QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW...Dec 02, 2010 · QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS No. 184 THURSDAY...

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

QUESTIONS AND

ANSWERS

No. 184

THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER 2010

(The Questions and Answers Paper published for the first sitting day in each week will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting and any new questions. On subsequent days, new questions are printed, as are questions to which answers were received the previous day. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.)

Notice given on date shown

5721PROOF

Publication of Questions Answer to be lodged by

Q & A No. 175 (Including Question Nos 4678 to 4722) 02 December 2010







Q & A No. 182 (Including Question Nos 4821 to 4832) 04 January 2011



5722Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 184— Thursday 2 December 2010

28 OCTOBER 2010(Paper No. 175)

*4678 TRANSPORT—WYNYARD STATION PLATFORMS THREE AND FOUR—Mr Ajaka asked the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast—

(1) Why are Wynyard Station platforms three and four being painted blue?(2) Who made this decision?(3) What is the total cost?

Answer— (1) to (3) I am advised that the painting of Wynyard station is included in the RailCorp Major Periodic

Maintenance Program for 2010⁄11 and is valued at $273,000. The colour blue was chosen as it conceals dust, wears well and importantly provides for adequate contrast for visually impaired customers.

*4680 WATER—THIRLMERE LAKES—Ms Faehrmann asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Corrective Services—

(1)(a) Does the Sydney Catchment Authority monitor water flows from or water levels in Thirlmere

Lakes?(b) If so:

(i) What is monitored?(ii) How long has this monitoring occurred?(iii) Will these results be made publicly available?

(2)(a) Is there an outlet structure at the downstream end of the lakes?(b) If so:

(i) Who is responsible for maintaining and operating the outlet?(ii) How is the control of this outlet governed?(iii) Will the operating protocols be made publicly available?(iv) Has any water been released from the lake system through this outlet structure in the last

five years?(3)

(a) Are there plans to conduct a hydrological study of the aquifers around the lakes to determine whether coal mining activities have impacted on these aquifers?

(b) If not, why not?

Answer— I am advised:(1)

(a) No.(b) Not applicable.

(2)(a) to (b) There is no built structure at the Blue Gum outlet. The outlet, to the west into Blue Gum

Creek, is a natural drainage line that could, from time to time, either build up with sediments or wash out, thus adjusting lake levels.

(3) The NSW Office of Water has commenced a hydrogeological study, with hydrogeoloical and geological information being collected from within the vicinity of Thirlmere Lakes. This information will be analysed and a report prepared as soon as the investigations are complete.

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Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 184— Thursday 2 December 2010

*4681 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—THIRLMERE LAKES LONG WALL MINING—Ms Faehrmann asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) What is the closest distance that long wall mining from the Tahmoor Colliery came to any of the lakes within the Thirlmere Lakes system?

(2) Did any long wall mining occur under the Thirlmere Lakes National Park?

Answer— (1) Approximately 690 metres horizontally from Longwall 18 to Couridjah Lake.(2) No.

*4682 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMS 2010—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training—

For each of the following schools:(a) How many students sat for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010?(b) How many students were granted Special Examination Provisions?

(i) Abbotsleigh School WAHROONGA(ii) Ascham School EDGECLIFF(iii) Cranbrook School BELLEVUE HILL(iv) Frensham School MITTAGONG(v) German International School Sydney RYDE(vi) Gib Gate School MITTAGONG(vii) Green Valley Islamic College GREEN VALLEY(viii) Hills Montessori School WEST PENNANT HILLS(ix) Kambala ROSE BAY(x) Knox Grammar School WAHROONGA(xi) Newington College STANMORE(xii) Pittwater House Grammar School MANLY(xiii) Ravenswood School for Girls GORDON(xiv) Saint Joseph's School NOWRA(xv) SCEGGS Darlinghurst DARLINGHURST(xvi) SCEGGS Redlands CREMORNE(xvii) Sherwood Cliffs School GLENREAGH(xviii) St Andrew's Cathedral School SYDNEY SQUARE(xix) Sydney Church of England Grammar School NORTH SYDNEY(xx) Sydney Grammar School DARLINGHURST(xxi) The French School MAROUBRA(xxii) The International Grammar BROADWAY(xxiii) The Italian Bilingual School FIVE DOCK(xxiv) The King's School PARRAMATTA(xxv) The Scots College BELLEVUE HILL(xxvi) Trinity Grammar School SUMMER HILL(xxvii) Tudor House MOSS VALE(xxviii) Barker College HORNSBY(xxix) Meriden School STRATHFIELD(xxx) Pittwater House Girls College MANLY(xxxi) Presbyterian Ladies College CROYDON(xxxii) Pymble Ladies College PYMBLE(xxxiii) Sydney Japanese School TERREY HILLS(xxxiv) Wenona School NORTH SYDNEY(xxxv) Arden Anglican School BEECROFT(xxxvi) Blue Mountains Grammar School WENTWORTH FALLS(xxxvii) Central Coast Grammar School ERINA HEIGHTS


