ADELAIDE PARKLANDS

The Hon. M. PARNELL (15:15): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Urban Development, Planning and the City of Adelaide a question about development on the Adelaide Parklands.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M. PARNELL: Last Thursday, the government published new regulations in the Government Gazette under the Development Act that have the effect of providing fast-track approval for certain developments in the Adelaide Parklands. The regulations apply to the Institutional (Riverbank) Zone and will be tabled shortly, no doubt, in both houses of parliament. I understand that the key reason for these regulations is to facilitate the upgrade and expansion of the Convention Centre. However, the regulations apply to the whole of the area south of the Torrens between the Morphett Street and King William Street bridges and North Terrace. As I understand it, the regulations apply to all of the area that is not under the care and control of the Adelaide City Council, which includes Parliament House, the Festival Theatre and the railway station. My questions to the minister are:

1. Will the use of these regulations be limited to the upgrade and expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre, or does the government have other projects in mind?

2. What process of engagement with the general community does the government intend to use in relation to developments caught by these new regulations?

3. Can the minister assure the parliament that these regulations will not be used to fast-track any expansion or redevelopment of the Adelaide Casino?

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, Minister for Gambling) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for his important questions and will refer them to the relevant minister in another place and bring back a response.