questions and answers · 4/5/2005 · consequently the full text of any question will be printed...

2821

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

QUESTIONS

AND

ANSWERS

No. 97

TUESDAY 5 APRIL 2005

(The Questions and Answers Paper published for the first sitting day in each week will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting and any new questions. On subsequent days, new questions are printed, as are questions to which answers were received the previous day. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.)

Notice given on date shown

2822 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 97—Tuesday 5 April 2005

Publication of Questions Answer to be lodged by

Q&A No. 89 (Including Question Nos 1985 to 2057) 29 March 2005



Q&A No. 92 (Including Question Nos 2080 to 2095) 05 April 2005





Q&A No. 97 (Including Question Nos 2132 to 2136) 10 May 2005

2823 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 97— Tuesday 5 April 2005

22 FEBRUARY

(Paper No. 89)

*1985 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—LAKE COWAL GOLD MINE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) Is the Government paying for, or subsidising, any of the construction of the Temora to Lake Cowal electricity transmission line?

(b) If so, for how much?

(2) (a) How much is Barrick Gold paying for its electricity in relation to the Cowal Gold Project?

(b) Is this the standard rate that other residents, businesses and farmers of the area pay? (3) How much is Barrick Gold paying per 1,000 litres of water it uses in relation to the Cowal Gold Project? (4) (a) When will the study of the groundwater supply in the bore fields above Lake Cowal be completed?

(b) If the groundwater supply is found to be inadequate for use will the Government allow the project to proceed?

(5) Should the project not proceed, will the Government pay compensation to Barrick Gold and other

interested parties? (6) What rehabilitation program will be undertaken to return the Cowal Gold Project site to its natural state

should the mine not proceed? (7) (a) How many of the contracts and jobs supposedly being generated by the Cowal Gold Project are

going to companies and individuals from the area in and around West Wyalong?

(b) What is the government doing to develop long-term, ecologically sustainable jobs for the people of the central west of New South Wales?

Answer— (1) (a) All costs associated with constructing the electricity transmission line from Temora to Lake Cowal

are being fully funded by Barrick Gold.

(b) Not applicable.

(2) (a) As a large contestable customer, Barrick Gold is required to negotiate a retail electricity price through a licensed retailer. The price Barrick Gold will pay for electricity will depend on the contract rate negotiated with a retailer.

It is understood Barrick Gold has sought tenders for the supply of electricity to Lake Cowal Gold Mine, but a retail contract is yet to be awarded.

As a large network customer, Barrick Gold will also be required to contribute to the costs of the

network assets through which electricity is supplied. These site-specific charges will be based on Country Energy’s analysis of the assets used to supply electricity to the mine.

(b) Not applicable.


(3) to (6) These questions should be directed to the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. (7) (a) and (b) This issue falls within the Portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Regional Development,

however Country Energy has advised that:

more than 40 people will be employed to construct the transmission powerline from Temora to Lake Cowal to supply the gold mine - 19 of whom are from West Wyalong, Forbes, Young and surrounding areas; and

these 19 local workers include 15 employees from powerline construction company

Electrix, as well as two project managers and two aboriginal observers working for Country Energy.

*1986 PREMIER—T J HICKEY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Citizenship— If new evidence arises in relation to the tragic death of Redfern teenager T.J. Hickey in Redfern in 2004 will you support the establishment of a new inquiry? Answer— I have been advised by the Premier that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is: I wish to acknowledge the tragedy of Thomas’s death and I extend my sympathy to his immediate and extended family. I am truly sorry for the loss that has been suffered by both Thomas’s family and the wider community. There has been a full coronial inquiry into Thomas’s death. I am advised that if new evidence arises, it would be a matter for the State Coroner or Supreme Court to determine whether that evidence made it necessary or desirable in the interests of justice that a fresh inquest be held.

*1987 POLICE—SNIFFER DOGS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Police—

(1) What was the total cost of the sniffer dog operation by NSW Police at The Big Day Out in Sydney on Australia Day, 2005?

(2) How many police were employed in this exercise?

(3) How many police hours were used for the operation?

(4) How many people were caught by the Police carrying more than one gram of ecstasy?

(5) Are sniffer dogs being trained and exported overseas by NSW Police? Answer— (1) The cost of wages associated with Dog Handlers is consistent with that of any Constable regardless of the

type of duty in which they are engaged. Additional costs to the Dog Unit for personnel working on the Australia Day public holiday were $1571.19 plus $266.17 in overtime.

(2) The Drug Detection Dog Section supplied 12 handlers and one supervisor for The Big Day Out operation. (3) 124.5 hours.


(4) 26 people were detected carrying one gram or more of ecstasy. (5) No. Drug Detection Dogs are trained solely for the use of NSW Police.

*1990 TRANSPORT—2-BUTOXYETHANOL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) Has the International Agency for Research on Cancer recently determined that 2-Butoxyethanol is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans due to the inadequate level of evidence in humans and limited evidence in experimental animals available to experts and that further research is needed on these widely-used solvents?

(2) Has the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that further research needs to be conducted before any conclusions can be reached about its safety or otherwise?

(3) (a) When WorkCover investigated complaints about the use of 2-Butoxyethanol (2BE) at State Transit

had the determination of the International Agency for Research on Cancer been published?

(b) Was the WorkCover investigation conducted on the basis that 2BE is not carcinogenic? (c) If so, will the Minister direct that a new inquiry be conducted as to the impact of the use of 2BE by

State Transit on workers and passengers, including children? (d) If not, why not, considering that:

the Minister for Police representing the Minister for Public Works and Services has stated in a response to a question from Lee Rhiannon MP that “nothing is more precious to this Government than the health of our children and without proper precautions 2-Butoxyethanol (2BE) can be harmful”

the school bus service run by State Transit uses a window cleaner with 2BE?

Answer— I am advised: (1) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determinations are a matter for the IARC. (2) This is a matter for the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (3) (a) Responsibility for WorkCover rests with the Minister for Commerce. I would suggest that the

Honourable Member address her question to my ministerial colleague for response.

(b) See (a). (c) State Transit uses products containing 2-Butoxyethanol in accordance with recommendations from

Australian and International Health Organisations at all times.

(d) See (c).

*1992 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—TAFE STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many staff employed by TAFE who have been acting in higher level positions for continuous periods of four months or over during the last 18 months at the Sydney Institute of TAFE?


(2) Of these, how many are:

(a) Permanent staff?

(b) Temporary staff? (3) How many are in the Senior Executive Service? (4) What is the breakdown for other levels and grades? (5) What is the length of time each person has been acting in the higher position? Answer— (1) 28 staff have acted in higher level positions for continuous periods of more than four months. (2) All 28 staff were permanent staff. (3) One staff member acted in a Senior Executive Service position. (4) Level of Position No. of Persons Acting Institute Manager Level 1 1 person Institute Manager Level 2 2 people Institute Manager Level 3 6 people Institute Manager Level 4 1 person Institute Manager Level 5 3 people Clerk Grade 9/10 5 people Clerk Grade 7/8 9 people

(5) Level of Position Time Senior Executive Service 1½ years Institute Manager Level 1 8 months Institute Manager Level 2 6 months, 8 months Institute Manager Level 3 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 8 months, and two at 1 year Institute Manager Level 4 7 months Institute Manager Level 5 1 year, and two at 1 year 2 months Clerk Grade 9/10 1 year and 1 month, 8 months, and three at 4 months, Clerk Grade 7/8 5 months, 6 months, two at 7 months, two at 8 months, 9 months, 1 year, 1 year and 6 months.

*1993 TREASURER, STATE DEVELOPMENT, ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— For each of your portfolio agencies: (1) What proportion of that agency’s total employment does casual staff represent?

(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— I have been advised by the Deputy Premier that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is:


Casual employees may only be employed under section 38 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (PSEM Act) and in accordance with such guidelines as are issued from time to time by the Public Employment Office. Section 38 of the PSEM Act limits the circumstances where Department Heads may employ casual employees:

(a) to carry out work that is irregular or intermittent; or

(b) to carry out work, on a short term basis, in an area of the Department with a flexible workload; or

(c) to carry out the work of a position for a short period pending the completion of the selection process for the position; or

(d) to carry out urgent work or to deal with an emergency.

*1994 PREMIER—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Citizenship—

For each of your portfolio agencies: (1) What proportion of that agency’s total employment does casual staff represent?

(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— I have been advised by the Premier that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is: Casual employees may only be employed under section 38 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (PSEM Act) and in accordance with such guidelines as are issued from time to time by the Public Employment Office. Section 38 of the PSEM Act limits the circumstances where Department Heads may employ casual employees:





*1995 STATE, COMMERCE, INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, AGEING, DISABILITY SERVICES-CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—


(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer—







*1996 HEALTH—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—


(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— Casual employees may only be employed under section 38 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (PSEM Act) and in accordance with such guidelines as are issued from time to time by the Public Employment Office. Section 38 of the PSEM Act limits the circumstances where Department Heads may employ casual employees:





*1997 JUVENILE JUSTICE, WESTERN SYDNEY—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration)—




(a) to carry out work that is irregular or intermittent; or (b) to carry out work, on a short term basis, in an area of the Department with a flexible workload; or (c) to carry out the work of a position for a short period pending the completion of the selection

process for the position; or (d) to carry out urgent work or to deal with an emergency.

*1998 TRANSPORT—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—


(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— Casual employees may only be employed under section 38 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (PSEM Act) and in accordance with such guidelines as are issued from time to time by the Public Employment Office. Section 38 of the PSEM Act limits the circumstances where the Department Heads may employ casual employees:



*1999 INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING, NATURAL RESOURCES—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—






*2000 ROADS, ECONOMIC REFORM, PORTS, HUNTER—CASUAL STAFF— Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister

for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter (1) What proportion of that agency’s total employment does casual staff represent?

(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— I’m advised: Casual employees may only be employed under section 38 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (PSEM Act) and in accordance with such guidelines as are issued from time to time by the Public Employment Office. Section 38 of the PSEM Act limits the circumstances where the Department Heads may employ casual employees:



*2001 COMMUNITY SERVICES, YOUTH—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Youth—


(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— Casual employees may only be employed under section 38 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (PSEM Act) and in accordance with such guidelines as are issued from time to time by the Public Employment Office. Section 38 of the PSEM Act limits the circumstances where the Department Heads may employ casual employees:



*2002 TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATION, WOMEN—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—






*2003 RURAL AFFAIRS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, EMERGENCY SERVICES, LANDS—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—


(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: Casual employees may only be employed under section 38 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (PSEM Act) and in accordance with such guidelines as are issued from time to time by the Public Employment Office. Section 38 of the PSEM Act limits the circumstances where Department Heads may employ casual employees:



*2004 ENERGY AND UTILITIES, SCIENCE AND MEDICAL RESEARCH—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—





(a) to carry out work that is irregular or intermittent; or (b) to out work, on a short term basis, in an area of the Department with a flexible workload; or (c) to carry out the work of a position for a short period pending the completion of the selection


*2005 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ILLAWARRA, SMALL BUSINESS—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra and Minister for Small Business—





*2007 GAMING AND RACING, CENTRAL COAST—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister for the Central Coast—



(a) to carry out work that is irregular or intermittent; or (b) to carry out work, on a short term basis, in an area of the Department with a flexible workload; or


(c) to carry out the work of a position for a short period pending the completion of the selection


*2008 MINERAL RESOURCES—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Mineral Resources—



(a) to carry out work that is irregular of intermittent; or (b) to carry out work, on a short term basis, in an area of the Department with a flexible workload; or (c) to carry out the work of a position for a short period pending the completion of the selection


*2011 POLICE—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Police—


(2) What percentage of the agency’s budget is spent on employing casuals? Answer— I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given by the former Minister for Police to her previous question on this subject, Question on Notice No. 1976.

*2012 HOUSING—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Housing—







*2013 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—CASUAL STAFF—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Education and Training—





*2014 TRANSPORT—RAIL PATRONAGE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) Can you provide detailed data for 2004 on the monthly, weekly and average daily patronage on the following lines:

(a) The Southern Highlands line?

(b) The Carlingford line?

(c) The Cumberland line?

(d) The Richmond line? (2) On how many days in 2004 did buses replace trains on:

(a) The Southern Highlands line?

(b) The Carlingford line?

(c) The Cumberland line?


(d) The Richmond line? (3) How does this compare to the average across the network? Answer— RailCorp advises: (1) The total number of all tickets issued for these lines in 2004:

(a) the Southern Highlands line 310,657 (b) the Carlingford line 154,933 (c) the Cumberland line 552,000* (d) the Richmond line 852,595

* This figure is based not on ticket sales, but estimated passenger counts. (2) RailCorp replaces buses with trains in two cases: to carry out track work to maintain the safety and

reliability of the rail network, and in unforseen circumstances that result in RailCorp’s inability to run normal train services.

(a) The Southern Highlands line: Buses replaced trains as a result of planned track work in 2004 on

five weekends and 13 weekdays outside of peak travel times, and 14 times when the whole line was closed for major projects.

(b) The Carlingford line: Buses replaced trains as a result of planned track work in 2004 on six

weekends and four weeknights.

(c) The Cumberland line: Buses replaced trains on parts of the Cumberland line for 10 weekends (eg. between Granville and Blacktown or Granville and Liverpool). In these instances, customers were advised to travel to Granville and change.

(d) The Richmond line: Buses replaced trains as a result of planned track work in 2004 on six

weekends and two weeknights and 10 days when the whole line was closed for major maintenance.

(3) On the metropolitan rail network, RailCorp plans track work for approximately 18 days and four

weekends per line per year. In addition, buses may be used when major work or maintenance is undertaken on a line or in the case of unforseen incidents.

*2015 TREASURER—NSW GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) How many principal contractors to the NSW Government and subcontractors to those contractors have entered into voluntary administration or been declared bankrupt in the last five years?

(2) What are the names of those companies? (3) Of those companies, what types of goods or services were the companies contracted to deliver? (4) What tests does the Government apply to determine the financial viability of a company applying to work

on a government project or provide a government service? (5) Does the collapse of the Walters Corporation indicate that there is a problem with how the assessment of

companies applying for work with the government is undertaken?


(6) (a) Does the pre-qualification process that companies must satisfy in order to win a contract from the

NSW Government need to be made more stringent to avoid bankruptcy proceedings, so that companies and their workers do not suffer the same fate as the recently bankrupted Walters Corporation?

(b) If so, how? Answer— The question should be addressed to the Minister for Commerce.

*2016 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ROADS—TIMBER BRIDGES—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

Please provide the list of 140 bridges that were ‘fully delivered’, i.e. replaced or upgraded under the previous Timber Bridge program.

Answer— I’m advised: The NSW Government has provided around $164 million to refurbish and upgrade timber bridges throughout the state as part of the Country Timber Bridge Program (CTBP). Work has been undertaken on bridges in and around towns such as Lismore, Coramba, Brewarrina, Leeton and Wee Waa. Details about the CTBP are publicly available in the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) Annual Report. In addition, information relating to the CTBP is publicly available in updates on the RTA website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

*2017 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ROADS—RTA INSPECTORS—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

(1) What are the locations of the offices of the Roads and Traffic Authority inspectors located in respect of non-metropolitan New South Wales?

(2) How many Roads and Traffic Authority inspectors service each non-metropolitan State electoral districts? (Please produce a table)

Answer— I’m advised: Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) Vehicle Regulation Inspectors undertake a range of functions including the monitoring of heavy vehicles for compliance with regulations, the enforcement of standards for mechanical roadworthiness, load restraint and weight. This enforcement activity is carried out at fixed locations such as at Heavy Vehicle Inspection Stations. In addition Vehicle Regulation Inspectors administer the state-wide Authorised Inspection Station Scheme. The RTA employs around 300 Vehicle Regulation Inspectors across New South Wales. While there are headquarters for inspectors located in non-metropolitan areas including in towns such as Taree, Deniliquin, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Goulburn, Vehicle Regulation Inspectors are deployed on a needs basis around the state.


*2018 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ROADS—HARVESTERS—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

(1) How much revenue has the Government collected by fining harvesters in 2004 (or 2003-04 if that figure

is more accessible)? (3) How much of that total revenue was derived from each of the relevant State electoral districts? (Please

produce a table) Answer— I’m advised: The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) issues permits to a range of vehicles that may be over-size, over-mass or do not qualify for registration. An infringement notice is issued by the RTA or the police when a breach of permit conditions is detected and provides details of the offence, the vehicle’s registration and the driver’s details. The type of vehicle is not recorded on the infringement notice. As the vehicle type is not obtained or recorded by the RTA, it is not possible to determine how many infringements have been issued for harvesters.

*2019 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—WATER RESTRICTIONS—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) What role did Sydney Water play in determining the water restrictions that were imposed in 2003? (b) How were they determined? (2) What steps have been taken by Sydney Water to prepare the guidelines for Level 3 water restrictions? (3) (a) Is there a specific set of recommendations for Level 3 water restrictions that have been submitted

to the Government?

(b) If so, what were they?

(c) When were they submitted?

(d) To whom were they submitted? (4) In view of the need for the original water restrictions introduced in 2003 to be amended as dam levels

drop, why is it that when we are only approximately 2 per cent away from Level 3 water restrictions, there has been no public consultation or information from the Government or Sydney Water as to what the next level of restrictions will involve?

Answer— (1) (a) to (b) Sydney Water monitored the impacts on water consumption of its various water saving

initiatives and modelled the impact on dam levels of various rainfall scenarios. I sought regular updates on the outcomes of Sydney Water’s monitoring and modelling. On 1 October 2003, with little prospect of drought breaking rains, the Government introduced the first level of mandatory


water restrictions when the storages were at 59.1 per cent of capacity and were fast approaching the nominal trigger level of 55 per cent.

(2) Sydney Water continues to monitor the impacts on water consumption of its various water saving

initiatives and models the impact on dam levels of various rainfall scenarios. (3) (a) to (d) and (4) Sydney Water maintains an active and ongoing dialogue with the Government on

factors impacting current and projected future demand for water that will be taken into account in determining the nature and timing of future water restrictions.

*2020 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—FUTURE WATER SUPPLIES—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) In the last two years, on what dates has Sydney Water met with the Sydney Catchment Authority to discuss provision of future water supplies?

(b) At which of these meetings was the Sydney Water Managing Director David Evans in attendance?

(2) At any such meetings in the last 12 months, what concerns have been expressed by the Sydney Catchment Authority as to its capacity to ensure future water supplies to Sydney?