(xxxviii) Claremont College RANDWICK(xxxix) Danebank Anglican School for Girls HURSTVILLE(xxxx) Glenaeon School for Steiner MIDDLE COVE(xxxxi) Hunter Valley Grammar School EAST MAITLAND(xxxxii) Kincoppal-Rose Bay School ROSE BAY(xxxxiii) Kinma School TERREY HILLS(xxxxiv) Masada College LINDFIELD(xxxxv) Masada College High School ST IVES(xxxxvi) Methodist Ladies College BURWOOD(xxxxvii) Moriah War Memorial College BONDI JUNCTION(xxxxviii) Newcastle Grammar School NEWCASTLE(xxxxix) Oxley College BOWRAL(xxxxx) Queenwood School MOSMAN(xxxxxi) Reddam House BONDI JUNCTION(xxxxxii) Roseville College ROSEVILLE(xxxxxiii) St Catherine's School WAVERLEY(xxxxxiv) St Ignatius' College LANE COVE(xxxxxv) St Luke's Grammar School DEE WHY(xxxxxvi) St Paul's Anglican Choir School GEORGES HALL(xxxxxvii) Tara Anglican School for Girls NORTH PARRAMATTA(xxxxxviii) The Athena School NEWTOWN(xxxxxix) The Emanuel School RANDWICK(xxxxxx) The Hills Grammar School ROUND CORNER(xxxxxxi) The Illawarra Grammar School FIGTREE(xxxxxxii) The Scots School - Albury ALBURY?

Answer— (a) and (b)

SCHOOL 2010 HSC Exam Students 2010 Special Provisions ApprovalsAbbotsleigh School WAHROONGA 169 25Ascham School EDGECLIFF 84 5Cranbrook School BELLEVUE HILL

159 19

Frensham School MITTAGONG 52 12Kambala ROSE BAY 97 8Knox Grammar School WAHROONGA

225 13

Newington College STANMORE 173 12Pittwater House Grammar School MANLY

37 2

Ravenswood School for Girls GORDON

114 14

SCEGGS Darlinghurst DARLINGHURST

125 20

SCEGGS Redlands CREMORNE 111 10St Andrew's Cathedral School SYDNEY SQUARE

196 36

Sydney Church of England Grammar School

197 13

Sydney Grammar School DARLINGHURST

185 19

The International Grammar BROADWAY

93 9

The King's School PARRAMATTA 173 9The Scots College BELLEVUE HILL

162 27

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Trinity Grammar School SUMMER HILL

187 19

Barker College HORNSBY 341 45Meriden School STRATHFIELD 98 10Pittwater House Girls College MANLY

16 2

Presbyterian Ladies College CROYDON

155 19

Pymble Ladies College PYMBLE 237 16Wenona School NORTH SYDNEY 123 20Arden Anglican School BEECROFT 44 16Blue Mountains Grammar School WENTWORTH FALLS

