PARKS COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion a question in relation to the Parks Community Centre.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: On Saturday 26 May, the government announced a new $28.7 million funding package for the Parks Community Centre. My questions for the minister are:

1. Where will the funding for the works come from?

2. Is it new money and, if not, from where it is being re-allocated?

3. Where will the revenue from the sale of the 6.6 hectares of land be directed?

4. Will the existing community workshop be kept as part of the redevelopment?

5. Will the childcare centre be moved from its current location adjacent to the Hells Angels' bikie headquarters?

6. What services and facilities will be removed from the Parks?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for his most important questions. It is important to note at the outset that the responsible minister for this is the deputy leader in the other house, the Hon. John Rau. But I can advise the chamber, in some respects, in relation to the questions that have been asked by the honourable member.

It is correct that the government has committed $28.7 million to redevelop the Parks Community Centre in the 2012-13 budget. Funding will deliver, as I understand it, a new 25-metre pool and an indoor children's pool, a new playground, a new entry cafe and public plaza, a refurbished and extended childcare centre, a refurbished multipurpose building, refurbishment of the existing two theatres, two new soccer pitches and a new car park with additional spaces. I am advised that work will start in the final quarter of 2012.

The honourable member is correct; I understand that there is a parcel of land of about six hectares or so to be rezoned for development by the Urban Renewal Authority. I am advised that the government has committed $4.6 million to assist a range of government and non-government organisations to relocate to more suitable locations as part of this development. The government has dedicated community engagement staff who will be in regular contact with tenants. Additionally, there is a hotline and an email account. For the record, the hotline number is 1300 002 033, and the email for the contact is dpti.communityrelations@sa.gov.au.

The planned development builds on Monsignor Cappo's report and incorporates elements identified through the community consultation process. The government is proud to have listened to the community and will deliver a fresh new hub for the people of the north-western suburbs to enjoy. As we all know, 'The Parks Community Centre: A practical approach for the future' report was released on 23 June 2011. The report, prepared by the former commissioner for social inclusion, proposes a new recreation and sporting hub, refurbishment of the children's centre, a new health centre, and a new library and community centre. I am very proud to say that the government will be delivering on the promises to the western suburbs in refurbishing this wonderful facility.