Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS and HERITAGE, Mr DUIGAN
Minister, we’ve had some exchanges recently about works on the Edgar Dam, and your statement that the project had come in under budget and ahead of schedule. I’m not going to raise that again with you, but given the answer that you gave yesterday about the extra works associated with that project, is it possible for you to provide to Council a cost breakdown of works on the Edgar Dam, and of works ongoing? Given that, as I recall from your answer yesterday, for example, the toilets are not in the $35.5 million that has been allocated towards that project. Just so we can have an understanding of that. I understand the boat ramp too, may not be in the $35.5 million. Is it possible for you to provide – in a timely way, I don’t want to stress your department, or your office, out too much – a breakdown of those costs?
ANSWER
Mr DUIGAN – When you say ‘those costs’, are you referring to the cost for the toilet and the boat ramp, noting there are toilets and there is a boat ramp, so there may have been –
Ms O’Connor – Upgrades, yes.
Mr DUIGAN – and whether that was considered as part of the project? I will take that on notice and come back to you.
Ms O’Connor – I’m happy for your office to get in touch to get some clarity on what we’re after here, but in broad terms, a cost breakdown detailing all the works, including those extra upgrade works.
Mr DUIGAN – We will provide something in that space and, Mr President, if I may, on indulgence as the minister for Parks, add to an answer I provided to the member for Hobart yesterday in relation to the Tasmanian Sand Enduro event held annually at Peron Dunes. I’m advised the member for Lyons, Ms Badger, raised the issue with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania during a bird flu briefing for members. As I indicated yesterday, the Parks and Wildlife Service has been in communication with the event organisers. The Secretary of NRE has advised me that no decisions have been made around the timing of the event. However, it remains an ongoing discussion given the current situation with avian influenza. I will continue to take advice from my department on this, and other matters as necessary.