Answer— (1) (a) to (b) The Sydney Water Board has met with the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) Board, or its

representatives on three occasions over the last two years as follows: Joint meeting of Sydney Water and SCA Boards on 19 May 2004; Metropolitan Water Strategy - Reference Group on 3 August 2004; and Metropolitan Water Strategy - Reference Group on 14 December 2004.

Mr David Evans attended each of the three meetings detailed above. In addition, the Drought Expert Panel, the Drought Management Committee and the Drought

Executive Committee have met on the dates outlined below. These committees are made up of representatives from Sydney Water, the Sydney Catchment Authority, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, and NSW Health.

2003

22/01/03 31/01/03 14/02/03

25/02/03 03/03/03 04/03/03

07/03/03 09/03/03 17/03/03

26/03/03 31/03/03 11/04/03

12/05/03 26/05/03 28/05/03

11/06/03 30/06/03 16/07/03

06/08/03 13/08/03 25/08/03

28/08/03 04/09/03 08/09/03

24/09/03 25/09/03 10/10/03

20/10/03 22/10/03 28/10/03

03/11/03 19/11/03 26/11/03


17/12/03

2004

23/01/04 05/03/04 15/03/04*

22/03/04* 06/04/04* 20/04/04*

03/05/04* 07/05/04 31/05/04

15/06/04* 28/06/04* 15/07/04*

27/07/04* 13/08/04 01/09/04*

13/09/04* 27/09/04* 11/10/04*

25/10/04* 22/11/04* 06/12/04*

2005

10/01/05* 24/01/05 07/02/05

07/03/05*

* Denotes the attendance of Mr David Evans. Note: Mr David Evans was appointed Acting Managing Director of SydneyWater on 1 March 2004 and later Managing Director in June 2004.

(2) These meetings focused on both the demand and supply actions to manage the ongoing drought. The

Sydney Catchment Authority has not expressed concerns as to its capacity to ensure future water supplies.

*2021 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—ENERGY COSTS—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) During meetings with Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) has SCA indicated the extra energy costs involved in pumping water from the Shoalhaven to the Sydney Catchment?

(2) If so, what are they? Answer— (1) and (2) The Minister for Energy and Utilities has not had any meetings with the Sydney Catchment Authority

concerning this issue.

*2022 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—DESALINATION—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Given that Sydney Water meets with the Sydney Catchment Authority on a regular basis, what information does Sydney Water have on how much of the $4 million allocated in the Metropolitan Water Strategy to investigate desalination has been spent and for what activities?

(2) (a) The Minister has advised that two members of his department have been sent to Israel to look at

desalination. (i) What are their names? (ii) When were they sent?


(iii) What was their brief? (iv) What were their recommendations?

(b) What was the total cost of the trip to examine desalinisation? Please include a breakdown, which

includes cost of airfares and hotel accommodation. Answer— (1) The Desalination Planning Study is progressing on time and on budget to deliver a report to Sydney

Water in May 2005 at a cost of $4 million. (2) (a) (i) Professor Michael Reid, Director General, Ministry for Science and Medical Research and Dr Judi Hansen, General Manager, Sustainability, Sydney Water Corporation.

(ii) Professor Reid and Dr Hansen were in Israel from 6 to 11 November 2004. (iii) Israel is a recognised world leader in sustainable water management, water research

excellence and desalination. As part of developing a Water Research Strategy for New South Wales, the visit to Israel was to investigate: Water research being undertaken in Israel; to learn how these activities underpin

government and private sector activities around water supply and sustainability and how Israeli water research excellence could inform a New South Wales (NSW) Water Research Strategy.

Opportunities for research collaboration between Israel and NSW.

As part of the delivery of Sydney Water’s Desalination Planning Study, the visit to Israel was to: Investigate water management practices in Israel; to understand the role of

desalination as part of the Israel water supply/demand strategy Undertake site visits to desalination facilities in operation and being constructed in

Israel The trip was organized as part of a trade mission organized by the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.

(b) Professor Michael Reid Expenses:

Cost of airfares $9,804 AUD Cost of accommodation $1,306 USD Miscellaneous $ 185 USD Travel and related expenditure to visit various agencies within Israel $3,200 AUD Dr Judi Hansen Expenses: Cost of airfares: $9,834 AUD Cost of accommodation: $1,306 USD Travel and related expenditure to visit various agencies within Israel $3,200 AUD

*2023 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—POPULATION GROWTH—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Will desalination, pumping from the Shoalhaven and accessing dead storage provide enough water for Sydney’s growing population? Please provide evidence of advice/studies.


(2) If so, how is it possible when Sydney’s population is growing by 1000 people a week and therefore

should equate to one million extra people in 20 years? Answer— These options and the others included in the Metropolitan Water Plan will ensure that Sydney has sufficient water supplies for the next 25 years. The analysis is based on an evaluation of demand and supply side options taking into account feasibility and risk, cost, social and environmental impact. The analysis undertaken by the Government for the Metropolitan Water Plan took into consideration Sydney’s current and predicted population growth.

*2024 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—METROPOLITAN WATER STRATEGY—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What was the Minister’s role and what was Sydney Water’s role in introducing the Metropolitan Water Strategy? Answer— As the portfolio Minister responsible for Sydney Water and the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, I was part of the Cabinet process associated with the development and approval of the Plan. The inter-agency group was led by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources and comprised of Sydney Water Corporation, Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, Sydney Catchment Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation.

*2025 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What is the status of Sydney Water’s Drought Management Plan? (2) (a) When was the latest plan up-dated?

(b) Is this plan used by Sydney Water to manage the current drought? Answer— (1) The existing Drought Management Plan is under review to take into account the water that will be made

available through infrastructure works and water saving initiatives, which were outlined in the NSW Government Metropolitan Water Plan.

(2) (a) 2003.

(b) No, see (1) above.

*2026 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—SHOALHAVEN—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—


(1) Are you aware that there is a level of concern in the Shoalhaven about proposals to take water out of the

Shoalhaven during high flow periods? (2) What studies/advice has been provided to Sydney Water to ensure the health of the Shoalhaven will be

protected? Please provide copies of such studies/advice. (3) Has Sydney Water received any studies/advice that pumping from the Shoalhaven would be detrimental

to the health of the Shoalhaven? Please produce copies of such advice/studies. Answer— (1) to (3) These matters are the portfolio responsibility of the Minister for the Environment.

*2027 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—SYDNEY WATER BILLING SYSTEM—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) After the collapse of the proposed IT Sydney Water Billing system it was alleged that Sydney Water lost about $61 million and that Sydney Water had commenced litigation against Coopers Lybrand to recover the monies. Can you advise:

(a) The progress of that litigation?

(b) The cost to date of that litigation?

(c) The anticipated legal costs which would have been advised to Sydney Water by Sydney Water’s lawyers in accordance with requirements of the Legal Practitioners Act and Regulations?

Answer— (1) (a) to (c) Sydney Water commenced litigation against PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Construction and

Technology List of the Supreme Court of NSW on 9 July 2003. Prosecution of the claim against PricewaterhouseCoopers has progressed in accordance with the requirements of the Construction and Technology List.

In the context of active litigation, it is not appropriate to provide any further comment.

*2028 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—SYDNEY WATER ALLEGED INSURANCE PREMIUM FRAUD—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What is the current status of Sydney Water’s alleged insurance premium fraud? (2) (a) Is the estimated loss still in the order of $7 million?

(b) If not, what is the estimated loss? (3) What action, either criminal or civil, have been taken against the alleged employees involved? (4) What changes have been implemented at Sydney Water to ensure that such activities are not repeated? Answer—


(1) to (4) On 16 September 2004, Sydney Water filed a summons in the Supreme Court against a company

registered as 000 951 146 (formerly known as Heath Lambert Group Australasia) seeking damages for wrongfully earned commissions and associated loss related to Sydney Water’s insurance contracts.

One Sydney Water employee with responsibility for insurance contract management was dismissed last year after due process.

Sydney Water has also undertaken the following: notified and met with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the NSW

Police; provided information to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; engaged external solicitors to provide legal advice and conduct legal proceedings; and engaged external accountants to provide expert auditing and forensic accounting advice in respect

of the legal proceedings. Given this matter is currently before the courts and is being investigated by State and Federal authorities, it is not appropriate to comment further.

*2029 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—CONTRACTORS—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What was the total cost to Sydney Water for engaging private contractors to do water meter readings throughout its area last year?

(2) How many households were assessed or supposed to be assessed other than by Sydney Water employees? (3) (a) How many contractors were involved in areas where contractors were engaged?

(b) How many of those contractors failed to meet their contractual obligations? (4) How many residences received estimates of their water usage because of the failure of contractors to do

their job in the last 12 months? (5) If consumers received estimate accounts and then vacated the premises due to a sale or termination of

tenancy or otherwise, how will they get their money back if they have been overcharged? (6) (a) Has Sydney Water investigated union complaints that residents on the Northern Beaches received

‘guesstimate’ water bills?

(b) If so, how many homes were affected? (7) (a) How many complaints or requests for new water bills has Sydney Water received from customers

who got water bills based on ‘guesstimates’ rather than actual meter readings?

(b) How many of these customers were actually overcharged for water use? Answer— (1) The total cost to Sydney Water in 2003-04 to engage private contractors to perform water meter readings

was $2,940,451.91. (2) The following table outlines the number of readings completed by contractors for each quarter of 2004.


Jan – Mar Apr – Jun Jul – Sep Oct – Dec

Total Meters 1,241,508 1,243,020 1,247,659 1,248,726 Less Customer Reads 8,795 8,473 5,808 6,921 Less Averages 23,671 22,123 15,666 61,091 TOTAL 1,209,042 1,212,424 1,226,185 1,180,714

In total in 2004, contractors read 4,828,365 water meters. Customer reads and averages comprise only 3.1 per cent of total meter reads.

(3) (a) Two contractors read water meters throughout Sydney Water’s area of operation.

(b) One of those contractors has failed to meet their contractual obligations.

(4) In the last 12 months, 41,537 customers received estimates of their water usage due to the failure of the contractor to complete the required meter readings.

According to a Water Services Association of Australian benchmarking study of 10 water companies across Australia, Sydney Water was one of the two best performers in the meter reading category, with high meter reading accuracy and a low volume of non-reads – hence a low number of estimated bills.

(5) Customers settle their account at the sale of their property based on an extrapolation of consumption since

the last reading up until the day of settlement. Customers whose meters were estimated received notification of the estimated accounts and had the option to contact Sydney Water to have the charge amended based on their own meter reading.

(6) (a) Sydney Water has investigated union complaints that residents on the Northern Beaches received

‘guesstimate’ water bills.

(b) Estimates were only conducted in this area where meters were deemed to be inaccessible due to security fences, dogs, landscaping changes etc. This is a normal practice for all utilities that read meters.

(7) (a) to (b) As at 24 February 2005, 351 customers have requested to have their bill adjusted due to the

estimate being higher than the actual usage. This figure is less than one per cent of those customers who received estimates of water usage.

*2030 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—SERVICES SYDNEY—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) What reports have been produced by Sydney Water to consider the proposal by Services Sydney?

(b) Have there been any reports or consideration of proposals by external consultants?

(c) What is the total cost of such reports?

(d) Have any reports been given to the Minister on the proposals by Services Sydney? (2) Given that neither Sydney Water nor the Carr Government have indicated their support for Services

Sydney’s proposals to recycle the 1100 Olympic pools of sewage that is washed into the Pacific Ocean daily, what is being done to recycle this water and protect the environment?

Answer—


(1) (a) to (b) Sydney Water co-funded with Services Sydney a pre-feasibility study of the proposal(s) by

Connell Wagner in late 1999/early 2000. The report was prepared by Connell Wagner for Services Sydney.

(c) Sydney Water contributed $150,000 towards the cost of this report. (d) Sydney Water has provided the Minister with briefings on matters relevant to the Services Sydney

proposal. (2) The Government and Sydney Water have been investigating and identifying opportunities across Sydney

to increase the use of recycled water and reduce discharge of treated effluent. The recycled water opportunities with the most potential lie in western Sydney where there are new land release areas and large agricultural activities – both significant markets for recycled water. However, a number of potential recycling activities have also been identified in the coastal catchments. For example, Sydney Water will complete a major recycling project later this year, recycling 20 million litres per day to BlueScope Steel in Wollongong. A project to recycle two million litres per day at North Head Sewage Treatment Plant is under construction. Furthermore, I am advised that the Metropolitan Strategy for Recycled Water, a component of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan, will also be complete in mid-2005.

Effluent that cannot be recycled is discharged to the environment. Sydney Water and the Department of Environment and Conservation have carried out extensive monitoring of the ocean and beaches which shows that the improvements that Sydney Water has implemented over the last 15 years have virtually eliminated the impacts of the effluent on the marine and beach environments. Sydney Water is in the process of completing reliability works at Bondi and North Head Sewage Treatment Plants and upgrade works in the Illawarra to ensure that the high levels of environmental protection are maintained.

*2031 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—TWO-TIERED WATER PRICING—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Sydney Water has made it clear that it supports a two-tiered water pricing system in Sydney. How will Sydney Water and the Government ensure that large families and low-income earners are not hit with excessive water charges?

(2) Can Sydneysiders feel confident they will not be disadvantaged, especially considering the recent alleged

‘guesstimate’ bills? Answer— (1) The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has conducted an investigation into pricing

structures to reduce the demand for water in the Sydney Basin. IPART will make a determination on appropriate prices for water later this year. IPART delivered its options report in July 2004 which proposed, inter alia, that an inclining block tariff be introduced for residential single dwelling customers with a price step at 400 kilolitres per year. (Note: The average Sydney home consumes 250 kilolitres per annum)

IPART has noted the potential impacts on large and low-income households i.e. of five or more occupants with high non-discretionary use. It is now considering the best method of ensuring that large households are not penalized for their non-discretionary use.

In addition, Sydney Water currently offers a number of programs to help households in financial hardship reduce their overall water consumption and/or pay their Sydney Water account.

(2) Sydney Water’s billing process is robust and reliable.

In 2004, customer self reads and averages comprised only 3.1 per cent of total water meter reads.


Any difference from actual usage is evened out when the meter is read again before issue of the next bill. Therefore, over a short period of time customers only pay for the water they use.

*2032 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—CROSS CONNECTION OF WATER PIPES—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) Has Sydney Water completed last year’s investigation into the cross-connection of recycled water and

potable water at Kellyville and Glenwood?

(a) If so, what are the results of this investigation?

(b) If not, why not? (2) (a) What measures has Sydney Water considered to prevent cross-connection of the water pipes in the

future?

(b) Has Sydney Water considered establishing water quality monitoring systems in homes?

(c) If not, why not? (3) Given the Government’s plans for developing new housing estates in Western Sydney and that recycled

water is likely to play a much bigger role in Sydney’s water future, how can this potentially hazardous mix-up be prevented?

Answer— (1) (a) to (b) Yes, a review was completed into the cross connection of recycled water. (2) (a) Following the August 2004 Glenwood cross-connection event, two independent reviews were

commissioned by Sydney Water. One, which was chaired by Mr John Anderson, NSW Department of Commerce and previous Chairman of the NSW Recycled Water Coordination Committee, examined the incident and the Sydney Water response specifically. The second was an independent review of the management of risks for recycled water schemes such as Rouse Hill. The Australian Centre for Value Management (ACVM) was engaged to undertake this review, which included a comparison of procedures adopted by other jurisdictions.

The John Anderson report concluded that the cross-connection control provisions in the ‘NSW Guidelines for Urban and Residential Use of Recycled Water’ are sufficient and that Sydney Water has given effect to the cross-connection control provisions of the guidelines through a number of documented operating procedures for controls and inspections. It was Mr Anderson’s stated opinion that Sydney Water’s procedures meet and exceed the quality assurance requirements of the Guidelines and that Sydney Water’s response to the incident was prompt and appropriate in the circumstances.

The ACVM report observes that there is no epidemiological evidence of anyone suffering adverse

health arising from the use of recycled water in the Rouse Hill area and that the actions arising from risk assessments carried out by Mallesons in 1998 and CH2MHill in 2000 were appropriately implemented by Sydney Water.

The report comments that risk profiles need to be regularly reviewed and accordingly, Sydney

Water is assessing a number of options to reduce the risk of cross connection occurring.

The accreditation of plumbers in recycled water areas is also being pursued. Sydney Water, in conjunction with TAFE NSW, has commenced development of a recycled water plumbing


education program with a view to accreditation of plumbers working in recycled water areas. A pilot of the program is currently in progress.

(b) Sydney Water has considered the establishment of water quality monitoring systems in homes or

community precincts at Rouse Hill. However, all cross-connection events have occurred within household plumbing and, with the exception of the recent Glenwood cross-connection, have impacted only the individual house concerned. Decreasing the likelihood of cross-connections occurring in the system is the most prudent approach.

Sydney Water’s existing approach of providing safe recycled water in conjunction with extensive

property plumbing inspection procedures supported by customer response and community information programs and plumbing industry training commitment is the most viable and sustainable means of managing residential recycled water schemes.

(3) Lessons learnt from Rouse Hill will be used as a basis for contextual risk assessment, the conceptual,

detailed design and operational phases of these schemes and will inform decision making for all new schemes.

*2033 BUDET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—WALTER CONSTRUCTIONS—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) The collapse of Walter Constructions has affected three Sydney Water projects. Have or will the workers on these projects be paid all monies owed?

(2) What delays are expected at the following projects:

(a) Bondi?

(b) Illawarra?

(c) Glenfield? (3) (a) Will there be an increase in costs as a result?

(b) If so, by how much? Answer— (1) Negotiations are underway with the Walter Constructions employees and its sub contractors to retain their

services, where possible, to assist in completing remaining work on the affected Sydney Water projects.

Sydney Water has already paid Walter Constructions for work completed prior to 31 December 2004 and cannot pay twice for this work.

(2) (a) The Bondi project only suffered minor delays and work is now proceeding as planned.

(b) All efforts are being made, in consultation with the unions and affected Walter Construction employees and its contractors, to restart the Illawarra project. Settlement has been reached on residual entitlements for all Walter Constructions employees who have worked on the project.

The project is 90 per cent complete and major components of the project have already been commissioned.


(c) All efforts are being made, in consultation with the unions and affected Walter Constructions

employees and its contractors, to restart the Glenfield project (otherwise known as the Georges River project).

The project is 97 per cent complete and major components of the project have already been commissioned.

(3) (a) to (b) Sydney Water does not anticipate an increase in cost for the Bondi or Illawarra project. Bank

guarantees will be applied against any cost over runs.

