritage precinct. We talk about the old Alice. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage the occupiers and people who have property in that area to get behind the spirit of the heritage precinct. I have asked the council to consider rate relief or any other matters that will enhance the area or encourage people within the precinct to add to its flavour. Certainly, I hope that the council is able to consider rate relief - perhaps with a sunset clause that allows for 3 or 4 years or by making it dependent on a covenant for items such as signage or period furniture - and will report back to me when the plan goes on public display.
It will not be without controversy. Many people will insist that the large jail cell block, the maternity ward and perhaps even the outback toilets remain. However, once the people of Alice Springs see the proposal, I believe they will agree that probably it is one of the best compromises in terms of the options for the development of this precinct.
Mr Bailey interjecting.
Mr COULTER: It will be a 2-toilet policy, not a 7-toilet policy. I do not know how many outside toilets you have to view before you gain some feel for the nostalgia and the 6 inch by 6 inch pieces of newspaper hanging on a hook behind the door.
The Northern Territory government intends to spend $150 000 on period lighting, period furniture and a range of other items so that everybody in Alice Springs can be proud of our heritage and the people who made the Northern Territory the great place that it is today.
Page 148
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016