81 8

Central Coast Grammar School ERINA HEIGHTS

80 11

Danebank Anglican School for Girls HURSTVILLE

102 8

Glenaeon School for Steiner MIDDLE COVE

19 1

Hunter Valley Grammar School EAST MAITLAND

81 17

Kincoppal-Rose Bay School ROSE BAY

76 10

Masada College High School ST IVES

74 10

Methodist Ladies College BURWOOD

133 15

Moriah War Memorial College BONDI JUNCTION

168 23

Newcastle Grammar School NEWCASTLE

77 9

Oxley College BOWRAL 71 12Queenwood School MOSMAN 59 4Reddam House BONDI JUNCTION 82 12Roseville College ROSEVILLE 89 10St Catherine's School WAVERLEY 113 11St Ignatius' College LANE COVE 296 29St Luke's Grammar School DEE WHY

74 6

Tara Anglican School for Girls NORTH PARRAMATTA

93 7

The Emanuel School RANDWICK 50 8The Hills Grammar School ROUND CORNER

116 14

The Illawarra Grammar School FIGTREE

118 17

The Scots School - Albury ALBURY 92 11

Students sitting the Higher School Certificate in 2010 is taken to mean "students sitting at least one HSC examination in 2010" as only such students are eligible to apply for special examination provisions.The following schools had no 2010 HSC examination students and therefore do not appear on the list above:Claremont College RANDWICKGerman International School Sydney RYDEGib Gate International School MITTAGONGGreen Valley Islamic College GREEN VALLEYHills Montessori School WEST PENNANT HILLS


Kinma School TERREY HILLSMasada College LINDFIELDSaint Joseph's School NOWRASherwood Cliffs School GLENREAGHSt Paul's Anglican Choir School GEORGE'S HALLSydney Japanese School TERREY HILLSThe Athena School NEWTOWNThe French School MAROUBRAThe Italian Bilingual School FIVE DOCKTudor House MOSS VALE


(1) Regarding applications to the Board of Studies for Special Examination Provisions for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010 from students enrolled at Catholic Schools: (a) How many applications were received?(b) How many applications were approved?

(2) How many students enrolled at Catholic Schools sat for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010?

Answer— (1)

(a) 929(b) 858 applications were fully or partially approved

(2) 11 429 students entered for at least one HSC course in 2010. Of these, 11 335 students entered for at least one HSC exam, and were eligible to apply for special examination provisions.


(1) Regarding applications to the Board of Studies for Special Examination Provisions for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010 from students enrolled at Independent Schools: (a) How many applications were received?(b) How many applications were approved?

(2) How many students enrolled at Independent Schools sat for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010?

Answer— (1)




(1) Regarding applications to the Board of Studies for Special Examination Provisions for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010 from students enrolled at government schools: (a) How many applications were received?

5727


(b) How many applications were approved?

(2) How many students enrolled at government schools sat for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010?

Answer— (1)




(1) Regarding applications to the Board of Studies for Special Examination Provisions for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010: (a) How many applications were received in total?(b) How many applications were approved in total?

(2) How many students sat for Higher School Certificate exams in 2010 in total?

Answer— (1)



*4687 ENERGY—JACKGREEN ENERGY RETAILER—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

Regarding the energy retailer Jackgreen going into administration in December 2009 and the acceptance by its creditors of a Deed of Arrangement proposed by Greenbox:(1)

(a) Will Greenbox acquire Jackgreen's energy retail licence through this process?(b) If so, will the licence acquisition by Greenbox from Jackgreen be subject to a formal application

for transfer of licence under Schedule 2 of the Electricity Supply Act 1995?(c) If not, why not?

(2) If there is no formal application for transfer of licence, how will the Minister for Energy determine whether Greenbox is able to operate a viable business as an electricity retail supplier as required by the Electricity Supply Act 1995?

Answer— (1) and (2) On 18 December 2009, the Australian Energy Market Operator issued a suspension notice to

Jackgreen (International) Pty Ltd. As a result, Jackgreen was suspended from the National Electricity Market. Since that time, Jackgreen has been unable to supply electricity to customers in NSW and its former customers were automatically transferred to their standard retailer. The arrangements in relation to Greenbox and Jackgreen's electricity retail supplier's licence are under consideration in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Supply Act 1995.