Sydney Water anticipates an increase in cost on the Glenfield/Georges River project. The value of this increase is yet to be determined.

*2034 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—NEW GENERATION PROPOSALS—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many new generation proposals have been approved and are going ahead in New South Wales?

(2) For each, what is the location, type of generation, amount of power to be generated and expected completion date?

(3) Will this satisfy demand with energy shortfalls predicted in New South Wales? Answer— (1) In addition to the new electricity generation plants at Narrabri, Teralba, and Parramatta that commenced

operation during 2004 and the plant at Westcliff Colliery currently under construction, a further two generation proposals at Tomago and Gunning have been approved during the past 18 months.

(2) Tomago plant is based on natural gas, with a total capacity of 790 MW to be built in three stages,

expected to generate about 4,200 GWh a year after Stage 3 and has no specific completion date at this stage.

Gunning plant is based on wind, with a total capacity up to 80 MW, expected to generate approximately 160 GWh a year and to be operational in 2007.

(3) As stated in the Government’s Energy Directions Green Paper, released in December 2004, there is currently sufficient electricity generation capacity in New South Wales to meet demand.

The Government expects that the suite of reforms canvassed in the Green Paper will encourage private sector businesses to develop the next increment of electricity generation plants. This will be further addressed in the White Paper.

*2035 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—GENERATION INFRASTRUCTURE—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How much money is being invested over the next four years to maintain and renew generation infrastructure?

(2) Do more funds need to be invested given that blackouts occurred in Queensland, New South Wales and

Victoria when power plants in the Hunter Valley failed in August 2004?


(3) If so, how much? Answer— (1) The Government owned generators currently plan to invest over $1.4 billion over the next four years to

maintain and renew generation infrastructure. (2) No. (3) Not applicable.

*2036 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—GREEN POWER—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What is the likely cost to consumers if more green power sources such as wind power are used for greater production of energy? Answer— Based on retailer tariffs, NSW electricity customer who chooses to have 100% of their electricity consumption sourced from Green Power approved generation sources pays a premium of approximately 5c-7c/kWh. This represents a 50 per cent to 70 per cent increase on a typical 10c/kWh domestic electricity tariff. However, electricity customers can choose to purchase lower percentages of Green Power, making it more affordable. The cost of renewable energy has decreased significantly in the past 25 years and continues to do so.

*2037 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—USE OF GREEN POWER—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What amount of green power was produced in New South Wales in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004?

(2) What percentage of green power has been purchased in New South Wales in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004?

(3) How many consumers have taken up the offer to purchase green power in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004?

(4) What percentage of total consumers does this represent in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004? Answer— (1) Green Power is a Government-accredited national program that sets stringent environmental and

reporting standards for renewable energy products offered by electricity suppliers to households and businesses across Australia. The annual Green Power audits do not provide production information on a state basis, only national information.

(2) For the reasons detailed in (1), it is not possible to provide percentage purchases. However, the total

purchases for the requested time period are: 2000/01 233,319 MWh 2001/02 213,066 MWh 2002/03 153,638 MWh


(3) 2000/01 20,263 2001/02 18,221 2002/03 13,477 (4) 2000/01 0.66% 2001/02 0.59% 2002/03 0.43%

*2038 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Does the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability have any information as to the total cost of infrastructure renewal needed in NSW?

(2) If so, please detail what assessments have been done by Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability?

(3) What are the total costs of infrastructure renewal needed in New South Wales? Answer— (1) to (3) In relation to the energy portfolio, the Government currently intends to spend at least $6.2 billion over

the next five years on upgrading and maintaining the state’s transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Other infrastructure matters fall within the Portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning.

*2039 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—BASIX—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) Has the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability undertaken an assessment of the likely additional costs to consumers and builders of the BASIX requirement for energy conservation to be built into new homes?

(b) If so, what is the estimate?

(2) (a) Has an assessment been done on its impact on the provision of low cost housing?

(b) If so, what is it? Answer— (1) to (2) BASIX is the responsibility of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources.

*2040 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—CONTRACTED SERVICES—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—


(1) What services have been contracted out by the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability in the

last two years?

(2) What has been the total cost of such services?

(3) Which companies have been engaged and for what purposes? Answer— (1) Human Resources transactional services and finance transactional services in accordance with the NSW

Government's Shared Corporate Services Policy. (2) The total for 2002-03 and 2003-04 is $695,000. (3) The former Department of Information and Technology Management provided these services in 2002-03. The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources provided these services in 2003-04.

*2041 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—SYDNEY WATER FATALITIES—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) In the last three years how many people working on Sydney Water projects as either employees or contractors have been killed?

(2) What plans are there to improve workers and contractors safety? Answer— (1) In the past three years, from January 2002 to the end of January 2005, two contractors and one Sydney

Water employee have died at work. (2) At Sydney Water, safety is not negotiable. Sydney Water has a tried and tested health and safety program

in place to protect employees and contractors at work. This program is regularly reviewed and updated. Recent initiatives to further improve employee safety include:

improving the safety culture by implementing the Be Safe Mate 2 course; improving analysis of health and safety data to improve allocation of health and safety resources;

increasing the involvement and accountability for health and safety by operational managers by

including specific responsibilities in position descriptions and in individual performance agreements;

increased rigour in incident investigation in relation to the determination of root cause and control

measures to prevent recurrences;

increased assessment of health and safety aspects in the design phase of projects such as new Sewage Treatment Plants; and

more targeted health and safety training tailored to address significant health and safety risks, for

example, electrical safety. In addition, Sydney Water will continue to work with contractors to improve contractor safety by:

(a) Improved selection of principal and sub contractors who operate in a safe manner by:


(i) ensuring that health and safety requirements are included in all type of tender documents including expression of interests;

(ii) ensuring tender selection panels have access to Sydney Water staff that have been trained in

the Contractor Safety Management System (CSMS), or, with high risk projects, having Sydney Water health and safety representatives on the tender panels;

(iii) applying the CSMS guidelines to a wider group of contractors, for example, minor works

contractors; and (iv) ensuring compliance of relevant contractors with the fourth edition guidelines published by

the Construction Agency Coordination Committee for the accreditation of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

(b) Ensuring Sydney Water health and safety representatives attend health and safety meetings with

the contractors. (c) Improved process for review of work method statements by project managers and health and

safety representatives.

(d) When working under alliance arrangements, utilising safety management systems, knowledge and experience of other professionals and businesses.

(e) Increasing the emphasis on joint site safety inspections with contractors on high risk projects.

(f) Rigorous auditing of the contractors on high risk projects.

(g) Increased rigour of incident investigations and the identification of root causes and actions to be

implemented to prevent recurrences.

(h) Improved analysis of data to determine our high risk contractors/areas which will enable health and safety resources to be allocated more effectively.

(i) Continuing training and mentoring of our project managers in contractor safety management and

construction safety.

*2042 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—RECYCLED WATER SCHEME—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Since the Rouse Hill recycled water scheme has been established, how much potable water has been put into the recycled water system to meet demand? Specify amounts of water for each year.

(2) How many days has the recycled water scheme been out of service since it was commissioned in 2001?

Specify number of days for 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 to date. Answer— Under normal operating conditions, the Rouse Hill plant supplies enough recycled water to meet demand on most days of the year. On very hot days, however, the community’s demand for recycled water can exceed supply by more than double the available supply. In a full year of normal operation recycled water production meets around 80 per cent of the demand, with potable water top-up contributing the remainder. In 2001-02 and 2002-03, the recycled water plant was going through plant start up and commissioning which required the recycled water plant to be offline for many days in each year. It should also be remembered that as


Rouse Hill is a newly developing suburb with considerable construction and landscaping activity, external water use is presently higher than the probable long term average.

Financial Year Total Recycled ML

Total Potable ML

Total Supplied ML

2001-02 (Commissioned Sep-01) 120 381 501 2002-03 529 794 1323 2003-04 1342 492 1834 2004-05 (to end of Feb-05) 951 265 1217

Financial Year Days out of service

Comment

2001-02 (303 days from Sep-01) 176 Plant start-up and commissioning 2002-03 140 Rectification of matters arising from

commissioning process (to Dec 02) 2003-04 9 2004-05 (243 days to end Feb-05) 0

*2043 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY AND UTILITIES—DEVELOPER CHARGES—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

How much money has Sydney Water been paid in developer charges for water and sewerage? Provide details for the headworks and local works during 2003-04. Answer— Developer charges are calculated in accordance with the methodology determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in 1995. Sydney Water incurs the cost of servicing urban development upfront and then recovers the cost of servicing these areas over a 30 year period, in accordance with the methodology determined by IPART in 1995. IPART requires that a clear nexus exists between the costs recovered through developer charges and the development that occurs in an area. In 2003-04, Sydney Water was paid $46.7 million in developer charges for water and sewerage; $16.43 million was for head works; $26.57 million for major works; and $3.7 million for local works.

*2044 HEALTH—PREGNANCY TERMINATION—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) Can girls as young as 14 ‘legally’ acquire an abortion without parental consent?

(2) What is the age requirement for a ‘legally’ acquired abortion?

(3) Why are children of 14 considered old enough to make this decision but not responsible enough to make others?

Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that termination of pregnancy may only be recommended by a medical practitioner in New South Wales if the medical practitioner has an


“honest belief on reasonable grounds” that the abortion is necessary to preserve the woman’s physical or mental health. The NSW Health Policy Directive, ‘Patient Information and Consent to Medical Treatment’, states: “A child aged 14 years and above may consent to their own treatment provided they adequately understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of the operation, procedure or treatment. However, where the child is 14 or 15 years of age, it is prudent for practitioners or hospitals to also obtain the consent of the parent or guardian, unless the patient objects. Generally, the age at which a young person is sufficiently mature to consent independently to medical treatment depends not only on their age but also on the seriousness of the treatment in question relative to their level of maturity. The health practitioner must decide on a case-by-case basis whether the young person has sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable him or her to fully understand what is proposed”. A child of 14 may therefore be considered old enough to make decisions about his or her own medical care, not only termination of pregnancy, if the treating medical practitioner considers that the patient has the intelligence and maturity required to understand what is proposed.

*2045 ATTORNEY-GENERAL—STERILISATION PROCEDURES—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) In August 2003, did the Queensland Government move to limit payouts for parents who had children after failed sterilisation procedures?

(2) What approach has the NSW Government taken in this regard? Answer— The Honourable Member should direct his question to the Attorney General.

*2046 TREASURER—FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION—Revd Mr Nile asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What is the current level of state funding for the Family Planning Association? Answer— This question should be directed to the Minister for Health.

*2047 HEALTH—PREGNANCY TERMINATION DATA—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

What is the incidence of partial birth abortions conducted in New South Wales? Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the Reverend Nile’s question is: There is no data available on partial term abortions in New South Wales.


*2048 ROADS—BICYCLE SAFETY—Mr Breen asked the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,

Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

(1) On Sunday 5 December 2004 was a push biker badly injured after being hit from behind by a motorcyclist on the 3.9 kilometre section of the Old Pacific Highway between Brooklyn Road and the café, ‘Pie in the Sky’ at Cowan?

(2) Is the 20 kilometre section of the old highway north to Mt White attracting large numbers of recreational

motor cyclists and push bike riders? (3) Is this section of the highway becoming less safe for bicycle riders due to speeding violations by some

motorcyclists and car clubs? (4) (a) Has there been an active police presence in the area monitoring speeding on the Old Pacific

Highway over the past three months? (b) If not, why not? (5) Why is not the Police Department controlled excessive speeding on the Old Pacific Highway between

Berowra and Mt White on weekends when motor cyclists and, to a lesser extent, car clubs, regularly break the speed limits?

(6) (a) Will the Minister consider installing permanent radar surveillance in the danger zone between the

‘Pie in the Sky’ café at Cowan and Mt White including fixed speed cameras? (b) If not, why not? (7) (a) Will the Minister convene a meeting between the larger car clubs, motor cycle groups and bicycle

groups to address the issues of speeding, greater clearance when passing cyclists, and use by cyclists of the Old Pacific Highway?

(b) If not, why not? Answer— I am advised: (1) The Roads and Traffic Authority’s crash records indicate a bicyclist was injured at this location on that

date after being hit by a motorcyclist. (2) to (7) Information relating to traffic crash statistics is provided annually by the Roads and Traffic Authority

(RTA) in the publication, ‘Road Traffic Crashes in NSW’, which is publicly available on the RTA website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

The enforcement of road rules by NSW Police falls under the administration of the Minister for Police. Fixed speed cameras in New South Wales are installed at sites that meet specific criteria. The RTA’s ‘Fixed Speed Camera Site Selection Criteria’ were developed in consultation with the NRMA and NSW Police. These criteria are based on the location of known black lengths.

*2049 DISABILITY SERVICES—DEINSTITUTIONALISATION—Dr Chesterfield-Evans asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) (a) What research has been done on the situation and welfare of deinstitutionalised clients of the

department?


(b) Has there been any longitudinal studies? (c) If not, why not?

(d) Is there a commitment to excellence? (e) If so, does not this require research?

(2) If there is no research on actual population involved, how does the amount of community access time

compare with that before the deinstitutionalisation? (3) (a) Is the service delivery to clients better than it was before? (b) Have many group homes become mini-institutions without any benefits of economies of scale? (c) (i) If it is stated that service is better, on what objective data is that based? (ii) What surveys of inmates and carers have been conducted? Answer— (1) (a) The department commissioned research by the Centre for Developmental Disability Studies

(CDDS) in 1999. In addition, an internal report on the transition of clients from the Baringa Centre to community houses detailed the experiences of clients and their families during the process and the outcomes of deinstitutionalisation. An evaluation of Stage 1 of the Closure of Large Residential Centres is planned to commence in 2005.

(b) to (c) A longitudinal study of the closure of the Lachlan Centre is planned in 2005. (d) to (e) Yes. The outcomes of the Baringa transition and research by CDDS have informed the

department and are guiding the continuation of Stage 1 of the Closure of Large Residential Centres. Further studies are planned in 2005.

(2) The Closure of Large Residential Centres program is being undertaken in the context of the Disability

Services Act 1993 and has more than community access as its focus. It is concerned with the rights of individuals with disabilities to be part of the community and for service providers to facilitate their integration in the community. The policies and service models under development in the department aim to ensure that clients have connectivity as well as access to their communities.

(3) (a) Yes.

(b) No. (c) (i) Data was obtained during and after transition of the clients from the Baringa Centre.

(ii) Following the transition, clients, their families and staff were all surveyed to determine

their satisfaction with a range of aspects of the process including communication and information sharing relating to the transition, and the quality of care and support provided to clients during and after their move to community houses.

*2050 DISABILITY SERVICES—WOODSTOCK IN ALBURY—Dr Chesterfield-Evans asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) (a) What research has been done on the situation and welfare of deinstitutionalised clients of Woodstock in Albury who are now in 11 group homes?


(b) Has there been any comparative or longitudinal studies to test the success of their transition? (c) If not, how does the amount of community access time compare with that before the

deinstitutionalisation in hours per client? (d) Is the service delivery to clients better than it was before? (e) If so, by what parameters is that conclusion reached?

(2) Have many group homes become mini-institutions without any benefits of economies of scale? Answer— (1) (a) The department implemented a process of ongoing monitoring of these clients to assess the effects

of change. These clients will be included in the evaluation of Stage 1 of the Closure of Large Residential Centres that is being planned by the department.

(b) While no formal longitudinal studies have yet been undertaken, outcomes for clients have been

positive. Departmental Area Managers are given monthly reports on the well-being of clients which provide information about changes in support needs, health, behaviour and community access.

(c) The transition to community settings was a carefully planned and managed process. Parents,

guardians and other stakeholders participated in the transition planning. Feedback from those same stakeholders has been particularly positive. The regular reviews of individual plans confirm that community access has improved and the need for programming services has declined.

(d) Yes.

(e) The department implemented a monitoring system, as described in answer to Question 1(a). The

reports obtained from the system are used to gauge the effect of relocation on the clients and its relation to service delivery.

(2) No.

*2051 DISABILITY SERVICES—WENONA RESIDENTS—Dr Chesterfield-Evans asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) (a) How many people with disabilities have been devolved from Wenona in Westmead?

(b) How many remain to be devolved?

(c) Do suitable community supported situations exist?

(d) If so, are these in locations such that ageing carers can visit them reasonably readily? (2) (a) Are the special needs of autistic people in needing to remain with people familiar to them being

taken into account?

(b) Will anyone be moved against the wishes of their families and carers? Answer— (1) (a) Nine.

(b) Five.


(c) Yes. Two houses have been identified (in Merrylands and Punchbowl). The department anticipates

that relocation of remaining clients will be completed by mid 2005 as soon as necessary modifications are completed.

(d) Yes. The houses are reasonably accessible by public transport. If elderly parents experience travel

difficulties to either house, alternative arrangements can be made. (2) (a) All special needs of people with a disability are taken into account during the transition phase of

relocation. This includes familiarisation processes for clients and staff to ensure a smooth transition from large residential accommodation to community living.

(b) Families and carers are involved in the planning process for all clients relocating to the

community. All attempts are made to resolve any concerns that families or carers may have concerning the relocation process. Should any family be reluctant to proceed with the relocation, the matter is referred to the Regional Director for negotiation and consultation with the families and carers. The process is in line with the Disability Services Act 1993.

*2052 GAMING AND RACING—GAMBLING RELATED SUICIDES—Dr Chesterfield-Evans asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister for the Central Coast—

(1) Does the Coroner keep records of the number of suicides related to gambling in New South Wales? (a) If so, how many are there? (b) If not, what other attempts are being made to assess the harm of problem gambling in New South

Wales? Answer— (1) (a) Questions regarding the NSW Coroner should be directed to the Attorney-General.

(b) The Government has undertaken prevalence surveys on gambling and problem gambling in past years on the basis that such surveys are a useful, practical means for refining policy and program activity.

In July 2004, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal released its comprehensive report entitled ‘Gambling – Promoting a Culture of Responsibility’. That report in part recommends that ongoing surveys should be conducted to update the findings of previous surveys, and to enable the extent of problem gambling, its geographical spread and the profile of problem gamblers to be monitored over time. The Government has consulted widely on the recommendations, and expects to finalise its response in the near future.

*2053 TREASURER—GST REVENUE AND SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM—Dr Chesterfield-Evans asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) (a) What was the amount of money received from the Federal Government from the GST in the past financial year?

(b) How does this compare with estimates when GST was announced?


