Mr BONSON - 2003-08-19
Can you please update the House on progress with the proposed Larapinta residential land development in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. As you are aware, in March this year, the Martin Labor government reached an agreement-in principle with the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation to enable residential land to be released in Alice Springs. Lhere Artepe has agreed to relinquish native title over land in Larapinta to allow for development of residential allotments. As a result, a preliminary engineering report identified the extent of developable land and necessary headworks, and we have now identified two areas. One is at the end of Robina Street to intersect with Larapinta Drive, and the other extends from the end of Albert Drive.
Dr Lim: Are you going to table that?
Mr VATSKALIS: Certainly, I will table it, with great pleasure, member for Greatorex.
It is with great pleasure that I inform the House that, from 12 August, Lhere Artepe agreed to the commencement of construction of headworks for both developments, and to the survey and subdivision of the Robina Street development to create new parcels, member for Greatorex.
Following this, arbitrary notification of the subdivision under the Planning Act will take place in two weeks, and there will be further discussion for the second parcel of land.
Mr Baldwin: Have you figured out who owns the land?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: We have allocated, member for Daly, $1.5m for headworks, and we have engaged a consultant to design and document the headworks. A detailed engineering survey for the development will take place next week. Construction of headworks will commence immediately, and it is expected within eight weeks.
The headworks in the area will include an intersection on Larapinta Drive, construction of a cul-de-sac at the end of Crown Street, construction of a water pumping station, an extension to Albert Drive, and extension of existing service mains. How many lots and how much? That depends upon the developer and, of course, on market forces.
What is important is that, for the first time in 10 years, we see real land being released for development in Alice Springs. In the past week, it was very disappointing to see the member for Greatorex, who supposedly represents the people of Alice Springs, talking down this project, trying to frighten people from Alice Springs saying that it was not going to happen, and if it happened, it would not be sustainable, and if it were sustainable, it was going to be too expensive! Wrong, Madam Speaker!
Dr Lim: What is the price? Tell us the price.
Mr VATSKALIS: Not only that, the member for Macdonnell …
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Greatorex! I would like to hear this answer. I have an interest in it.
Mr VATSKALIS: Madam Speaker, obviously, you are the real representative of the people of Alice Springs, and you want to hear so you can inform your constituents.
Not only that, the member for Macdonnell wanted to compulsorily acquire the land because it was not progressing quickly. They want to go back to their good old ways - confrontation, litigation and nothing happens. This government is honest; and is going to provide land for the people of Alice Springs, and this land will be released at the beginning of 2004.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. As you are aware, in March this year, the Martin Labor government reached an agreement-in principle with the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation to enable residential land to be released in Alice Springs. Lhere Artepe has agreed to relinquish native title over land in Larapinta to allow for development of residential allotments. As a result, a preliminary engineering report identified the extent of developable land and necessary headworks, and we have now identified two areas. One is at the end of Robina Street to intersect with Larapinta Drive, and the other extends from the end of Albert Drive.
Dr Lim: Are you going to table that?
Mr VATSKALIS: Certainly, I will table it, with great pleasure, member for Greatorex.
It is with great pleasure that I inform the House that, from 12 August, Lhere Artepe agreed to the commencement of construction of headworks for both developments, and to the survey and subdivision of the Robina Street development to create new parcels, member for Greatorex.
Following this, arbitrary notification of the subdivision under the Planning Act will take place in two weeks, and there will be further discussion for the second parcel of land.
Mr Baldwin: Have you figured out who owns the land?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: We have allocated, member for Daly, $1.5m for headworks, and we have engaged a consultant to design and document the headworks. A detailed engineering survey for the development will take place next week. Construction of headworks will commence immediately, and it is expected within eight weeks.
The headworks in the area will include an intersection on Larapinta Drive, construction of a cul-de-sac at the end of Crown Street, construction of a water pumping station, an extension to Albert Drive, and extension of existing service mains. How many lots and how much? That depends upon the developer and, of course, on market forces.
What is important is that, for the first time in 10 years, we see real land being released for development in Alice Springs. In the past week, it was very disappointing to see the member for Greatorex, who supposedly represents the people of Alice Springs, talking down this project, trying to frighten people from Alice Springs saying that it was not going to happen, and if it happened, it would not be sustainable, and if it were sustainable, it was going to be too expensive! Wrong, Madam Speaker!
Dr Lim: What is the price? Tell us the price.
Mr VATSKALIS: Not only that, the member for Macdonnell …
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Greatorex! I would like to hear this answer. I have an interest in it.
Mr VATSKALIS: Madam Speaker, obviously, you are the real representative of the people of Alice Springs, and you want to hear so you can inform your constituents.
Not only that, the member for Macdonnell wanted to compulsorily acquire the land because it was not progressing quickly. They want to go back to their good old ways - confrontation, litigation and nothing happens. This government is honest; and is going to provide land for the people of Alice Springs, and this land will be released at the beginning of 2004.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016