*4689 WATER—WILLIAMS RIVER AND SEAHAM WEIR BLUE-GREEN ALGAE BLOOMS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Corrective Services—

(1) During which periods of time, since May 2008, have the Balickera pumps been used?


(2) Was water not pumped during Summer 2009 because of blue-green algae blooms in Seaham Weir?(3) Are blue-green algae blooms in Seaham Weir one of the reasons why Grahamstown Dam is now

below 80% full when there have been major rainfall events in the Williams River catchment?(4) Why are blue-green algae blooms a current threat to Hunter Water Corporation's ability to supply

water to Grahamstown Dam?(5) Over the last 10 years how many times, and for how long each time, has blue-green algae prevented

the Hunter Water Corporation from pumping water from Seaham Weir?(6) Will any flows from the proposed Tillegra Dam be impacted on by blue-green algae blooms at

Seaham Weir?

Answer— I am advised:(1) to (3) When Grahamstown Dam levels are near capacity, Hunter Water will not pump from the

Williams River so as to ensure sufficient capacity remains in the dam to capture runoff from the dam's catchment area after rainfall. For all but three weeks of the period May 2008 to December 2009, the level in Grahamstown Dam was above 90 per cent. Further, Hunter Water will not pump when water quality is poor, for instance due to high algal levels in the Williams River, or at times of low river flow. This occurred over the summer of 2009-10 and again in April-May 2010. From December 2009, a combination of poor water quality, maintenance work on the existing pumps and completion of the $14.9m Balickera pump station upgrade minimised pumping opportunities from the Williams River until August 2010, when Hunter Water re-commenced pumping from Balickera Pumping Station. Hunter Water adheres to pumping rules at Balickera Pumping Station which take into account climate and streamflow, the level of nutrients in the Williams River, water level in Grahamstown Dam, infrastructure maintenance and upgrade activities, weed spraying in the canal and water management licence constraints. As at 26 November 2010, Grahamstown Dam was 89 per cent full. (4) and (5) Hunter Water adheres to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and NSW Regional Algal Coordinating Committee Alert Framework System for managing blue green algae blooms. Algal blooms can be short lived or persist for many weeks and affect different parts of the weir pool. December to March is the highest risk period due to high temperatures and generally low flows. Obviously, Hunter water will not pump water that contains substances that present a potential health risk to humans, into its major water supply dam, and has set the pumping rules for Balickera Pumping Station accordingly. (6) The NSW Government has refused the planning application for the proposed Tillegra dam after a comprehensive merit-based assessment process.

*4690 WATER—WATER USE AT KOORAGANG ISLAND COAL LOADERS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Corrective Services—

What is the average annual volume of potable water used at the Kooragang Island coal loaders?

Answer— Hunter Water does not disclose commercial information involving its individual customers. There are two customers on Kooragang Island which operate coal loading facilities. Hunter Water is aware that both of these customers have re-use and recycling initiatives on site that minimise potable water use and associated discharge to the environment.

*4691 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—BUILDING THE EDUCATION REVOLUTION FUNDED HALL AT BENSVILLE—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Does the Acoustic Report attached to development application number 35742⁄08, before Gosford Council regarding further development and approval for a Building the Education Revolution funded hall as a place of worship on The Coast Community Church's land at Bensville, state that the time available for The Coast Christian School to use the hall will be from 8.45 am to 10 am and 12 noon

5729


to 2.45 pm weekdays, with no opportunity for use of an evening, either during the week or on weekends?

(2) Is it in accordance with Building the Education Revolution guidelines for school use of the hall to have such time restrictions, while the church can use the hall from 7 am to 10 pm each day except for the school use hours described?

Answer— (1) and (2) The NSW Nation Building and Jobs Plan Taskforce, which is responsible for Building the

Education Revolution planning regulations, is administered by the Department of Premier & Cabinet and does not fall under the responsibilities of the Minister for Education and Training. All non-government schools have dealt directly with the Commonwealth regarding their Building the Education Revolution projects. The NSW Department of Education and Training is not privy to details regarding these projects.