(2) (a) Did a press release from Senator Patterson of 17 December 2004 claim that the increased

GST revenues should allow the state to increase Supported Accommodation Assistance Program funding?

(b) Will this be possible?

Answer— (1) New South Wales (NSW) received $10 billion in GST revenue grants from the Commonwealth

Government in the 2003-04 financial year but paid a total of $13 billion in GST payments. This represents a loss of $3 billion to the people of NSW.

(2) A press release from Senator Paterson broadly claims that all the states and territories with their increased

GST revenues should increase their Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) funding. However, she qualifies this claim with respect to New South Wales (NSW) stating that, “The states and territories should follow the lead of NSW and shoulder more of their responsibility for SAAP.”

(3) Despite the way the Commonwealth penalises New South Wales, the Carr Government has significantly

increased frontline spending. Spending for community services, which includes the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program, will amount to $2 billion in 2004-05, an increase of 150 per cent on what the former Coalition Government spent in 1994-95.

Under the Inter-Governmental Agreement, the Federal Government cannot stipulate how the states and Territories use their GST revenues.

*2054 EDUCATION—NALSAS IN NSW SCHOOLS—Dr Chesterfield-Evans asked the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) (a) Is New South Wales lagging in the National Asian Languages Strategy in Australian Schools, particularly in the number of younger students studying Asian languages?

(b) What is being done to improve this situation? Answer— (1) (a) It is not possible to make a valid comparison on languages study across states. Languages

education in New South Wales (NSW) is not mandatory, with the exception of 100 hours in Years 7–10, whereas other states mandate the study of languages.

In addition, other states have elected to limit their offer of languages study to as few as six. NSW has 12 priority languages and offers 40 different languages to students in our schools. The broader range of languages choices reduces the numbers choosing an Asian language.

(b) New South Wales (NSW) has pursued participation in languages study at the primary level on a

voluntary basis. Over the last 10 years the study of Asian languages has been supported by the Access to Languages via Satellite Program and the Languages Continuity Initiative. With the cessation by the Federal Government in 2003 of the National Asian Languages Strategy in Australian Schools funding, these programs no longer operate.

NSW has participated in the development of the National Statement and Plan for Languages Education in Australian Schools and will be collaborating with the other states to implement an initial four year plan for 2005–08.

This plan reflects a commitment by all Ministers for Education to act together. It aims to:

establish long-term directions for languages education;


advance the implementation of high quality and sustainable programs; maximise the collaboration in the use of national, state and territory resources; and provide flexibility in implementation by individual jurisdictions.

*2055 EDUCATION—OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE IN NSW SCHOOLS—Dr Chesterfield-Evans asked the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How much is spent on software annually in New South Wales’ schools? (2) Is open source software replacing proprietary software in many countries? (3) Has the United Nations recently initiated open source educational software? (4) (a) Does the NSW Department of Education and Training spend any time or resources on evaluation

of open source software? (b) If so, how much effort is spent in this evaluation? (Please answer in both dollars and person hours

of time). (c) What recommendations has this group made, if any? (d) If there is no evaluation or research, why not? Answer— (1) The Department of Education and Training spends in the order of $14 million (excluding GST) annually

on enterprise wide agreements for software used in schools, TAFE colleges and state offices. (2) Both open source and proprietary software are used in many countries. (3) The United Nations is promoting the use of free or open source software in developing countries in the

Asia-Pacific Region. (4) (a) Yes.

(b) The Information Technology Directorate of the Department of Education and Training continually evaluates the value of the department’s software enterprise agreements for school, TAFE and corporate computer environments. The directorate also regularly appraises alternative products as part of the ongoing assessment of technologies available for use in educational environments. It is not possible to quantify this.

(c) These evaluations continue to confirm the use of proprietary software by the department.

(d) Not applicable.

*2056 JUVENILE JUSTICE—JUVENILES CUSTODY COSTS—Ms Cusack asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration)—

(1) What was the average cost per juvenile per day in custody in New South Wales for the following years:

1994-95? 1995-96? 1996-97? 1997-98?


1998-99? 1999-2000? 2000-01? 2001-02? 2002-03? 2003-04?

(2) What was the average cost per juvenile per day under community based supervision in New South Wales

for the following years:

1994-95? 1995-96? 1996-97? 1997-98? 1998-99? 1999-2000? 2000-01? 2001-02? 2002-03? 2003-04?

Answer— There is no data available for the 1994-95 financial year. However, the department has data available for the years 1995-96 through to 2003-04 which shows: (1) The average cost per juvenile per day in custody in New South Wales was:

1995-96 $264 1996-97 $316 1997-98 $349 1998-99 $368 1999-2000 $458 2000-01 $498 2001-02 $508 2002-03 $598 2003-04 $582 (2) The average cost per juvenile per day under community supervision in New South Wales was: 1995-96 $22 1996-97 $23 1997-98 $31 1998-99 $33 1999-2000 $33 2000-01 $36 2001-02 $37 2002-03 $36 2003-04 $39

*2057 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS—MYALL CREEK MEMORIAL PLAQUE—Mrs Pavey asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What is the estimated cost of repairs to the Myall Creek memorial plaque near Bingara?


(2) What was the cost of the recent visit to inspect damage to the plaque by Parliamentary Secretary, Mr

Bryce Gaudry and entourage, including:

(a) airfares and/or charter costs?

(b) meals?

(c) other travel related costs? (3) Who travelled with Mr Gaudry? Answer— I am advised that repairs to the Myall Creek memorial were undertaken by Gwydir Shire Council. All enquiries should be directed to the Council. All travel undertaken by the Parliamentary Secretary is in accordance with the guidelines contained in the ‘Minsters’ Office Administration Handbook’.

23 FEBRUARY 2005

(Paper No. 90)

*2058 BUDGET ESTIMATES—ENERGY, UTILITIES AND SUSTAINABILITY—WIND POWER—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Has the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability researched the costs and benefits of wind energy?

(2) If so, please provide a summary of relevant research and any relevant research documents?

(3) Has the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability assessed the relative effectiveness of wind power in boosting the State’s power supply at times of peak consumer demand, eg during heat waves and cold snaps?

(4) If so, what is the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability’s assessment?

(5) What is the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability’s estimate of the contribution to the New South Wales power grid that will be generated by wind power for:

(a) The next five years?

(b) The next 10 years?

(6) Of each of the means of energy generation available in New South Wales, what is the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability’s assessment of their relative efficiency?

Answer— (1) Yes. (2) Information on the costs and benefits of wind energy can be obtained from the Australian Wind Energy

Association (AusWEA).


(3) and (4) The nature of wind generation means it is not effective as a source of peak generation. Wind

generation is highly interruptible but it can be operated effectively at high penetration levels if done in tandem with other base load, intermediate and peaking plant.

(5) (a) and (b) Over 1500MW of wind farms have been proposed in New South Wales (NSW), and given the

right market conditions it is expected that many more projects than this will be proposed in the future. However, the number of projects constructed in the next five to 10 years depends entirely on market conditions which could well change, and on the competitiveness of wind farm proposals in NSW compared to interstate proposals and to other renewable energy types.

(6) The thermal efficiency of the principal generation technologies are:

Coal 30 to 40% Open Cycle Gas Turbines up to 36% Combined Cycle Gas up to 50% Cogeneration up to 90% Due to the absence of burning fossil fuels in renewable generation, thermal efficiency ratings are not relevant. Of greater relevance to renewable energy is the level of availability, which varies according to the type of generation and its location.

*2059 TRANSPORT SERVICES—TRAIN FINES—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) Is the Minister aware of the rise in non-payment for train fines? (2) (a) Are there new departmental guidelines for transit officers issuing train fines? (b) If not, are any being planned? (3) Will these guidelines provide for transit officers to exercise judgment as to whether fines should be

issued? (4) Have any changes to the procedures been made in the last six months? Answer— (1) The non-payment of train fines is a matter for the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO). Responsibility for

the SDRO rests with the Treasurer. (2) to (4) RailCorp will review the Transit Officer function guidelines for the issue of infringement notices as

part of its current review of Transit Officers operations.

*2060 RURAL AFFAIRS—WIND FARMS—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands— (1) (a) Has the State Government investigated any areas of Crown land that may be suitable for the

development of wind farms in the Monaro region that is a better proposal than the current plan which would have a huge visual and noise impact on the residents along the Molonglo range stretching over 12 kilometres between Burra and Carwoola?

(b) If no, why not? Answer—


While there are proposals for wind farms affecting Crown land in the Monaro Region, any investigation by the Department of Lands will be limited to the issue of whether the affected Crown land is available for such development. Ultimately, these proposals will be matters for the Minister for Energy and Utilities and the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning to consider.

*2061 HEALTH—PORT MACQUARIE BASE HOSPITAL—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health— (1) (a) What has been the State Government’s legal costs so far in dealing with the buy back of the Port

Macquarie Base Hospital from the Mayne Group?

(b) What is the waiting list for elective surgery at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital? Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is – (1) (a) I am advised as at 23 February 2005, the Department of Health had been invoiced approximately

$484,000 for professional legal costs in dealing with the acquisition of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital operations from Mayne Group Limited.

(b) I am advised that Department of Health data indicates that at the end of February 2005 there were

1,904 patients on the waiting list for elective surgery at Port Macquarie Base Hospital classified as ‘Ready for Care’.

*2062 HEALTH—COFFS HARBOUR BASE HOSPITAL—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health— (1) (a) How many private patients were treated at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital during the financial year

2003-04?

(b) How many private patients were treated at the Coffs Harbour Base Hospital during the following financial years:

2000-01? 2001-02? 2002-03?

Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is – (1) (a) to (b)

Financial Year No. of Private Patient Episodes 2000-01 533 2001-02 625

2002-03 687

2003-04 698

*2063 HEALTH—QUEANBEYAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—


(1) (a) What is the current status of the redevelopment and rebuilding of the Queanbeyan District

Hospital?

(b) Will construction commence on the Queanbeyan District Hospital? Answer— I am advised that detailed planning for the new $30 million purpose built Queanbeyan Hospital has commenced and that the next step in the process is the undertaking of a value management study. I understand that the Greater Southern Area Health Service is currently finalising the date for this to occur.

*2064 ROADS—QUEANBEYAN BYPASS—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter— (1) (a) What is the current status of the construction of the Queanbeyan Bypass? (b) What is the expected completion date for the Queanbeyan Bypass? Answer— I’m advised: The NSW Government is continuing to deliver a northern upgrade route to reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling through the Queanbeyan CBD. The northern upgrade route falls within both New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The NSW Government is providing $4.8 million towards the $6.8 million upgrade. $2.5 million has been allocated in 2004-05 to complete the works. The project links the Kings Highway to Canberra Avenue, Yass Road, Piallago Avenue, Oaks Estate Road, Railway Street and Kendall Avenue. The project involves a number of intersection upgrades which have already been completed and further works, including a new concrete bridge over the Canberra to Queanbeyan railway line, will be carried out in 2005.

*2065 HOUSING—PRIORITY HOUSING LISTS—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Housing—

(1) (a) How many people are currently on the ‘wait turn’ and ‘priority’ housing lists awaiting allocation of a property?

(b) How many were on these lists at the end of the 2003-04 financial year?

(c) How many people were on these lists at the end of the 1999-2000 financial year?

(2) (a) How many people from ‘wait turn’ and ‘priority’ housing lists were allocated Department of

Housing properties in the last financial year (2003-04).

(b) How many were allocated Department of Housing properties in 2002-03? (c) How many were allocated Department of Housing properties in 1999-2000? (3) (a) How many people who were on the ‘wait turn’ and ‘priority’ housing lists were assisted

financially to access private rental housing in the last financial year (2003-04)?


(b) How many were assisted financially to access private rental housing in 2002-03?

(c) How many were assisted financially to access private rental housing in 1999-2000? (4) What reasons does the Government attribute to any fluctuations of changes in the number of people on

the Department of Housing lists? (5) (a) Has the criteria for being placed on the ‘wait turn’ or ‘priority’ lists changed in the last five

financial years? (b) If so, how? (6) What percentage of people drop off the ‘wait turn’ and ‘priority’ lists without receiving any financial

assistance from the department or being allocated a house? Answer— (1) (a) As at 31 December 2004, there were 68,413.

(b) and (c) I refer the Honourable Member to the Department of Housing’s Annual Reports for the

relevant years.

(2) (a) to (c) I refer the Honourable Member to the Department of Housing’s Annual Reports for the relevant years.

(3) (a) In 2003-04, 8,755 applicants on the ‘wait turn’ and ‘priority’ housing lists were assisted financially

to access private rental housing.

(b) In 2002-03, 9,394 applicants on the ‘wait turn’ and ‘priority ’ housing lists were assisted financially to access private rental housing.

(c) The information is not available for 1999-2000.

(4) The number of people on the list has been falling. (5) (a) and (b) I am advised that the criteria for being placed on being placed on the ‘wait-turn’ or ‘priority’

lists has not substantively changed in the last five financial years. However, some of the policies have been re-written to make the criteria much clearer and therefore easier to understand for both clients and staff.

(6) I would remind the honourable member that there are a range of reasons that people would cease to be on

a waiting list. For example, an applicant may be offered a job, and may no longer be in need of social housing. I would be happy to arrange a detailed briefing for the honourable member on this subject if she would find this helpful.

*2066 HEALTH—CALLAN PARK—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) What is the Government’s current thinking about how Callan Park will be managed in the future? (2) Have there been any discussions between government agencies regarding the removal of Callan Park

from SEPP 56? (3) Is there any intention on the part of the Government to include Callan Park in the REP as a Strategic

Foreshore Site?


(4) Have regulations been drafted for the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002? If so:

(a) When were they prepared?

(b) Was there a public consultation process?

(c) When will they be finalised?

(d) When will they be publicly available?

(5) Have there been any discussions within government to amend the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002?

(6) (a) What criteria and processes are currently used to determine which organisations should be located

at Callan Park? (b) Have the public and/or Leichhardt Council been consulted? (7) Have there been discussions within government about Foodshare moving onto the site? If so:

(a) Has a decision been made?

(b) What was the decision? (8) Have there been discussions within government about Paraquad, Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association

of NSW moving onto the site?

If so:

(a) Has a decision been made?

(b) What was the decision? (9) (a) Have there been discussions within government about any other organisations moving onto the

site? (b) If so, which organisations? (10) What is the Government doing in relation to the illegal construction of the cool room within the curtilage

of Ward F occupied by ‘Just Enough Faith’ on Callan Park? (11) What is the status of the proposal to locate an essential services education and training academy in Callan

Park? (12) What is the status of the investigation into the potential of buildings on the Rozelle Hospital campus to

provide accommodation for the NSW Ambulance Service? (13) How is the Government addressing the contamination issues on the site? (14) (a) Have there been any discussions within government regarding transfer of the site from the Health

Administration Corporation to any other government agency or authority? (b) If so, which agency or authority?


(15) What is the status of repairing the sea wall? (16) What is the status of completing the ‘missing link’ of the Bay Run? (17) (a) Does the Government intend to establish a trust for Callan Park? (b) If so, what is the status of that trust? Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is: (1) and (17) The Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002 limits the scope of future reuse and redevelopment

of the site and contains provisions relating to future ownership and management of the site. The Government has no plans to change the current legislation. (2) to (5) and (10) Matters relating to SEPP, REP, amendments to the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act

2002 and development consents should be directed to the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Natural Resources.

(6) (a) and (b) Most of the buildings on the site are currently being utilised either by the Rozelle Hospital

or health-based organisations. The public and/or Leichardt Council will be consulted where appropriate. (7) (a) and (b) There are no current proposals for Food-Share Australia to re-locate to Callan Park. (8) (a) and (b) I am advised that Paraquad’s objectives can not be met under the Callan Park (Special

Provisions) Act 2002. (9) (a) and (b) Consistent with the provisions of the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002, discussions

have been held with We Help Ourselves (WHOS), a community based organisation providing drug and alcohol rehabilitation services and Lucan Care (Uniting Church), a provider of community-based psycho-geriatric aged care.

(11) I am advised that the academy’s objectives could not be met under the Callan Park (Special Provisions)

Act 2002. (12) There is no such investigation. (13) Preliminary contamination investigations that have been undertaken and further more detailed

investigations are required to determine the extent of contamination. (14) (a) and (b) Apart from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources and NSW

Health looking generally at ways to implement the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002 and exploring future use and management options, there have been no discussions within government regarding transfer of the site from the Health Administration Corporation.

(15) Issues concerning major long-term repairs to the overall sea wall will be addressed in the course of the

future management structure for Callan Park. (16) The Area Health Service is currently awaiting receipt of quotes for the cost of this work.


*2067 INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING—METROPOLITAN STRATEGY—Ms Hale asked the Minister for

Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Given recent comments by the Director-General during the Supplementary Budget Estimates hearing on 9 February 2005 that the department would “not produce a single document” in relation to the Metropolitan Strategy:

(a) How many documents will now make up the strategy?

(b) How will the documents fit together to ensure a truly integrated strategy?

(c) What is the timetable for the release of documents? (2) Will further consultation occur for each of these documents? (3) Given the December 2004 date for the release of the first draft of the metropolitan strategy has now

passed, when will the strategy or its components now be released? (4) How will the Growth Centres Commission, at the social benchmark level, approach affordable housing? (5) (a) How will the Growth Centres Commission approach the task of proscribing targets for the number

of units in affordable housing in various ranges?

(b) How will they ensure compliance?

(c) Will there be any legislative underpinning? (6) Given that the social service sector believes there needs to be a 15 per cent increase in affordable housing

at a minimum, and 30 per cent if the strategy was to address the current undersupply of affordable housing in Sydney, what does the Government believe is an appropriate target?

(7) How will the Growth Centres Commission ensure a mix of types of accommodation for a mix of income

levels? (8) (a) Will the Government consider benchmarking a target for a reduction in housing stress in Sydney,

in line with the NCOSS submission that the number of households in housing stress be reduced by 10 per cent in the next five years and then five per cent every five years thereafter?

(b) If not, why not? (9) How will the Growth Centres Commission benchmark the acceptable level of human services for health,

community and social services in new release land areas? (10) Will the Metropolitan Strategy guarantee no net loss of public housing per capita, given that

approximately 80,000 people already on the Department of Housing waiting lists? (11) What guidelines will be set in relation to access for people with disabilities in relation to public and

private buildings, public transport and recreational facilities in new growth areas? (12) Given that the Growth Centres Commission will be responsible for effective environmental stewardship

over the next 25 to 30 years, how will the Commission deliver the desired environmental outcomes of the Metropolitan Strategy?

