GAWLER RACECOURSE REDEVELOPMENT

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:42): By way of further supplementary question, is the minister aware that the usual practice is for members of parliament, local government officials and developers to be heard first rather than members of the community?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:42): The Development Policy Advisory Committee is in charge of the consultation. I imagine that it makes common sense that, when you are to have consultation, at least a discussion on the proposal should take place. Would it not make sense, if you are to have public consultation on what is to happen at Gawler Racecourse, and would be in everyone's interest to have Thoroughbred Racing, the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club or whoever is proposing in this instance to outline the details first so there can be a more constructive discussion? If that is what DPAC decides to do, I can thoroughly understand it and it would have my full support. If it wants to do it another way, that is up to it. I do not tell it how to conduct its meetings.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: If I was there I would be accused of influencing the outcome. People have already suggested that somehow there has been the involvement of Mr Bolkus and so on. Since this development plan came up I certainly have not spoken to Mr Bolkus at all in relation to this matter—

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! If the Hon. Mr Lucas has a question, he can get on his feet and ask it.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: —during the period this matter has been proposed. It was something put forward by Thoroughbred Racing South Australia and the Gawler race club some several years ago. It makes sense, and I notice the Hon. John Dawkins has already said that he supports it. Anyone with any interest in racing would understand—and I hope the Hon. Terry Stephens with his committee also understands—the importance of enabling Gawler Racecourse to be redeveloped to become a much more important race track in the conduct of racing throughout South Australia.

I hope all of us with an interest in racing would agree that this proposal is in the best interests. Obviously there will be local issues. To enable this development to go ahead, the Gawler Racecourse is selling off some land. Some of that land can be used for the school, which will be great for the school, and there will be a realigning of roads. A whole lot of other benefits will result and they will affect local residents. Local residents should have their say in that regard, but it would be helpful at any meeting if people are first appraised of exactly what is proposed, and I encourage people to find out what is proposed in the plan and put in their submission so that they can be heard at the public meeting.