PARKS COMMUNITY CENTRE

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (28 September 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises): The Minister for Families and Communities has provided the following information:

1. The State Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Parks and its services, and consulting widely with the community about the future of the Parks Community Centre.

Funding for services at the Parks is provided by the State Government, by way of an existing service agreement.

Monsignor Cappo's review will provide further insight into the community's requirements at the Parks and no change will be made to operations until this review is complete and the community has had their say.

The Port Adelaide Enfield Council currently uses the funding to provide arts activities, sports, fitness and library services.

The Port Adelaide Enfield Council is in agreement that a joint approach between Local, State and Federal Government agencies is needed to address the changing needs in the community, and that the State Government currently funds services that are generally paid for by Council.

The current Parks Community Centre is ageing and under-utilised and it does not meet the needs of the community as well as it could.

The State Government is committed to a solution to ensure the Parks sustainability, but recognises that for Parks to continue to be useful to the community all tiers of government need to be involved and share responsibility.