(13) (a) Has the Government considered alternatives to the Growth Centres Commission being responsible

for environmental outcomes within the strategy, such as the Local Government, the Nature Conservation Trust or the Sydney Metropolitan CMA?


(b) If so, to what extent? (14) What role will community consultation play in ongoing decisions made by the Growth Centres

Commission? (15) (a) What role does the Government see for Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Metropolitan

Strategy? (b) What specific projects are being considering for PPPs? (16) Given there will need to be a transparent and open system of measuring performance against targets set as

part of the Metro Strategy: (a) How will the Government measure the success of the Strategy?

(b) Has specific criteria have been developed? (c) If so, what? (d) If not, when will it be developed?

(17) (a) Will the Metropolitan Strategy address traffic congestion and pollution in the CBD? (b) Will consideration be given to light rail? (18) Does the Metropolitan Strategy include long term plans to improve Sydney’s public transport

infrastructure, particularly in new suburbs on Sydney’s fringe? (19) Are there concrete plans, including a timeline, to complete Sydney’s heavy rail system?

What is the timeline for:

(a) A line to Bringelly?

(b) Continuation and completion of the Chatswood-Epping-Parramatta line?

(c) The missing north west link from Rouse Hill to Beecroft?

(d) The non radial link between Hurstville and Strathfield? (20) Are there plans for additional rail capacity beneath the CBD? (21) Will the Government ensure that existing road tunnels are filtered to meet world’s best practice? (22) Will the Government ensure that no new motorways are constructed after the completion of the M7? (23) What provision has the Metropolitan Strategy made for cycling as a form of sustainable transport in

Sydney? (24) (a) Are there targets for increasing cycleways throughout Sydney and the CBD? (b) Will new roads be required to include dedicated cycleways? (25) (a) Are there plans for a second airport within the Sydney Basin?

(b) Will the Metropolitan Strategy include consideration of an alternative site outside the Sydney Basin?


(26) What does the Metropolitan Strategy plan in regards to the Sydney Airport? (27) Does the Metropolitan Strategy include a maximum footprint size for the city? (28) Does the Metro Strategy aim to make Sydney sustainable by either:

(a) Limiting population growth?

(b) Ensuring that the city consumes less and produces less waste per capita?

(29) Will the Metropolitan Strategy include guidelines for per capita access to green space in the CBD and suburbs?

(30) Will the Metropolitan Strategy maintain and protect Sydney’s existing urban bushland? (31) Will the proportion of agricultural land within the Sydney basin be maintained? (32) Will the Metropolitan Strategy included goals of stimulating growth in rural and regional areas to take the

pressure off Sydney? (33) Does the Metropolitan Strategy include targets for a percentage of Sydney’s electricity to be powered by

renewable energy? (34) Will the Metro Strategy consider a carbon tax as a means to reduce pollution? (35) Is there an overarching target to reduce annual energy consumption by a certain date? Answer— (1) (a) to (c) The Metropolitan Strategy is not about producing a set of documents. It is a strategy for Sydney

which will span 30 years. A series of actions and initiatives began in 2004 focusing on principles to guide growth and change and implementation arrangements linked to budget decisions.

Projects to implement the Metropolitan Strategy have commenced, including the new land release

areas in the South West and North West Sydney; the establishment of the Growth Centres Commission; the preservation of 5,500 hectares of land as part of the Western Sydney Parklands; the renewal of the Parramatta Road corridor; the Metropolitan Water Plan; the Intermodal and Freight Strategy; the plans for East Darling Harbour; BASIX; and planning reforms.

(2) The Metropolitan Strategy continues to be developed in partnership with government agencies, industry

and peak groups, local government and the community. (3) See response to Question (1). (4) The planning for the North West and South West Sector release areas includes a strong mandate to

deliver housing diversity and mix, including apartments, houses of different sizes, shop top housing etc, encouraging housing affordability. Certainty of greenfield land supply will ease the pressure on land prices, consistent with the findings of the Productivity Commission Report into First Home Ownership.

(5) (a) Housing mix will be set by planning instruments which will apply to the new land release areas.

(b) The Growth Centres Commission will be responsible for ensuring development complies with relevant planning instruments.

(c) The planning instruments which will apply to the new release areas derive their statutory authority

from the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.


(6) The Metropolitan Strategy seeks to encourage a supply of housing to meet the different needs of a

growing and ageing population. The aim is to provide a range of housing choices for a diversity of household types on a range of incomes.

(7) See answer to Question (5). (8) (a) to (b) There are a number of macro level factors that contribute to housing stress, particularly those

relating to interest rates, which are beyond the scope of the State Government. However, the Government is committed to ensuring that a range of housing choices are available for a diversity of household types.

(9) The relevant State human services agencies have been involved in the preparation of the land release

plans for the North West and South West sectors, including the regional infrastructure requirements for human services. Local councils will continue to be responsible for services such as community centres, child care, library and local cultural and recreational facilities.

(10) Public housing is largely funded by the Commonwealth. Over the last 10 years there has been a real

decline in total funds given to State housing authorities to deliver additional public housing units. (11) Services and new development is required to comply with current legislation like the Commonwealth

Disability and Discrimination Act 1992 and the Building Code of Australia. (12) Sustainability Commissioner Professor Peter Newman’s sustainability assessment of the new land release

proposals for the North West and South West Sectors was based on a set of criteria which will be used to evaluate implementation. Refer also to answer to Question (16).

(13) (a) Yes.

(b) For water quality management, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Local Government, the Growth Centres Commission (GCC) and the responsible water authority will manage environmental outcomes. The GCC will be responsible for ensuring new development complies with the sustainability criteria.

(14) Community consultation will occur throughout the 25 to 30 years of development in the North West and

South West Sectors as part of the precinct planning process. (15) (a) to (b) Public Private Partnerships could be identified for particular projects if they provide value for

money. The Metropolitan Water Plan includes the introduction of a water recycling scheme for the new land release areas of North West and South West Sydney. The private sector will be involved in the delivery of this $560 million scheme.

(16) (a) to (d) The Government has appointed two Sustainability Commissioners to provide independent

advice on Sydney’s growth, establish objectives by which to assess new housing and associated infrastructure, and generally contribute to the Metropolitan Strategy.

Sustainability Commissioner Professor Peter Newman undertook a sustainability assessment of the

new North West and South West land release areas based on a set of criteria, including natural resources, environmental protection, quality places, housing diversity, jobs/economy, access, services and governance. Professor Newman’s assessment concluded that the land release program demonstrated world’s best practice overall.

(17) (a) The Inner Sydney Transport Plan is under development as one element of the Metropolitan

Strategy and will provide a staged approach to address transport issues in the CBD and inner Sydney.

(b) The Inner Sydney Transport Plan proposes the evaluation of mass transit systems to improve

transport capacity in the inner Sydney area.


(18) In the new land release areas, the package of planning and funding for investment in public transport includes the South West Rail Link between Glenfield and Leppington, duplication of the Richmond Line, and regional bus networks. The existing Transitways program, including the North West Transitway, also provides public transport infrastructure for new suburbs on Sydney’s fringe.

(19) The Metropolitan Strategy will help Government identify priorities for new infrastructure and services to

accommodate expected growth and change over the next 30 years.

(a) In relation to Bringelly, the construction of the South West Rail Link from the existing station at Glenfield to the new centre of Leppington will occur after 2010. A possible extension further west to Bringelly will be evaluated as development occurs in the South-West sector.

(b) The Epping-Chatswood Rail Link is under construction and due for completion in 2008.

(c) Studies are underway as part of the planning and evaluation process for the North West Rail Link.

(d) Cross-regional public transport in the St George and Inner West will be improved through the

provision of a network of strategic bus corridors, as identified in the Unsworth Review of Bus Services, including a Hurstville-Burwood strategic bus corridor.

(20) The need for additional rail capacity through the CBD in the medium-term is being investigated. (21) The Metropolitan Strategy recognises the need to plan for balanced growth within natural resource

constraints, including air quality. Specific questions about tunnel filtration should be directed to the Minister for Roads.

(22) Two directions for the Metropolitan Strategy are to connect town centres and employment centres with

the transport network. The Government does not have a policy that the M7 will be the last motorway constructed.

(23) The Metropolitan Strategy recognises the importance of active transport in achieving objectives such as

sustainable and liveable communities. Integrating land use and transport in existing urban areas and new land release areas is a key principle to achieving increased use of cycling as a transport option. The new land release areas will be planned in a manner which encourages walking and cycling to reach local shops and services. Walking and Cycling Guidelines released by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources provide guidance on improving cycling facilities.

(24) (a) ‘Action for Bikes 2010’ guides the provision of cycling infrastructure. The document has a

commitment to a program to provide approx 200 kilometres of cycleways across New South Wales each year over 10 years.

(b) ‘Action for Bikes 2010’ guides the provision of cycling infrastructure. The document includes a

commitment to build off-road cycleways wherever practicable when new roads are built and to create off-road cycleways wherever possible.

(25) (a) and (b) Airports and aviation are the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. (26) See answer to Question (25). (27) No. (28) (a) Population growth is directly influenced by immigration policies, which are the responsibility of

the Commonwealth and other factors outside the control of the Government. The Metropolitan Strategy will incorporate a range of integrated actions and initiatives to ensure the sustainable management of growth and change in Sydney and the Greater Metropolitan Region over the next 30 years.


(b) Initiatives such as the Metropolitan Water Plan and BASIX aim to reduce water and energy consumption.

(29) No. (30) Protecting Sydney’s biodiversity is a core consideration of the Metropolitan Strategy. (31) The Metropolitan Strategy will work to ensure that proposals for any new urban development outside of

designated growth centres are sustainable and assessed against competing and important values within rural areas. The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources is working with the Department of Primary Industries to identify regionally significant agricultural lands.

(32) A number of Regional Strategies, that link with and complement the objectives of the Metropolitan

Strategy, are underway and will provide a framework for managing growth and change in those areas. (33) The NSW Government has already legislated to reduce greenhouse emissions from the New South Wales

electricity sector by imposing mandatory greenhouse targets on electricity retailers and large energy users.

BASIX also requires new homes to produce 25 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than average housing of the same type.

(34) No. (35) As noted above, there are already several programs in place designed to reduce greenhouse emissions and

energy consumption.

*2068 INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING—PYRMONT/ULTIMO—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) What sites in the Pyrmont/Ultimo area have been the subject of sale, lease or transfer from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority to private entities or other government bodies in the past five years?

(2) Of the sites sold or planned to be sold or leased in the Pyrmont/Ultimo area, which of the sites have been, or will be sold by:

(a) Competitive open selection process?

(b) Through a selective tender process?

(c) Sold through direct negotiations (i.e. no tender process)?

(d) Who was the purchaser or lessee in each case?

(3) What was the reason for not selling or leasing all sites through a competitive selection process?

(4) What mechanisms and procedures are in place to ensure that all sale or lease of public lands in Pyrmont and Ultimo will be open and transparent?

(5) Given that Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority estimates “$50 million has been spent on public parks and open space in Pyrmont in the last 10 years”:

(a) How much was spent over the same period in Ultimo?

(b) What was the break-up of this expenditure, by park?


(6) How has the $143 million provided by the Commonwealth Government under the Better Cities Program

for the greening of Pyrmont been spent?

(a) Was $27 million spent on light rail?

(b) Was $50 million spent on parks in Pyrmont?

(7) What is the total value of levies received by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority from developers been over the last 10 years?

Answer— I am advised:

(1) The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Act 1998 prevents the Authority from disposing of core land,

which is defined as foreshore land. The following tables provide details of land disposals by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) in the Pyrmont/Ultimo area:

Parks/open space transferred from SHFA to City of Sydney (transfer finalised): Bulwarra Road Park St Bartholomews Park Mary Ann Park McCredie Reserve Clifftop Walk (Off Herbert Street) Fig Street Open Space

Schedule of parks and roads proposed to be transferred from SHFA to City of Sydney: John and Jones Street Park Lot 23 DP 1008425

Mary Ann Street Park (larger part of) Lot 11 DP 835835

Saunders Street open space and cliff top Lot 22 DP 1008425

Lot 100 DP 1013159

Giba Park Lot 116 DP 872490 Lot 3 DP1045499

Cadigal Avenue, Mount Street Walk and Bowman Street East These roads comprise: Lot 32 DP 1010428

Lots 29, 30 and 31 DP 1028012 (Lots 29, 30 and 31 DP 1010428) Refinery Drive Lot 18 DP 1011428 Lot 29 DP 1042979

Point Street Lot 14 DP 839315

Quarrymaster Drive Road 18 wide and variable shown in DP 859243


Pirrama Road (south) including the extensions into Edward Street and Jones Bay Road Lot 1 DP 868787 Lot 6 DP 868787 Lot 10 DP 867852 Lot 40 DP 870306 Lot 105 DP 837700 Pirrama Road (north) excluding the Bayview Street overpass Lot 13 DP 883135

Pirrama Road Development Site (ex Water Police) Lot 118 DP 872490

Pyrmont Point Park Lot 115 DP 872490

Pyrmont Bay Park Lot 4 DP 876763

Light Rail cutting Lot 21 DP 878273 (Air space and columns over rail cutting)

Murray Street, Union Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road Lot 202 DP 777886 is the intersection.

Saunders Street Bridge Cadigal Avenue South Lot 34 DP 1061957

Antias Avenue/ Distillery Drive, Jacksons Landing Lot 55 DP 1072361

Pirrama Road Lot 11 DP 883135

Pyrmont (Terraces in Scott Street) Lot 12 DP 854942

Pyrmont Bay Park (part of)

Lot 8 DP 876763 Sites not constructed but intended for transfer to City of Sydney: Darling Island roads and open space

Stages 1, 2, 3 Waterfront Park Open space to be created on Site M (Harris and Scott Street) following completion of development: Part of Lot 20 DP878273 Jacksons Landing Promenade Lot 36/ DP 270215

Pyrmont Point Park Promenade

Lot 35 DP 835994


Commercial Sales (Leasehold/Freehold): Sales finalised over a period of last five years:

Site

Purchaser Approvals at time of disposal

Process Type of transfer

Comments

Darling Island Stage 1

Darling Island Sydney Pty Ltd

DA Approved Open Tender

Leasehold

Darling Island Stage II

Mirvac DA Approved Expressions of Interest

Leasehold Expressions of Interest followed by negotiations with the only two qualified respondents.

Bullecourt Place

Australand DA Approved 2 Stage Tender

Freehold Shortlisted financial proposals followed by design tender process.

M South City West Housing Pty Ltd

Master Plan Direct Negotiation

Freehold Land transferred to Government owned company to facilitate affordable housing

Miller Street

Winten Developments

DA Approved Expressions of Interest

Freehold Expressions of Interest followed by Negotiations with only two respondents

Ultimo Aquatic Centre Site

City of Sydney Master Plan Direct Negotiation

Freehold Transfer of land to City of Sydney for aquatic facilities identified in Section 94 Plan

Elizabeth Macarthur Bay

City of Sydney Direct Negotiation

Freehold with

covenant over use

Land to be transferred to City of Sydney for open space.

Promontory Mirvac DA Approved Open Tender

Freehold

Jones Bay Wharf

Jones Bay Wharf Pty Ltd (Joint Venture between Toga

Group and Multiplex)

DA Approved Open Tender

Leasehold

Proposed Sales:

Site

Proposed/Intended Process

Type of transfer

Comments


M North Open Tender Freehold Development Approval prior to

sale. Darling Island-Stage III Open Tender Leasehold Development Approval prior to

sale. Former Government Printing Office

Direct Negotiation of sale of 50% freehold to

45 year lease holder.

Freehold (50% of site)

Direct neg process with leaseholder proposed in response to financial and potential use constraints resulting from the conversion of building to dedicated data-storage use. As direct negotiation is not SHFA’s usual method of sale for such sites, SHFA has taken independent probity advice regarding rationale and method of proposed direct negotiation process.

(3) In the case of the ‘Ultimo Aquatic Centre site’ no competitive process was undertaken as the site was

transferred to the City of Sydney for $1 to assist in the creation of the Ultimo Aquatic Centre.

In the case of the ‘former Water Police site’ no competitive process is planned to be undertaken as the site is planned to be transferred to the City of Sydney for $11 million for open space use by the city.

In the case of the ‘former Government Printing Office site’, a direct negotiation process with the long-term leaseholder has been proposed in response to particular financial and potential building use constraints.

These result from the recent conversion of the building to dedicated data-storage use, which precludes general commercial office use and therefore precludes a wide range of potential users.

As direct negotiation is not Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority’s (SHFA) usual method of sale for such sites, SHFA has sought independent probity advice regarding the rationale and method of proposed direct negotiation process.

(4) All public land dealings carried out by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority in the Pyrmont/Ultimo area

are transparent, subject to annual reporting and audit, overseen by independent probity auditing, fall within NSW Government Probity Guidelines and are most commonly achieved through open competitive processes.

Direct negotiation processes are only entered into when specific site or sale conditions exist that preclude the use of a competitive process. In such cases independent probity advice is sought prior to disposal.

(5) (a) Expenditure estimates relate to both Pyrmont and Ultimo together.

(b) Expenditure on parks has been part of the overall redevelopment of Pyrmont and Ultimo and the total expenditure estimate of $50 million is based on an average cost of $5 million per hectare to develop parks in such a redevelopment program.

(6) Funding provided under the ‘Building Better Cities Program’ has been used to provide a range of

infrastructure including affordable housing, parks and gardens, roads, open space and other urban infrastructure in Pyrmont/Ultimo.

(a) Questions about light rail should be directed to the Minister for Transport Services, within whose

Portfolio responsibility for this matter rests.


(b) Expenditure on parks in Pyrmont has been part of overall spending in the precinct by State

government over the last 10 years. The figure of $50 million is an estimate based on an average cost of $5 million per hectare to develop parks in such a redevelopment program.

(7) Nil – all levies from developers at Pyrmont/Ultimo were paid to the City of Sydney Council.