(1) Has the tree protection zone for a turpentine tree located on The Coast Christian School's Building the Education Revolution funded school hall site been significantly encroached by site excavation?

(2) What attempts were made by the Building the Education Revolution Taskforce to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the Arboriculturist in relation to the size, age and significance of the turpentine tree?

(3) Under the current authorisations from the Building the Education Revolution Taskforce is it possible to construct the approved school hall without further encroaching on, damaging or threatening the continued welfare of the tree?

(4) Will it be necessary to relocate the proposed building in order to protect the tree?

Answer— (1) to (4) The NSW Nation Building and Jobs Plan Taskforce, which is responsible for Building the

Education Revolution planning regulations, is administered by the Department of Premier & Cabinet and does not fall under the responsibilities of the Minister for Education and Training.All non-government schools have dealt directly with the Commonwealth regarding their Building the Education Revolution projects. The NSW Department of Education and Training is not privy to details regarding these projects.


Does a local government council have the power to vary a decision by the Nation Building and Jobs Plan Taskforce regarding tree removal at a site authorised to construct a school hall under the Building the Education Revolution program?

Answer— The NSW Nation Building and Jobs Plan Taskforce, which is responsible for Building the Education Revolution planning regulations, is administered by the Department of Premier & Cabinet and does not fall under the responsibilities of the Minister for Education and Training.All non-government schools have dealt directly with the Commonwealth regarding their Building the Education Revolution projects. The NSW Department of Education and Training is not privy to details regarding these projects.

*4698 EMERGENCY SERVICES—HAZARD REDUCTION WORKS—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Rural Affairs—


For each local government area for each of the past four financial years:(a) What was the total amount spent on bushfire mitigation by program?(b) What was the total size, in hectares, of each completed hazard reduction works?(c) What was the tenure of each completed hazard reduction works?(d) What was the total number of hazard reduction works completed?(e) How many properties were covered by completed hazard reduction works?(f) What was the value of properties covered by completed hazard reduction works?

Answer— (a) Funding for bushfire mitigation works is provided through four different sources: the Bushfire

Mitigation Program, the Fire Mitigation Works Fund, the Brigade Fund and the Local Government Mitigation Fund.

SUMMARY - ALLOCATIONS LAST 4 FINANCIAL YEARS

PROGRAM YEAR ALLOCATION SOURCE Bushfire Mitigation Program The Bushfire Mitigation Program is a major mitigation program that involves fire trail construction and maintenance, together with associated accessibility measures. These works are undertaken by local or state government agencies responsible for bush fire management.

06⁄07 $2,890,289 Commonwealth and State Govt




Fire Mitigation Works Fund The Fire Mitigation Works Fund provides funding for hazard reduction activities including mechanical and prescribed burning, as well as fire trail construction, maintenance and associated accessibility measures. The works are undertaken by local or state government agencies responsible for bush fire management.

06⁄07 $1,300,993 State Govt allocation

07⁄08 $3,059,118 State Govt allocation 08⁄09 $4,611,686 State Govt allocation 09⁄10 $3,343,042 State Govt allocation Brigade Fund* The Brigade Fund provides funding to assist Brigades in the conduct of hazard reduction proposals.


08⁄09 $2,664,140 State Govt allocation 09⁄10 $3,518,173 State Govt allocation

5731


Local Government Mitigation Fund* The Local Government Mitigation Fund provides funds for hazard reduction works to local government authorities.


08⁄09 $3,238,460 State Govt allocation 09⁄10 $3,109,836 State Govt allocation

* Program commenced 07⁄08

The Bushfire Mitigation Program is a major Federal and State Government grant program that provides funding for fire trail construction and maintenance, together with associated accessibility measures. These works are undertaken by local or state government agencies responsible for bush fire management. The Fire Mitigation Works Fund provides funding by way of grants for hazard reduction activities including mechanical and prescribed burning, as well as fire trail construction, maintenance and associated accessibility measures. The works are undertaken by local or state government agencies responsible for bush fire management.The Brigade Fund provides funding from the Rural Fire Fighting Fund to assist Brigades in the conduct of hazard reduction proposals. The Local Government Mitigation Fund provides funds for hazard reduction works to local government authorities.

