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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-06-23 Daily Xml
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PARKS COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15:18): Happy birthday, Mr President. I seek leave to—

The PRESIDENT: Where is the present?

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: Sir, no gift. I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of Government Business questions about the Parks Community Centre.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: In the 2010 budget papers the government said they were going to close the Parks Community Centre and sell it off for housing. Following a great deal of work by many local people—particularly the Save the Parks group, the media, particularly The Advertiser and FIVEaa, and many members of parliament—pressure came upon the government regarding this decision. As a result of that, today Monsignor Cappo has put out a document whereby there is going to be reinvigoration of the Parks. However, my questions to the minister that are of concern are:

1. Will the minister confirm that a large percentage of the open space, which is paramount given the fact that the old housing areas have been knocked down and villas gutter to gutter surround the district with little recreation area, will be turned into housing to assist in the payment of the $25 million?

2. While Family First, and I am sure most other colleagues, are very happy about this backflip, will the minister explain to the council where the $15 million will be found once the area is sold for housing? That is expected to take a collection of $10 million, leaving a requirement for an additional $15 million to complete the project. Will the minister explain to the council and confirm that the money will be categorically there for the provision of this upgrade, given that there is no money in the forward estimates or the budget papers for the $15 million or the $25 million?

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) (15:19): The social inclusion commissioner, Monsignor Cappo, was commissioned to conduct a review of the Parks Community Centre. The review was tabled today in the form of a report titled, 'The Parks Community Centre—a practical approach for the future', and an announcement was made that the state government supports the vision set out in that report.

Following the announcement of the September 2010 very tough state budget, we announced that funding would cease for the centre. The community made it known loud and clear that they wanted to keep services there at The Parks, and we listened. The government listened to that message; we heard it and we took action.

We committed at the time to work with the Port Adelaide Enfield council and the community to find a new and better solution for the Parks. Monsignor Cappo has helped us map out a plan in the form of a very comprehensive vision for the Parks. Of course, it is a major rejuvenation of the facility. It is a plan that provides a very clear and exciting vision for meeting the needs of the local community, and it recommends five key elements to be delivered in partnership by the state government and also the Port Adelaide Enfield council.

It recommends the creation of a recreation and sports hub to include a brand-new indoor swimming pool, an upgraded fitness centre, squash courts, an expanded basketball recreation centre, new tennis courts, shared-use clubrooms and a significant new sports field. It proposes a refurbishment and expansion of the existing children's centre to provide expanded day-care services for children in the local area, as well as program and support services for parents. It recommends a new purpose-built health centre, a new library and community centre and the development of a new residential and retail area on the western side of the site.

The plan also envisages a new urban village for the local community, with a new coffee shop, a town square, car parking, pedestrian boulevards and landscaped outdoor areas. The usable open space on the site is planned to increase. I will reiterate: I am advised the usable open space on the site is planned to increase.

The commissioner has also recommended a portion of the site be used for housing, including affordable housing, which will enhance the community hub atmosphere of the new Parks. The plan recommends that the government fund the new Parks Community Centre and sports recreational services with some of the cost being offset by the retail and residential development.

The government is obviously extremely excited with the report and the new rejuvenated future vision for this important centre, and we very much support the implementation of the plan, obviously in consultation with stakeholders, such as sporting clubs and, importantly, in partnership with the Port Adelaide Enfield council.

There will be an intensive consultation period. A great deal of this detail is yet to be sorted through, so not all of that is available to us, but we are certainly committed to continue to work with key stakeholders and the local council to work up an implementation plan for this vision. I would like to congratulate the social inclusion commissioner on this wonderful report and vision for the Parks Community Centre.

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