24 FEBRUARY 2005

(Paper No. 91)

*2069 HEALTH—PREGNANCY TERMINATION DATA—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) What predictions does the Government have regarding future New South Wales abortion rates? (2) Does the Government have any statistical data on the long-term effects on women’s emotional and

physical health post abortion? (3) Has the Government recognised the growing body of scientific data linking abortion to mental illness and

breast cancer? (4) What is the Government’s definition of a ‘late term abortion’? (5) How much does the State Government contribute to abortion services in New South Wales? (6) What is the market structure of the ‘private abortion sector’ and how are they accredited? (7) What controls does the Government have in place with regard to counselling procedures? (8) What is the predicted impact of mandatory counselling on abortion rates in New South Wales? Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is: (1) NSW Health does not have any current data collection systems that would allow a definitive prediction

regarding future New South Wales abortion rates. (2) No. (3) NSW Health has no evidence of a link in the scientific data between abortion and breast cancer. (4) The general clinical consensus regarding the definition of a late term abortion is a pregnancy that has

progressed beyond 20 weeks gestation. (5) Area Health Services are provided with a global budget from which a total range of health services are

provided. (6) The NSW Department of Health does not regulate the market structure of private facilities performing

terminations of pregnancy. Under the Private Hospitals and Day Procedures Act (1988) however, there are regulatory requirements which apply to procedures where complex sedation or general anaesthesia is involved.

(7) and (8) The Department of Health framework for termination of pregnancy in New South Wales Public

Hospitals gives clear guidelines about counselling that is required as part of termination of pregnancy. Counselling is available to women who require it through their GP, the Family Planning Association, The


Pre-Term Foundation and the NSW Betty Smyth Foundation Phone Line Counselling Service. Private facilities may also directly provide counselling services or refer patients to independent counselling services.

*2070 EDUCATION—BEACON HILL HIGH SCHOOL—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How did the Department of Education and Training decide to close Beacon Hill High School following extensive community consultation, including the initial review into secondary education on the northern beaches which received 53 submissions from various interested parties and not one submission mentioned or recommended the closure or sale of a school?

(2) According to freedom of information documents provided, Beacon Hill High School was an integral

component of the new education plan in May 2000. In June 2000, only one month later, Beacon Hill High School was scheduled for closure.

(a) Are there any documents which explain the change of view and subsequent approval? (b) If so, what are these documents and can they be made available to RBHHSC?

(3) The Ombudsman’s report dated 22 April 2004 confirmed that a School Closures Review Committee was

not established for Beacon Hill High School. Why weren’t the Principal and P&C President of Beacon Hill High School not notified of the establishment of the School Closures Review Committee as per section 28 (3) of the Education Act 1990?

(4) The Crown Solicitor’s advice dated 10 December 2003 states that, “you instruct me that the Minister

established a School Closures Review Committee within 21 days of the announcement”. Why did the Department of Education and Training incorrectly advise the Crown Solicitor that a School Closures Review Committee was established for Beacon Hill High School?

(5) Why were the other six schools nominated for closure on the same day as Beacon Hill given the benefit of

a review by the School Closures Review Committee? (6) The Department of Education and Training (DET) advised the school community in June 2000 that no

Year 7 enrolments would be accepted at Beacon Hill High School in 2001. Why did DET commence the closure of Beacon Hill High School 12 months prior to obtaining the Minister’s formal approval on 14 June 2001?

(7) The previous Minister, the Honourable Dr Andrew Refshauge, subsequently advised in writing that

Beacon Hill High School was closed under section 28(10)(b), which states that a school can be closed “if the majority of the parents of children attending the school approve of the closure”.

(a) Is there any written evidence that the majority of parents approved of the school closure? (b) If not, why not?

(8) DGS 03/3231 states, “The formal process for the closure of Beacon Hill High School began some 18

months before the intended date. All parents received a formal notification and were asked if they had objections.”

(a) Did the Department of Education and Training (DET) provide this document to the Beacon Hill

High School parents, students and community? (b) Can DET provide a copy of the notification? Answer—


(1) to (8) Following a review of secondary education provision on the Northern Beaches in 1999-2000 a detailed

report entitled ‘New Horizons’ was developed. It provided a plan to provide a five campus college.

I am advised that in June 2001, the then Minister for Education and Training announced that he proposed closing seven schools, including Beacon Hill High School. In accordance with section 28 (3) of the Education Act 1990 (NSW), the Minister established a School Closures Review Committee. I am further advised that of the seven schools proposed to be closed, four were the subject of a review by the committee because only those four met the criteria specified by section 28 (4). This section of the Act states “the School Closures Review Committee is to review and make recommendations to the Minister concerning the closure of a school if a majority of the parents of the children attending the school have, within 21 days of an announcement under subsection (2), submitted a request in writing to the Minister that a review of its closure be undertaken”.

Access to all relevant documents has been granted under the Freedom of Information legislation.

*2071 COMMERCE—FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF CONTRACTORS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) How many principal contractors to the NSW Government and subcontractors to those contractors have entered into voluntary administration:

(a) Been declared bankrupt?

(b) In the last five years? (2) (a) What are the names of those companies? (b) What goods or services was each company contracted to deliver? (3) What tests does the Government apply to determine the financial viability of a company applying to work

on a government project or provide a government service? (4) Does the collapse of the Walters Corporation indicate that there is a problem with how the assessment of

companies applying for work with the government is undertaken? (5) Does the pre-qualification process that companies must satisfy in order to win a contract from the NSW

Government need to be made more stringent to avoid bankruptcy proceedings, so that companies and their workers do not suffer the same fate as the recently bankrupted Walters Corporation?

Answer— (1) (a) and (b) The Department of Commerce only maintains information on construction contractors who

undertake work under contracts managed by the department. The department does not keep records of subcontractors who are engaged by its principal contractors.

Over the past five years, administrators have been appointed to four principal contractors to the

department where construction work was affected.

Contracts are not awarded to a contractor whilst in administration. The department does not follow up whether these companies ultimately go into liquidation.

(2) (a) KJ McCracken Pty Ltd, Richpeak Pty Ltd, Waller Constructions Pty Ltd, Walter Construction

Group Pty Ltd.

(b) These companies provided construction and related services.


(3) The department applies a rigorous financial assessment process to all construction contractors.

Contractors financial capacity is assessed by an external financial assessor before they become eligible to tender under the selective tender processes of the department.

A construction company will only be registered to tender on projects up to a value not more than 20 times its net tangible assets and not more than 10 times its working capital.

In addition, detailed financial assessments are conducted – again by an external financial assessor - as part of the tender process, prior to awarding any contract.

(4) The collapse of Walter Construction Group was entirely the result of the insolvency of its German parent

company.

I am advised that Walter Construction Group was subject to all of these checks in the contracts for the Gosford and Wyong Hospital projects and that the financial assessments did not give any indication that the German parent company would become insolvent some two years after the contracts were awarded.

(5) No.

*2072 HEALTH—NSW AMBULANCE SERVICE—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) Did the Ambulance Service of NSW cancel the contract for Southern Region SLSA Helicopter Service Pty Ltd to provide emergency helicopter services to Wollongong hospital on 10 February 2005 due to continued breaching of the Funding and Performance Agreement?

(2) Why did the Ambulance Service of NSW direct CHC, the company now providing helicopter rescue

services to Wollongong Hospital, to be based in Albion Park? (3) Is the Ambulance Service of NSW aware that the site in Albion Park has no administrative support and no

hanger for the helicopters?

(4) What involvement, if any, did the Ambulance Service of NSW have in the preparation of lease agreements for Southern Region SLSA and CHC to use helicopter pads in Coniston and Albion Park?

Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is: (1) to (4) I am advised that CHC Australia have been contracted to provide aeromedical services to the

Wollongong Area on a temporary basis until new rescue helicopter contracts with all helicopter operators are finalised later this year. I am advised that the Ambulance Service of NSW did not direct CHC Australia to be based in Albion Park. It is the responsibility of helicopter operators to enter into appropriate leasing and other arrangements for their base.

*2073 NATURAL RESOURCES—WETLANDS—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Have more than 8,000 ibis chicks perished due to a lack of water in the Gwydir wetlands?


(2) Had the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources agreed to release water from

Copeton Dam upstream of the breeding site before this tragedy occurred, but did not release enough water to meet the needs of the nesting birds, despite requests for larger flows to be released?

(3) Were 95 per cent of the reed beds in the Macquarie Marshes burnt at a time when insufficient water was

present in the marshes? (4) Given the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources plays a major role in the

management of both of these sites, what is the department doing to remediate them and ensure that situations such as these never happen again?

(5) Given there had been recent rainfall in the Gwydir Catchment, why was only 75 megalitres per day

initially delivered to the wetland and why was it delivered so late? (6) What are the reasons for the significant delay in increasing this allocation to 130 megalitres per day? (7) What steps are the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources now taking to ensure

both that this problem is rectified and that it is prevented from happening again in the future? (8) What action is the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources taking to improve

environmental flows and deliver other environmental improvements to the Macquarie Marshes? (9) Will the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources consider making temporary or

permanent modifications to the supplementary water rules for the Macquarie Marshes to increase environmental flows?

(10) What is the strategy that the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources now has to

manage the provision of environmental flows now that the National Competition Council has suspended $26 million in competition payments to New South Wales for its failure to provide adequate water for the environment?

(11) Given that no other State has ever had Competition Payments suspended for failing to deliver

environmental flows, what are the reasons behind New South Wales being the only State not to deliver the environmental flow requirements specified by the National Competition Council?

(12) What is the response of the NSW Government to the decision by the National Competition Council to

suspend compensation payments?

(13) What is the response of the NSW Government to the opinion of the National Competition Council that the environmental allocations of water by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources are sub-standard and below every other State in Australia?

Answer— (1) No, ibis chicks perished in the Gwydir wetlands. There was still water in the Gwydir wetlands when some

2000 pairs of adult Ibis abandoned their nests with eggs approximately one week old, following flooding that occurred over the Christmas period.

(2) The initial environmental flow releases agreed to by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and

Natural Resources were considered sufficient to augment the receding flood levels in the Gwydir wetlands. The environmental flow releases were progressively increased as flood levels receded.

The nesting site chosen by the colony of ibis on this occasion was in shallower water than what would

normally be chosen by ibis for breeding. The excessive quantity of water that would have been required to increase the flooding at the actual nesting site could not possibly have been delivered, due to physical constraints in the channel that feeds the wetlands.


The successful breeding event that resulted in up to 60,000 heron and egret chicks around the same time

in the Gwydir wetlands is testimony of the positive aspects of augmenting receding flood flows with environmental maintenance flows.

(3) Water sharing arrangements for the Macquarie River valley, including provision of water to the

Macquarie Marshes, are in accordance with the Macquarie-Cudgegong Water Sharing Plan, which was agreed to by all stakeholders. Under the plan, the Macquarie Marshes receive some 80 per cent of mean annual, natural flow. Due to the prolonged drought conditions, however, inflows to the Marshes this water year have been minimal, while the fire was started by a lightning strike, both of which have been unfortunate but naturally occurring events.

(4) In relation to the Macquarie Marshes, environmental targets have been agreed to by all stakeholders.

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) is part of a multi-stakeholder Environmental Flow Reference Group (EFRG) that is being established to recommend management of the environmental water allocation, within the Macquarie-Cudgegong Water Sharing Plan. Release of environmental water to the reed beds would require consensus agreement of the EFRG.

The fire referred to was caused by lightning, a natural event, as is the drought conditions currently being experienced in the Macquarie River. Despite the ongoing drought, the reed beds had been flooded in 2002 and 2003 via releases of environmental water, but an insufficient volume was available to meet the currently agreed target. It is understood the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has a Fire Management Plan in place for the Marshes Nature Reserve to reduce the impact of fires when they occur. As stated in (2) above, channel constraints limit the maximum volume of water that can be delivered to the Gwydir wetlands. A project has been initiated to identify and investigate the possible removal of channel obstructions and sediment blockage, to improve downstream water flow.

Environmental flow rules for the Gwydir River were first established in 1996, in response to rapid drying

of bird nesting areas, and have been further cemented in the Gwydir River Water Sharing Plan. An Environmental Contingency Allowance Operations Advisory Committee (ECAOAC) is being established under the Water Sharing Plan. The committee, which includes relevant agencies, community representatives and the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, will develop an annual ECA Operation Plan and, through its implementation, improve future communication and management of the ECA.

(5) See answer to (2) above. Further, it was not appropriate to make earlier environmental flow releases at a

time when significant flood levels were flowing. (6) See answers to (2) and (5) above. (7) See answer to (4) above. (8) The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) is endeavouring to find

water delivery saving efficiencies in the Macquarie system to make more water available for the environment. DIPNR is also endeavouring to improve the ability to provide a better water regime into the river and Marshes by removal of the ‘Marebone Choke’, which currently limits the maximum volume of water that can be provided into the Macquarie Marshes area.

These actions are being undertaken in cooperation with the Department of Environment and

Conservation, Central West Catchment Management Authority, local councils and other stakeholders. DIPNR is also endeavouring to ensure that land management practices in the Marshes reflect the outcomes being sought by releases of the environmental water, which would include conservation of biodiversity.


(9) No. This action would change the Bulk Access Regime under the Macquarie-Cudgegong Water Sharing

Plan that was recommended by the multi-stakeholder River Management Committee (RMC) and commenced in July 2004.

(10) The Water Management Act 2000, and the Environmental Objectives for River Flow are still applied

through water sharing plans to provide an appropriate amount of water for the environment and a better balance between the environment and extraction of water for productive purposes.

(11) New South Wales (NSW) does not agree with the National Competition Council’s decision. NSW

believes that it has made appropriate allocations of water available to the environment, as per COAG’s requirements. The NSW Government is better placed to make environmental judgements than the National Competition Council.

(12) See answer to (11) above. (13) See answers (10) and (11) above.

*2074 NATURAL RESOURCES—FORESTRY CLEARING—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) How many hectares has the Department of Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Planning approved for clearing in each month of the past 12 months for each of the Central West and North West Regions, including those for private native forestry?

(2) Has there been any panic clearing in New South Wales in response to the Government’s proposed native

vegetation reforms? Answer— (1) The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources has supplied the following vegetation

clearing approval figures for the Central West and North West of New South Wales for the period January 2004 to January 2005. The statistics for the North West incorporate the Department’s Barwon and Far West Regions.

It should be noted that private native forestry is an exempt activity under the Native Vegetation

Conservation Act 1997, except when it occurs on state protected land. Statistics of forestry on state protected lands are identified in the table.

It should also be remembered that clearing under the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 includes beneficial vegetation management like the control of invasive scrub and the removal of exotic species, such as willows, on protected land.

Vegetation Clearing Approvals for Central West and North West NSW for

the period January 2004 to January 2005 DIPNR Region: Central West

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-05

Sustainable Forestry on state protected land (ha)

185 0 0 0 24 415 0 0 0 0 67 273 0

Clearing (ha) 630 1149 546 663 500 948 88 9 1 23 0 1551 128 Total Area Approved (ha)

815 1149 546 663 524 1363 88 9 1 23 67 1824 128


North West Region

DIPNR Region: Barwon Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

-05 Sustainable Forestry on state protected land (ha)

0 0 0 0 0 229 0 0 0 0 0 14 0

Clearing (ha) 86 0 263 143 202 190 1 407 951 273 0 0 272 Total Area Approved (ha)

86 0 263 143 202 419 1 407 951 273 0 14 272

DIPNR Region: Far West Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

-05Sustainable Forestry on state protected land (ha)

252 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clearing (ha) 500 3629 3172 3034 1641 3243 2233 3657 1345 1466 4982 4924 501Total Area Approved (ha)

752 3629 3172 3034 1641 3243 2233 3657 1345 1466 4982 4924 501

Data Information: (i) The above figures are for clearing applications and do not represent the actual area cleared. The

totalling of clearing application figures will provide a misleading answer to the environmental impact of vegetation clearing. The method of recording clearing can exaggerate the impact because the total area of an application can be identified as being cleared when: invasive native shrubs are cleared with both significant environmental and agricultural

benefits; sustainable forestry operations only remove a small percentage of vegetation over the given

area; isolated paddock trees are removed in already cleared and cultivated areas but may cover

less than 10% of the area approved; an application has been previously approved, but the clearing never physically took place

(lapsed consent); and only the shrub layer is cleared and trees and groundcover are retained.

(ii) Clearing approvals include management activities such as sustainable forestry, woody weed

burning, exotics, invasive native species and utilities and clearing activities such as cropping, grazing and irrigation development.

(2) I am advised there is currently no evidence that would indicate there has been panic clearing in New

South Wales.

*2075 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—WATER RESTRICTIONS—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many fines have been issued for residential breaches of water restrictions since their introduction last year?

(2) How many fines have been issued to businesses since their introduction?


(3) Does the Government have any plans to privatise Sydney’s sewerage system? Answer— (1) to (2) As at 22 February 2005, 2,260 infringement notices have been issued for breach of water restrictions. (3) The NSW Government has no current plans to privatise Sydney’s sewerage system. The Government has

asked the Independent Regulatory and Pricing Tribunal (IPART) to investigate and provide advice on possible pricing principles and alternative arrangements, including private sector involvement, for the delivery of water and wastewater services in the greater Sydney metropolitan area, with a view to making recommendations for providing these services in the most efficient, effective and sustainable way.

Amongst other things, the Government has asked IPART to have regard to matters such as approaches

taken in other jurisdictions, costs and benefits of alternate industry structures, access arrangements and impacts on customers (particularly large families and low income households) and the environment. These considerations would apply not only to existing services, but how best to service the substantial growth that will occur in the North-West and South-West sectors of Sydney over the next two decades. IPART is due to report to Government on this matter in September 2005.

*2076 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—DEMAND MANAGEMENT FUND—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Given the operational time of the NSW Greenhouse Office and the media reporting on the consideration of a Demand Management Fund, has your department been involved in discussion with the NSW Greenhouse Office about a Demand Management Fund to tackle New South Wales’ electricity demand and to help reduce electricity bills for consumers and greenhouse gas emissions?

(2) If not, why not? (3) If so:

(i) what were the details of the discussions, and (ii) when will the Government act to implement a substantial Demand Management Fund?

Answer— (1) to (3) The Government’s Energy Directions Green Paper, released in December 2004, indicated that the

Government is considering establishing a demand management fund to encourage energy efficiency initiatives and strategies to drive reductions in the rate of demand growth.

Submissions closed on 25 February 2005 and the Government is considering its White Paper response to

the issues raised. The NSW Greenhouse Office was engaged in the Green Paper development.

*2077 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) Has the Government recently identified over 6000MW of demand management savings, renewables, gas

and co-generation? (2) Does the Government believe that renewable energy technologies have the potential to replace coal-fired

power generation as the major source of the State’s future energy needs?