(b)

Please see Attachment A (Copies of Attachment A are available from the Legislative Council Procedure Office.)

(c) Please see Attachment A (Copies of Attachment A are available from the Legislative Council Procedure Office.)

(d)

Please see Attachment B (Copies of Attachment B are available from the Legislative Council Procedure Office.)

(e) Please see Attachment B (Copies of Attachment B are available from the Legislative Council Procedure Office.)

(f) Please see Attachment B (Copies of Attachment B are available from the Legislative Council Procedure Office.)

*4701 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—TIMBER SUPPLY AGREEMENTS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1)(a) Has the Department of Primary Industries or the Government purchased timber from private

landowners to meet its timber supply agreements?(b) If so:

(i) What volume of timber was purchased?(ii) What was the cost?

(2)(a) Has the Department or the Government purchased land for the purpose of harvesting timber?(b) If so, what is the location, size and total purchase cost of the land purchased?

(3) What is the present net value for the volume of timber that the Department is required to supply under Regional Forest Agreements?

Answer— (1)

(a) Yes.(b) Volume of timber purchased in 2009-10 is 559 cu metres, at a purchase price of $10,451.


(2)(a) and (b) The former TEPCO plantations (which are already-established plantations, not just land)

of approximately 6000ha were purchased by Forests NSW in May 2010 for $4.5M. These forests are located in each of Forests NSW four plantation regions but are situated mainly in Northern NSW.

(3) Given, as reported by the Auditor General in 2009, that the current cash flow of Forests NSW Native Forests Operations Branch is negative, any NPV calculation now will result in a valuation of zero. However, it should be noted that Forests NSW is implementing a program to achieve cash neutrality for the Branch in 2012. Also, the 'value' of the forests that supply the RFA commitments is not just in terms of revenue from timber sales. These forests are being managed by Forests NSW for multiple uses and values at no cost to the taxpayer. It would cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars every year to manage them as national parks.

*4702 POLICE—MUMBULLA STATE FOREST COMMUNITY BLOCKADES—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer, Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister for Ports and Waterways, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Police, and Minister for Finance—

What was the total cost of policing operations related to community blockades of Mumbulla State Forest between March and June 2010?

Answer— The NSW Police Force has advised me that this was a small scale protest that did not require a large policing response. General Duties police attending the location to unblock the roads and issue infringements to unlawful protestors were paid their usual salaries. Additional hours shifts and overtime costs are estimated at less than $2,000.

*4703 FINANCE—MUMBULLA STATE FOREST COMMUNITY BLOCKADES—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer, Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister for Ports and Waterways, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Police, and Minister for Finance—

What was the total cost of policing operations related to community blockades of Mumbulla State Forest between March and June 2010?

Answer— Please refer to response provided for Question on Notice 4702.

*4705 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—TOURISM IN NATIONAL PARKS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health)—

Under plans for National Parks to operate tourism enterprises on a commercial basis, will land used for income producing businesses purposes be required to pay local government rates, as any other business operating in the tourism industry would be obliged to do?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions:This is a matter for the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, as Minister responsible for the administration of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

*4709 HEALTH—QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOME—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

If the Queen Victoria Memorial Home (QVMH) is transferred to Moran Health Care Group, will the South West Area Health Service continue to employ all staff from the QVMH that are not, or choose not to be, employed by Moran Health Care Group?

5733


(a) If not, why not?(b) If so, will those staff be able to work in proximity to their current work places?

Answer— I am advised:(1)

(a) and (b) All Queen Victoria Memorial Home employees have been advised that they will be offered the option of transferring to the Moran Health Care group with Queen Victoria Memorial Home or remaining as employees of the NSW Health Service. Employees who choose to remain with Sydney South West Area Health Service will be redeployed to a position within the NSW Health Service. Where possible, these staff will be redeployed to the facilities located closest to Queen Victoria Memorial Home.

*4710 HEALTH—QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOME—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) Does the transfer of the Queen Victoria Memorial Home (QVMH) at Picton include transfer of approximately 380 acres of grounds?

