PARA WIRRA RECREATION PARK

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the for Minister for State/Local Government Relations, representing the Minister for Environment and Conservation, a question about the Para Wirra Recreation Park.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: In March 2007 I asked questions of the minister in her role as the then minister for environment and conservation in relation to Para Wirra Recreation Park. I quote from the explanation and question of March 15 of that year:

I understand that, for some time, the government has planned to transfer crown land at Humbug Scrub to the Department of the Environment and Heritage so that it can be incorporated into the adjoining Para Wirra Recreation Park. Will the minister indicate the reason for the significant delay in the Humbug Scrub crown land becoming part of the Para Wirra Recreation Park?

In fact, the period of delay at that stage was five years. It is now 7½ years, and still no action has been taken, despite the then minister telling this council on 27 March:

The government is committed to progressing the addition of land in the Humbug Scrub area into the Para Wirra Recreation Park.

My questions are:

1. Will the minister indicate when the government's self-professed program of adding land to national parks will apply to Para Wirra and Humbug Scrub?

2. Will the minister also explain the long delay in the gazettal of Para Wirra as a conservation park rather than its current status, despite all sporting and recreational facilities having been removed some years ago?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (15:03): I am happy to refer that matter to the Minister for Environment and Conservation and bring back a response.