(3) What action is the NSW Government taking in its role on the Ministerial Council on Energy, which is

overseeing amendments to the National Electricity Law and the National Electricity Market to promote reforms which ensure ecologically sustainable development, reductions in greenhouse emissions, obligations to implement Demand Management and consumer protection?

Answer— (1) The NSW Energy Directions Green Paper stated that “up to 6,000 MW of new supply, or demand

reduction, may need to be realised between now and 2020" (page 15) (2) In the short term, renewable energy is unlikely to be the major source of electricity supply in New South

Wales. (3) The NSW Government supports the work of the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) to improve the

governance and institutional arrangements under which the electricity and natural gas industries operate at a national level. The nature and intent of these reforms were agreed by the MCE in December 2003 and have subsequently been ratified by COAG through the Australian Energy Market Reform Agreement of June2004. New South Wales (NSW) also actively engaged in the MCE’s work program related to ensuring the delivery of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supplies for the community. These activities include improving the national energy efficiency effort, the removal of impediments to renewable and distributed generation technologies and the development of improved arrangements for consumer advocacy and participation in the development of energy market rules. In the absence of leadership from the Australian Government on the issue of greenhouse abatement, NSW is working directly with State and Territory Governments, to develop a preferred scheme design for a national emissions trading regime.

*2078 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—DESALINATION—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) With regard to the Government’s plan to use desalination to meet Sydney’s water needs: (a) What is the timing involved in the project? (b) What is the scale/size of the project? (c) Where will the project be located? (d) How much will the project cost? (e) What modelling has been done to determine environmental impacts? (f) What are the greenhouse implications? (g) How will waste products such as brine be disposed of? (2) Are there any plans for further desalination plants along coastal New South Wales? (a) If so: (i) What is the timing, scale and size of the project? (ii) Where will it/they be located?


(iii) How much will the project cost? (iv) What modelling has been done to determine environmental impacts? (v) What are the greenhouse implications? (vi) How will waste products such as brine be disposed of? (3) Are there any plans for desalination plants in inland New South Wales? (a) If so: (i) What is the timing, scale and size of the project? (ii) Where will it be located? (iii) How much will the project cost? (iv) What modelling has been done to determine environmental impacts? (v) What are the greenhouse implications? (vi) How will waste products such as brine be disposed? (4) What is the total amount spent by the NSW Government on desalination including research and

construction? (5) What is the amount spent on other water saving initiatives such as storm water collection and water

efficiency? Answer— (1) (a) A Desalination Planning Study has commenced to enable the NSW Government to have a

contingency plan in place to build a desalination plant, if needed, as a result of the continuance of the current drought or in the event of future droughts.

A feasibility study will be completed and provided to Sydney Water in May 2005.

(b) The Planning Study forms one component of the measures to secure the water supply for Sydney, as described in the Metropolitan Water Plan 2004. A sum of $4 million has been budgeted for the Desalination Planning Study.

Options for potential plant locations and treatment capacities are being investigated as part of the

feasibility study. (c) The Desalination Planning Study is being carried out at Sydney Water’s office in Bathurst Street,

Sydney.

(d) A sum of $4 million has been budgeted for the Desalination Planning Study. (e) A number of environmental studies are being considered as input to the Desalination Planning

Study. (f) An energy and greenhouse gas emissions study will form part of the feasibility study and

preliminary environmental assessment. (g) The disposal of seawater concentrate will be considered as part of the Desalination Planning Study.

(2) The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability is aware of one proposal for a desalination plant

along the New South Wales coast outside the Sydney Metropolitan Area. The Joint Headworks Authority for the Gosford Wyong Water Supply is proposing to construct a 20 ML/d desalination plant on council land adjacent to Toukley sewage treatment plant site to provide additional drought security for the Gosford Wyong water supply scheme.


The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability has been advised by the Joint Headworks

Authority for Gosford Wyong Water Supply:

(a) (i) The authority is preparing an environmental impact statement and tender documents for a 20ML/d desalination plant. The authority would like to be in a position to call tenders for the desalination plant later this year if the drought continues.

(ii) The preferred site for the plant is currently on council land adjacent to Toukley sewage treatment plant site.

(iii) The project cost is in the order of $55 million. (iv) The authority has engaged a consultant to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS). The consultant will undertake a number of studies to assess the environmental impact.

(v) The EIS will identify the greenhouse gas implications for the desalination plant. (vi) The authority is currently investigating options to return the brine stream to the ocean.

(3) Broken Hill Water Board has installed a 6 ML/d reverse osmosis plant at Broken Hill to treat saline

waters extracted from the Menindee Lakes for town water supply purposes. The plant only operates intermittently when the salinity in the lakes exceeds certain levels.

Consideration is being given to providing temporary portable desalination plants to treat saline

groundwater in the West of the state where existing surface water supplies may fail due to the drought.

(a) (i) to (vi) The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability is not aware of any proposals by a water utility for a new desalination plant in inland New South Wales.

(4) The NSW Government has allocated $4 million in the Metro Water Plan to develop a contingency plan

for building a desalination plant in the Sydney Metropolitan area if needed in this or future droughts.

In addition, the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability has committed funds in the order of $100,000 for consultant engagements assessing the feasibility of desalination technology to supply country towns and for specific recycled water projects.

(5) The Metropolitan Water Plan outlines some of the NSW Government’s water saving initiatives, which

include:

Detailed investigations into a proposed $560 million recycled water scheme in Western Sydney, which involves water recycling for new land release areas in Sydney’s North-West and South-West, servicing up to 150,000 dwellings and recycling up to 80 billion litres of water a year.

The Government is also undertaking investigations into the potential to recycle for large existing

commercial and industrial users, recycling to agriculture, recycling for urban irrigation and recycling for new residential customers in redevelopment areas. In those areas where recycling may not be cost effective, the Government will investigate other strategies that could be pursued, such as rain water tanks or stormwater reuse.

Sydney Water is investing $185 million to expand the capacity of the Rouse Hill water recycling

scheme to connect 10,000 new homes and gardens, golf courses and industry to a recycled water supply by 2006. This will build on the thousands of homes in the scheme that are already supplied with highly treated waste water and have achieved reductions in demand for drinking water by an average of 35 per cent per household.

$328 million has been allocated over the next four years to reduce leaks from the water system.

Sydney Water has inspected over 19,500 kilometres of pipeline for leaks since 1999. Subsequent repairs are saving an estimated 45 million litres of water every day.

Sydney Water will continue to offer the Residential Retrofit Program at the subsidised cost of $22

to householders who want to install water-efficient devices in the home. More than 262,000


households across the metropolitan area have been retrofitted, saving 5.5 billion litres of water each year. A free retrofit service has also commenced on Department of Housing homes.

Rainwater tank subsidies will continue until July 2008 and will be available to householders in

Sydney Water’s area of operation whose homes were built or approved prior to the implementation of BASIX. Since 2002, more than 10 054 rebates have been granted worth over $3.3 million.

Sydney Water will continue to work with the 200 plus participants in its Every Drop Counts

Business Program.

*2079 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—WASTE WATER—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) In the Government’s recently announced $560 million dollar package for recycling water in new land releases in Western Sydney, what is it doing to recycle wastewater in existing metropolitan areas and in particular from sewerage treatment plants in Western Sydney?

(2) Minister Sartor has said that water recycling is a major part of the Metropolitan Water Plan. Will this be

limited to new land releases only? (3) The package announced by Minister Sartor claimed that work will start immediately. When will water

savings start flowing from this work? (4) The $560 million project announced is a public-private partnerships (PPPs). Who are the private partners? (5) Have the private partners been found, or is the Government yet to secure partners? (6) If private partners have not been secured, what part of the works can start immediately? (7) (a) Is the Government exploring dual reticulation for greywater use, such as watering gardens, from

existing sewerage treatment plants? (b) If not, why not? (c) If no, how long will it be before recycled water can be used for greywater reuse purposes across

Sydney? Answer— (1) and (2) As an initiative of the Metropolitan Water Plan, the NSW Government is undertaking an holistic

investigation into the potential to maximise the use of recycled water in the greater Sydney area. This investigation will identify economically viable recycled water schemes for implementation, with a report due to the Government in mid 2005.

Under this initiative, the Government is undertaking detailed investigations into the $560 million Western

Sydney Water Recycling Scheme, which involves water recycling for new land release areas in Sydney’s North-West and South-West, servicing up to 150,000 dwellings. The scheme would be a major public/private partnership that involves the recycling of up to 80 billion litres of water a year from both existing and new sewage treatment plants in Western Sydney for residential use in new land release areas, agricultural use and potentially for environmental flows.

Under the plan, the Government is also investigating the potential to recycle more wastewater in other

parts of Sydney. A number of opportunities exist including recycling for large existing commercial and


industrial users, recycling to agriculture, recycling for urban irrigation and recycling for new residential customers in redevelopment areas.

In those areas where recycling may not be cost effective, the Government will investigate other strategies

that could be pursued, such as rain water tanks or stormwater reuse.

(3) A private sector consultancy has been appointed to undertake the detailed investigation into the $560 million Western Sydney Water Recycling Scheme. A report is expected to be delivered to the Government in mid 2005. Significant planning and construction works will be required prior to any recycling of water through the scheme.

(4) and (5) Recycled water has been identified as an area of water service provision where there are opportunities

for public-private partnerships. The Government is investigating these opportunities and will develop a framework for private sector involvement in recycled water and identify packages of work to be available to the private sector. These opportunities will build on a growing number of successful public-private partnerships in the water sector including Sydney Water’s SewerFix Alliance and Priority Sewerage Program Alliance. Specific private sector partners will be identified after the packages of work have been determined.

(6) See above. (7) (a) The Government is investigating dual reticulation in new release areas and significant

redevelopment areas, such as Rhodes. The source of recycled water for these areas may be new or existing sewage treatment plants.

(b) Recycled water is already being used in a number of areas across Sydney for non-potable

purposes, such as irrigating golf courses and other open spaces. Centralised dual reticulation will not generally be feasible in existing areas as it can be extremely expensive and disruptive to retrofit in existing neighbourhoods. However, where circumstances permit, different types of recycling schemes can be cost effective.

(c) Under the NSW Government’s BASIX initiative, the use of recycled water will increase across

Sydney through the development not only of centralised schemes based on sewage treatment plants, but also decentralised schemes where developers and other customers develop their own on-site schemes. Elsewhere, alternative approaches such as rainwater tanks or stormwater reuse may be more feasible.

1 MARCH 2005

(Paper No. 92)

*2080 TREASURY—COSTINGS OF SPECIAL EVENTS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) (a) What events did the Government organise for the British royal tour? (b) How much was spent on each of the events? (c) How much did the Government spend on security for these events? (2) (a) What events did the Government organise for the Danish royal tour? (b) How much was spent on each of the events? (c) How much did the Government spend on security for these events?


(3) How much did the Government spend closing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to promote the Formula 1

Grand Prix on 27 February 2005? Answer— The question should be addressed to the Premier.

*2081 ROADS—SPENDING ON MOTORWAYS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

For each of the years 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, and 2004-05:

(1) How much was budgeted for each the following projects: (a) M7? (b) Cross City tunnel? (c) Lane Cove tunnel? (d) Eastern Distributor? (e) M4 East? (f) M5? (g) M5 East? (h) City West Link?

(2) How much was spent on each of the following projects:

(a) M7? (b) Cross City tunnel? (c) Lane Cove tunnel? (d) Eastern Distributor? (e) M4 East? (f) M5? (g) M5 East? (h) City West Link?

(3) How much of the amount spent on each of the following projects was not passed on to the motorway

operator?


(4) How much was funded by the Commonwealth for each of the following projects?



Answer— I’m advised: Information about the above projects, including budget allocations and expenditure, is publicly available in the NSW Budget Papers and the Roads and Traffic Authority’s annual reports.

*2082 TRANSPORT—CASINO TO MURWILLUMBAH RAIL LINE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport— (1) (a) Will the Minister meet with community groups in Northern New South Wales including, the

‘Northern Rivers Trains for the Future’ group, to discuss the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail service?

(b) If not, why not?

(c) If so, will this will happen in the next month?

(2) (a) Did an independent feasibility study undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the Casino to

Murwillumbah line find that a commuter-focussed locally provided train service would best meet the travel needs of the area?

(b) If so, did this study find such an option to be financially viable?

(c) What is the Minister’s response to these findings? (3) What is being undertaken to secure the $30 million in funding promised by the Federal Government prior

to the October 2004 election for the Casino to Murwillumbah rail service? Answer— (1) I would be happy to consider a meeting request by the group. (2) and (3) I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave to the Member for Ballina in the Legislative

Assembly on 1 March 2005.

*2083 HEALTH—BELMONT HOSPITAL—Ms Parker asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) What are the plans for the future of maternity services at Belmont Hospital?

(2) What emergency backup will be available if the maternity unit closes and a midwifery only service is put in place?

(3) In view of the former Chief Executive Officer of Hunter Area Health, Kath McGrath’s comments to the General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 in March last year where she stated it would probably take between one and two hours for an ambulance to transport a delivering mother from Belmont Hospital to the John Hunter Hospital, can you guarantee the future of an equitable and safe maternity service at Belmont Hospital?

Answer— (1) and (2) There is no intention to close the maternity unit at Belmont, only a change to the model of care. The

existing maternity service at Belmont District Hospital will continue until 1 July 2005. On 2 July 2005, a


caseload midwifery only model of care will commence operations. Emergency backup will be provided by John Hunter Hospital’s delivery suite and/or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

(3) The maximum time for transfers between Belmont District Hospital and John Hunter Hospital will be 20

to 30 minutes. Research and risk analysis undertaken by Hunter New England Area Health Service demonstrates the safety of midwifery led services for well pregnant women and surveys reveal the model has been positively received by women of the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie area.

*2084 INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING—SALE OF CROWN LAND—Ms Parker asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) (a) Has the NSW Department of Lands sold 2.5 hectares of Crown land to the Burwood Colliery Bowling Club in Whitebridge at the low market rate of $740,000 plus GST and stamp duty at a total of $846,120?

(b) If so, how was that decision made?

(c) How was the valuation of the land determined? (2) Has the Burwood Colliery Bowling Club entered into a joint venture with the private developer Kingston

Properties Pty Ltd who are proposing to build a high-density housing development on part of the 2.5 hectare site?

(3) How can the Government sell this land for development when it is within the one kilometre coastal

protection zone? Answer— (1) and (3) No. The Minister for Lands advises that the offer to purchase this land has been withdrawn pending

an independent review of the matter. Burwood Colliery Bowling Club Co-Operative Ltd holds a special lease in perpetuity under the Crown Lands (Continued Tenures) Act 1989 over the land in question. Accordingly, the lessee is entitled to apply to purchase the whole or part of the land comprised in the lease. If the application is granted, the purchase price is the current market value of the land as at the date of application to purchase. In this regard, the application to purchase was lodged by the Club on 23 April 2002. The Minister further advises that he expects the review of this matter to be completed by the end of April 2005.

(2) It is understood that the Club has reached in principle agreement with Kingston Properties Pty Ltd to

build a new clubhouse and aged care facility on the site.

*2085 INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING—CENTRAL COAST INFRASTRUCTURE—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Is the Central Coast experiencing a large growth in population? (2) What plans are in place to develop infrastructure, especially efficient rail transport to meet community

needs? (3) (a) Does the Central Coast experience one of the highest unemployment rates in the State? (b) What is the rate compared to the State average? (4) Will the residents of the Central Coast have adequate infrastructure such as transport and employment etc,

both now and as their community continues to grow?


Answer— (1) Yes. (2) As part of the Government’s plans for the coast, a number of regional strategies are being developed,

including one for the Central Coast. They will demonstrate how the Government intends to respond to and manage growth and development on the New South Wales coast over the next 30 years.

(3) The Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey, January 2005, reported the Central Coast

unemployment rate for the year to December 2004 as 7.6 per cent. The same survey reported that for the year to December 2004, the New South Wales average

unemployment rate was 5.4 per cent. (4) The Regional Strategies for identified priority areas such as the Central Coast will set the vision and

framework for managing settlement and growth in the context of economic, infrastructure and natural resource management constraints and opportunities.

*2086 PREMIER—RIOTS AT MACQUARIE FIELDS—Revd Mr Nile asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Citizenship—

With regard to the recent riots at Macquarie Fields: (1) What are the underlying issues that have united this community during the recent violence? (2) Why have parts of the Macquarie Fields community adopted such violent attitudes to NSW Police

officers? (3) Does the Government have a long term plan to deal with the problems facing the area? (4) Will the Government consider providing funding for social programs such as ‘Youth Off the Streets’ run

by Father Chris Riley? Answer— I have been advised by the Premier that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is: (1) and (2) The Minister for Police has advised that a Parliamentary Committee has been requested to inquire

into the police operations associated with the unrest. (3) and (4) Crime Prevention requires a multi-faceted response. Services are provided to communities across

New South Wales by a range of government and non-government agencies, focused on meeting community needs. ‘Families First’ and the ‘Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Strategy’ are two state-wide programs that currently operate in Macquarie Fields.

Agencies run a range of programs targeting crime prevention in Macquarie Fields, including local Police Citizens and Youth Clubs, sport and recreation activities, and support services for families in need. Examples include: a ‘Schools as Community Centres’ initiative at Curran Public School, which services the whole Macquarie Fields community; a Neighbourhood Advisory Board established with local residents to organise local events and community activities, and funding for community renewal works to improve public housing in Macquarie Fields, with $46 million spent between 1996 and 2003.


The Premier has sought advice on government services presently provided in the Macquarie Fields area. This information will enable the suitability of these services to be assessed against the needs of the community, and any gaps in service needs and necessary changes to government services identified.

*2087 HEALTH—THE PILL—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) Will the Minister liaise with Victorian Health to further research the effects of the pill in regard to depression?

(2) If it is confirmed that the hormone progesterone has a causal effect on depression, will the Minister move

to enforce warnings on associated contraceptive packaging? (3) Will the Minister ensure that medical practitioners are made aware of these findings and that sex

education programs include this data? Answer— I have been advised by the Honourable Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the Honourable Member’s question is: (1) to (3) I am advised by NSW Health’s Chief Pharmacist that the results of a small study conducted by the

Alfred Psychiatry Centre in Victoria are preliminary and that the Centre has indicated its intention to conduct further studies. NSW Health will consider any action that may be required when the findings of the research study are published. In relation to the issue of warnings on contraceptive packaging, this is a Commonwealth Government responsibility. This question should therefore be referred to the Commonwealth’s Minister for Health and Ageing.