(2) What sum, if any, is being paid by the Moran Health Care Group for the transfer?(3) Is it a transfer for use or a freehold transfer?(4)

(a) Will there be any conditions in the transfer agreement requiring Moran Health Care Group to operate the Queen Victoria Memorial Home for a minimum period of time?


(5)(a) Will there be any conditions in the transfer agreement preventing or limiting Moran Health Care

Group from selling the land?(b) If not, why not?

Answer— I am advised:(1) Prior to the tender process for transferring the state nursing homes to the non-government sector, it

was decided that the Queen Victoria Memorial Home and some adjacent land will be offered to the market. The parcel of land proposed for transfer to Moran Australia (Residential Aged Care) Pty Ltd includes the land on which the nursing home is currently located and the adjacent land as specified in the tender.

(2) to (5) The transfer terms and conditions are required by NSW Health to comply with the transfer objectives and principles established for the project. NSW Health's application to transfer this facility is currently being considered by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. No transfer has occurred at this stage. Should the transfer occur, disclosure of contract information will be made in accordance with Government policy.

*4711 HEALTH—QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOME WORKERS—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1)(a) In relation to the transfer of the Queen Victoria Memorial Home (QVMH) at Picton, has the

Moran Health Care Group made commitments to employ all staff currently employed at the Queen Victoria Memorial Home?


(2) Will the government make such a commitment a condition of the transfer?


Answer— I am advised:(1) and (2) Moran must comply with the State Government Nursing Home Agreement signed in 1997

which will continue to apply so that the entitlements of staff transferring to the non government sector will be protected. Staff will be grouped into direct aged care employees or administrative and support services employees. All direct aged care staff will be offered positions with Moran. Staff will elect whether to transfer their employment to Moran. For administrative and support services staff, a letter of expression of interest will be issued and depending on the level of interest, a merit based selection process will be applied as necessary.

*4712 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FORESTRY NSW—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

What is the total cost of fines imposed on Forests NSW for non-compliance with environmental licenses in State forests for the last two financial years?

Answer— I am advised:The question falls within the portfolio of the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and should be referred to the Hon Frank Sator MP.

*4713 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—DISCHARGE FROM CLOSED COAL MINE INTO THE GROSE RIVER—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—

(1)(a) Is the Grose River still being polluted by a coal mine which closed thirteen years ago?(b) If so, who is responsible for the contaminated drainage being emitted from the coal mine once

approved under licence number 558?

(2)(a) Will the Government be allocating funding to remediate pollution in the Grose River, a high

conservation value waterway in the Blue Mountains?(b) If so,

(i) How much funding will be allocated?(ii) How will this money be spent?

(c) If not, why not?

(3) What is the estimated value of damage to the ecosystem of the Blue Mountains world heritage area from this pollution?

(4) Have any studies been conducted to cost a complete remediation program?

Answer— I am advised as follows:(1)

(a) Groundwater is draining from two disused mine openings ("adits") at Canyon Colliery into small tributaries of the Grose River. This naturally occurring groundwater contains elevated levels of zinc and nickel.

(b) Coalpac Pty Ltd is the title holder for Consolidate Coal Lease 742, which includes Canyon Colliery. Details regarding responsibility should be sought from the Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Steve Whan MP.

(2)

5735


(a) to (c) In 2008 an independent expert consultant was commissioned by the Department of Industry and Investment and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water to look at a broad range of options to manage the groundwater. The consultant's report concluded that the best option was to rely on natural attenuation of the heavy metals in the groundwater as it passed through the adits.This is consistent with recommendations made following the closure of the colliery in 1977. The review also recommended ongoing monitoring to verify the rate of natural attenuation. In 2010, the Department of Industry and Investment required Coalpac to arrange independent specialists to carry out this ongoing monitoring as part of its Mine Closure Plan.

(3) No dollar value has been put on the impacts of this discharge.(4) Studies have been carried out by the colliery and NSW Government. Options to treat the discharges

or seal the adits were not feasible due to the mine's remote location, environmental impacts associated with the necessary works, and cost. For instance, building a large water treatment plant would involve clearing for construction as well as road and power requirements that would, on balance, have worse impacts on this World Heritage area.