*2088 TRANSPORT—RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) (a) With respect to each of the financial years 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive, what was the total funding for maintenance of:

(i) Country rail lines? (ii) Metropolitan rail lines? (iii) CityRail rollingstock? (iv) CountryLink rollingstock? (b) What was the total funding between the financial years 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive for the State

Rail Authority’s Capital Program, including capital grants to the Rail Infrastructure Corporation? (c) What was the total amount between the financial years 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive for the

Community Service Obligation payments to the State Rail Authority and RailCorp? (d) What was the total revenue, excluding government funding, between the financial years 1994-95

to 2003-04 inclusive for the State Rail Authority?


(e) What was the total farebox revenue between the financial years 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive for

the following: (i) State Rail Authority? (ii) RailCorp? (2) In the financial year 2003-04: (a) What was the total number of RailCorp train drivers/driver trainers who retired or resigned? (b) What was the total number of RailCorp train driver who commenced training?

(c) What was the total number of RailCorp train drivers/driver trainers? Answer— The Ministry of Transport advises: (1) (a) to (c) Information on the funding of rail services is available in the annual Budget Papers. (d) and (e) RailCorp and State Rail Authority Financial Statements are detailed in the Annual Reports for

each organisation for each year. (2) (a) to (c) RailCorp has record numbers of drivers in training, with more than 300 drivers currently in

training. RailCorp has advised that the rate of driver recruitment is six times the rate of attrition. RailCorp is on track to achieve a target of 1,350 drivers by late 2005.

*2089 TRANSPORT—BUSES AND FERRIES—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) What was the average age of State Transit Authority buses in the following years:

1995? 1996? 1997? 2003? 2004?

(2) What was the average age of Sydney Ferries in the following years:

1995? 1996? 1997? 2003? 2004?

Answer— I am advised: (1) These figures are available on the State Transit website: www.sta.nsw.gov.au. (2) There are several different classes of vessels in the Sydney Ferries fleet with various average ages.


*2090 TRANSPORT—RAIL TRAINING—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading,

Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) In relation to the Australian Rail Training College: (a) What courses are undertaken at the college? (b) How often is each course conducted? (c) What is the maximum number of students enrolled in each course? (d) What was the number of graduating students in each of these courses on the last occasion they

were conducted? (2) For each of the years 2003 and 2004, how many infringement notices were issued by Transit Officers to

RailCorp staff for smoking in enclosed areas? (3) (a) Was a risk assessment undertaken into the suitability of the Transit Officer uniform and equipment

for their proposed duties, weather and other situations likely to be encountered?

(b) If so, when was this risk assessment undertaken? Answer— RailCorp advises me: (1)

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Courses Frequency of Course Delivery

Max Number Enrolled Per

Class

Number of Graduating Participants from the

Last Program

2003 2004 2005

Certificate II in Transport and Distribution (Rail Operations)

22 20 2 16 15 of 16

Certificate III in Transport and Distribution (Rail Operations)

0 5 1 16 5 of 7

Certificate IV in Transport and Distribution (Rail Operations)

1 Nil Nil 16 6 of 6

Certificate III in Transport and Distribution (Rail Operations)

5 5 2 16 11 of 14


Certificate IV in Transport and Distribution (Rail Operations)

12 19 2 12 7 of 9

Certificate III in Government Certificate in Business (Frontline Management)

17 18 3 16 14 of 16

Certificate IV in Government

Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management)

3 2 Nil 16 9 of 9

(2) This data is not available. (3) (a) Yes.

(b) Prior to the introduction of the first 98 Transit Officers in November 2002. Further review and refinement of Transit Officer uniforms has been undertaken since 2002.

*2091 TRANSPORT—RAILCORP—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) In relation to RailCorp train drivers, how many have been driving for:

zero – five years? six – 10 years? 11 – 15 years? 16 – 20 years? 21 – 25 years? 26 – 30 years? 30 plus years?

(2) In relation to RailCorp train guards, how many have been guards for: zero – five years? six – 10 years? 11 – 15 years? 16 – 20 years? 21 – 25 years? 26 – 30 years? 30 plus years? Answer— (1)

Years of Service 00 to 05

Years 05 to 10 Years

10 to 15 Years

15 to 20 Years

20 to 25 Years

25 to 30 Years

30 Plus Years

No. of Drivers

346 302 140 197 153 105 7


(2)

*2092 TRANSPORT—RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

With respect to the each of the financial years between 2000-01 to 2003-04 inclusive:

(a) What was the total budgeted funding for major periodic maintenance undertaken by the Rail Infrastructure Corporation?

(b) What was the total actual funding for major periodic maintenance undertaken by the Rail Infrastructure Corporation?

Answer— The Ministry of Transport advises:

(a) and (b) Information on the funding of infrastructure maintenance is available in the Rail Infrastructure Corporation Annual Report.

*2093 ENVIRONMENT—CAPERTEE VALLEY—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Attorney General and Minister for the Environment—

(1) Is a heliport being constructed for proposed joy flights over Capertee Valley between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm with up to 40 flights a day, flying as low as 500 feet?

(2) Is this an appropriate activity for this scenic and tranquil valley? (3) Will action be taken to stop the construction of the heliport? (4) Will a proposed flight circuit that would encroach on airspace in national parks, including Blue

Mountains World Heritage Area be approved? Answer— Regulation of airspace above National Parks is a matter for the Commonwealth Government. However, I am aware of this proposal and am opposed to it.

*2095 HEALTH—PROGRAM OF APPLIANCES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Program of Appliances for Disabled People essential to assist people with a disability to live independently and with dignity?

(2) Is demand for the Program of Appliances for Disabled People greater than can be met with current capacity?

(3) (a) What is the unmet demand?

Years of Service 00 to 05

Years 05 to 10 Years

10 to 15 Years

15 to 20 Years

20 to 25 Years

25 to 30 Years

30 Plus Years

No. of Guards

522 264 65 99 77 54 30


(b) Why is there unmet demand?

(4) Are there lists of people waiting to have their equipment funded and allocated through the Program of Appliances for Disabled People?

(5) What is the total dollar value of equipment people are waiting for?

(6) How much additional funding does the government believe is necessary to meet unmet demand?

(7) Does the Government agree with community and support organisations who estimate an additional $14 million immediately is required to meet unmet demand?

(8) (a) Does the Government have plans to make this level of financial commitment?

(b) If so, when?

(9) Does the Government estimate that a total budget of $34 million per annum in recurrent funding would be necessary to meet current and ongoing demand?

(10) If not, what is the Government’s estimate? Answer— (1) to (5) The Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP) assists eligible residents of New South Wales

who have a permanent or long-term disability to live and participate within their community through the provision of appropriate equipment, aids and appliances. Applications are prioritised according to clinical need and financial disadvantage.

(6) to (10) In order to support the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP) program, the

Government has increased the PADP budget by approximately 40 per cent since 1998-99 to $18.8 million in 2004-05.

The Government has committed to increase the PADP budget by $2 million in 2005-06, $500,000 in 2006-07 and a further $500,000 in 2007-08 taking the total PADP budget to $21.8 million by 2007-08.

2 MARCH 2005

(Paper No. 93)

*2096 HOUSING—FACILITIES AT MACQUARIE FIELDS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Housing— (1) (a) Is the statement about Macquarie Fields on page 1 of the Sydney Morning Herald on

1 March 2005 that the Government “had spent $49 million upgrading facilities in the suburb” correct?

(b) If so:

(i) what facilities have been upgraded? (ii) over what period has this money been spent? (iii) how much has been spent on each of these upgrades?

(2) If $49 million has not been spent, how much has been spent over the past five years? Answer—


Approximately $49 million has been spent on upgrading facilities in Macquarie Fields. This includes improvements to public housing dwellings and associated infrastructure involving a range of costs, depending on the nature of work undertaken. This money has been spent between 1996 and 2004.

2097 RURAL AFFAIRS—ROADS AT SINGLETON—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2098 POLICE—POLICE PURSUITS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Police—

3 MARCH 2005

(Paper No. 94)

2099 CORRECTIVE SERVICES—LONG BAY GAOL—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

*2100 MINERAL RESOURCES—PROPOSED MINE AND TREATMENT PLANT AT BUMBALDRY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Mineral Resources—

In relation to the proposed open cut gold mine and treatment plant by Broula King Joint Venture at Bumbaldry, New South Wales: (1) Did over 100 people attend a local public meeting on 2 March 2005, to voice their concern about the

proposal? (2) Is the Minister aware that, in breach of the Environmental and Planning and Assessment Act 1979, not all

affected resident and landholders have been contacted by Wedden Shire Council and the developers? (3) Will the Minister instruct council and the developers to contact all affected residents and landholders in

compliance with the Act? (4) Will the Minister request Wedden Shire Council to extend the public consultation period to

30 June 2005? (5) Why was no drilling or hydraulic testing carried out in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)? (6) Will the Minister ensure that these tests are performed before a final decision on the mine is made? (7) What is the intended use of the resulting open pit (dimensions 150 metres long x 100 metres wide and 50

metres deep) located on Crown Land, after the mine has ceased operation? Answer— (1) I am advised that a meeting occurred on that date in regard to this project. I am unaware of exactly how

many people attended. (2) This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, the Honourable Craig

Knowles MP. (3) See answer to Question (2). (4) See answer to Question (2).


(5) See answer to Question (2). (6) See answer to Question (2). (7) I am advised that this matter is addressed in Section 5.1.5 of the project Environmental Impact Statement

and I refer Ms Rhiannon to this document.

Should development consent be granted for this project and a mining lease is subsequently granted, the rehabilitation and post mining landforms will be addressed in the Mining Operations Plan which is a condition of any mining lease.

2101 TREASURER—SALE OF FLEMINGTON MARKETS LAND—Dr Chesterfield-Evans to ask the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2102 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—USE OF HELICOPTERS—Mr Colless to ask the Minister for Primary Industries—

2103 AGEING, DISABILITY AND HOME CARE—ABERGLASSLYN AGED CARE FACILITY—Ms Parker to ask the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

2104 HEALTH—RECRUITMENT FOR UPPER LEVEL POSITIONS IN NEW AREA HEALTH SERVICES—Dr Chesterfield-Evans to ask the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

2105 COMMERCE—HALLIBURTON AND SUBSIDIARIES—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

*2106 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—CARCASS FEEDBACK—Mr Gay asked the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) What action is being taken to ensure carcass feedback is available to New South Wales cattle producers as a result of the introduction of the National Livestock Identification System?

(2) What processes are currently in place to deliver valuable information from carcass feedback to producers? (3) When will the regulations that address carcass feedback to producers be finalised and gazetted? (4) Under the Victorian National Livestock Identification System regulations, is carcass feedback supplied to

the database? (5) Why was not carcass feedback included as part of the New South Wales National Livestock Identification

System regulations?

Answer—

(1) The Stock Diseases (General) Regulation 2004 is being amended to legislate for the provision of carcass feedback.

(2) All NSW Government subsidies for abattoir National Livestock Identification System reading infrastructure is conditional on abattoirs uploading carcass feedback. The National Business Rules for the database are being developed to ensure that relevant producers are able to access this data.

(3) The proposed amendments to the Stock Diseases (General) Regulation 2004 will be finalised and gazetted well before the 1 July commencement date.

(4) Yes.


(5) The NSW Regulations regarding National Livestock Identification System compliance were developed to

encompass all trace back issues. It was not appropriate to include carcass feedback until the issue had received full consultation with all industry sectors through the NSW Advisory Committee.

22 MARCH 2005

(Paper No. 95)

2108 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—MINING IN SINGLETON—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2109 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—CHEMICAL TRANSPORTATION WEDDIN SHIRE—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2110 MINERAL RESOURCES—CHEMICAL TRANSPORTATION WEDDIN SHIRE—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Mineral Resources—

2111 TRANSPORT—CHEMICAL TRANSPORTATION WEDDIN SHIRE—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

2112 INFRASTRUCTURE, PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES—MID WEST REGION COAL MINING STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

2113 POLICE—POLICE OPERATIONS IN MACQUARIE FIELDS—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Police—

2114 ROADS—SEMI-TRAILER ACCIDENTS—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

2115 TRANSPORT—COACH SERVICES—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Minister for Transport—

2116 EDUCATION—APPRENTICESHIP PACKAGES—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Education and Training—

2117 EDUCATION—SCHOOL SPORTS—Dr Chesterfield-Evans to ask the Minister for Education and Training—

23 MARCH 2005

(Paper No. 96)

2118 ROADS—PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

2119 ATTORNEY GENERAL—INNOCENCE PANEL—Dr Chesterfield-Evans to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Attorney General and Minister for the Environment—

2120 TREASURER—FLEMINGTON MARKETS AND PADDY’S MARKETS—Dr Chesterfield-Evans to ask the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing,


Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2121 ASSISTANT TREASURER—DUTIES AND TAXES—Mr Pearce to ask the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

2122 EDUCATION—COOLAMON CENTRAL SCHOOL—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Education and Training—

2123 EDUCATION—TAMWORTH HIGH SCHOOL—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Education and Training—

2124 ROADS—ROAD RAMPS—Ms Hale to ask the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, and Minister for the Hunter—

2125 HOUSING—ROAD RAMPS—Ms Hale to ask the Minister for Primary Industries representing the Minister for Housing—

2126 FAIR TRADING—RESIDENTIAL PARKS ACT—Ms Hale to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

2127 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—ILLAWARRA REGIONAL AIRPORT—Ms Hale to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2128 INFRASTRUCTURE—WALLERAWANG POWER STATION—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

2129 ENERGY—WALLERAWANG POWER STATION—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2130 ENVIRONMENT—WALLERAWANG POWER STATION—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Attorney General and Minister for the Environment—

5 APRIL 2005

(Paper No. 97)

2131 INFRASTRUCTURE, PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES—MR PETER SUTHERLAND—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) On what date did the Deputy Director-General of the Office of Coastal, Rural and Regional NSW, Mr Peter Sutherland, take his $312 taxi ride from Homebush to Dooralong in 2004?

(2) What was the purpose of Mr Sutherland’s visit to Dooralong on that day?

(3) (a) Did anyone accompany him on this visit?

(b) If so, who(m)?

(4) With whom did Mr Sutherland meet while her was in Dooralong?

(5) Did Mr Sutherland meet with representatives of Sydney Gas?


(6) Why didn’t Mr Sutherland meet with local community organizations, such as the Dooralong Valley

Resident’s Association, while he was in Dooralong?

2132 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—FLUORIDATION OF SYDNEY WATER SUPPLY—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

Does fluoride added to Sydney’s water supply, in the form of silicofluoride extracted from phosphate rock, contain uranium fluoride and polonium fluoride, both of which are radioactive, even at ‘safe levels’?

2133 ENERGY AND UTILITIES—WATER RECYCLING—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) Is the Government implementing innovative and far-reaching solutions which recycle our water?


(c) If so, what?

(2) What mandatory steps is Sydney Water taking to encourage corporations and businesses to conserve and recycle water?

(3) (a) Have investigations been undertaken into which developed cities in the world recycle sewerage water for grey water and drinking purposes?

(b) If so, what was the result of these investigations?

(c) If not, why not?

(4) What plans does Sydney Water have regarding recycling and capturing rain water to cater for the growing population of Sydney over the next 10 years?

2134 HEALTH—FLUORIDATION OF BYRON BAY WATER SUPPLY—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Health—

(1) Does the Department of Health intend forcing fluoridation of the water supply on the people of Byron Bay and other areas covered by Rous Water even though the community is clearly against it?

(2) Will councils affected by this decision be able to hold a referendum on the issue at the next council elections as proposed by one councillor?

(3) Why does the Department of Health continue with the outdated policy of fluoridation which has now been rejected by most European countries on health and other grounds?

(4) (a) Has the Department undertaken any research to determine whether children are already ingesting more than adequate levels of fluoride as a result of using fluoridated toothpaste and from other sources?

(b) If so, what was the result of this research?

(5) (a) If not, will the Department now urgently undertake such research?



2135 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FISHING ACTIVITIES IN THE MORUYA RIVER—Revd Dr Moyes to ask the

Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) What is the amount collected from licensing fees on an annual basis for fishing in the area of the Moruya River from:

(a) Recreational fisherman?

(b) Commercial fisherman?

(2) (a) Has any money been spent on the Moruya River?

(b) If so, how much?

(c) What proportion is this of the amount collected from recreational fishing licensing fees?

(d) What has the nature and frequency of the expenditure been?

(e) If money has not been spent, why not?

(3) How much has been spent on maintaining the sustainability of fishery resources in the Moruya River and areas adjacent to the Moruya River?

(4) (a) When will the Government make a decision on the location of the proposed marine park?

(b) What is the timeframe for the completion of the bioregional assessment for the area being considered as the location of the proposed marine park?

(c) (i) Will commercial fishing and netting be prohibited in the estuaries included in the park once the marine park has been established?

(ii) If not, why not?

(5) (a) What are the commercial catch statistics for all commercial fishing activities conducted in the Moruya River?

(b) What is the frequency of the collection and reporting of commercial catch statistics on commercial fishing activities conducted in the Moruya River?

(c) What is the frequency and nature of statistics kept on the number and types of fish caught in the Moruya River?

(6) What measures are being taken to ensure that there is a viable and commercial fishing industry in areas beyond estuaries connected to the Moruya River (i.e. the ocean), where most of the commercial fishing is carried out?

2136 ENVIRONMENT—BEROWRA VALLEY REGIONAL PARK—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship representing the Attorney General and Minister for the Environment—

(1) When will the Plan of Management for the Berowra Valley Regional Park be released?

(2) What are the reasons behind the lengthy delays in releasing this Plan of Management?

(3) Will Berowra Valley Regional Park be converted to a National Park in light of the considerable community desire for this to occur, as evidenced by petitions to Parliament and correspondence from key Conservation organisations advocating a National Park?


(4) Why does Berowra Valley remain a Regional Park when its rich biodiversity, catchment significance, size

and overall high quality ecological characteristics warrant protection as a National Park?

(5) Can the community of Berowra be assured that no horse riding, sport or dog owner representatives will be appointed to the proposed Berowra Valley Regional Park Advisory Committee that is to replace the former Berowra Valley Regional Park Trust?

(6) (a) Has the Regional Manager for Sydney North, Chris McIntosh, publicly stated that there is no need for Berowra Valley to become a National Park?

(b) If so, what is this statement based on?

John Evans Clerk of the Parliaments

_________________________ Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

questions and answers · 4/5/2005 · consequently the full text of any question will be printed...

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