*4714 TREASURER—TILLEGRA DAM—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer, Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister for Ports and Waterways, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Illawarra—

Given Planning Minister Kelly's comments in September 2010 which indicated that the proposed Tillegra dam may only be used by the Central Coast in the distant future and the NSW Government's media release on the 29 March 2010 stating that the Central Coast is drought secure, why is Treasury continuing to spend money on an infrastructure project which is no longer needed and is in direct conflict with its original application?

Answer— This matter should be referred to the Minister for Water.

*4715 HEALTH—SPINAL-CORD INJURY CARE AND REHABILITATION—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) How is NSW Health working with government agencies to address the delay for patients suffering paraplegia or quadriplegia from being discharged from hospital?

(2) What steps are being taken to reduce the delays by NSW government agencies in providing accessible public housing, approving and completing modifications to private homes, approving attendant care packages and other support services?

(3) What progress is being made in setting up the proposed equipment loans pool and registration database to allow easy tracking and management of equipment for loan, maintenance and upgrade which was to be set up by EnableNSW using excess funds from the previous financial year?

Answer— I am advised:(1) Issues that delay hospital discharge for patients suffering paraplegia or quadriplegia (also known as

tetraplegia) are addressed in the soon to be released Selected Specialty and Statewide Service Plan: Spinal Cord Injury. The Plan recommends that NSW Health works with Ageing Disability and Home Care and Housing NSW, regarding positive measures to expedite funding approval for people with spinal cord injury who are admitted to hospital. This is specifically intended to address any delays in hospital discharge for these patients. NSW Health is already working with representatives of Ageing Disability and Home Care, Housing NSW, and the Lifetime Care and Support Authority as part of the implementation of an interagency agreement on care and support pathways for people with acquired brain injury, who have issues in common with people with a spinal cord injury. This inter-agency collaboration around spinal cord injury care provides a basis for further initiatives to address any delay in discharge from hospital for patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia.

(2) This question falls within the portfolio of the Hon. Peter Primrose MLC, as Minister for Disability


Services(3) EnableNSW has implemented a new information system including an asset module so that

equipment can be tracked and appropriately maintained. Some people's needs are able to be met through the re-allocation of equipment which is no longer needed and has been returned by other consumers. This option is utilised where ever possible because it allows more people to be assisted within the available budget. EnableNSW has also been piloting a Children's Equipment Pool with essential items such as specialised strollers, wheelchairs and bathing items for very young children held in stock. This stock of equipment has ensured that equipment for some very young children has been able to be provided immediately. Once this model of service delivery has been evaluated, consideration will be given to extending this model to other groups of consumers. EnableNSW has also established a process to interface with hospital Equipment Loan Pools so that equipment loaned to consumers on a short term basis can remain with the consumer if they need it in the long term rather than be swapped for another piece of the same equipment. This eliminates inconvenience to the consumer and saves time for their clinician.

*4716 PLANNING—TILLEGRA DAM—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands—

Are the reviews undertaken by the Department of Planning merit-based considering that SMEC, an engineering company which has a strong focus on the supply of major infrastructure works, including dams, a history of working with Hunter Water on the Tillegra Dam project and supports the Australian National Committee on Large Dams Incorportated, was commissioned to complete the Department's Justification Review?

Answer— The Department of Planning invited three companies to tender for the Justification Review of Tillegra Dam. Consistent with the NSW Government's procurement policy, the Department selected SMEC as the preferred tenderer on the basis that SMEC demonstrated superior expertise and experience in assessing water supply issues, as well as the reasonableness of its fee proposal.I am advised that SMEC has not worked for Hunter Water on the Tillegra Dam project.

*4717 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—CENTRAL SCHOOL LIBRARY SUPPORT SERVICE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Has the proposed restructuring of Curriculum Support K-12 and the Centre for Learning Innovation abandoned any plans for centralised library and curriculum support?

(2) How will the School Library Policy and Information Skills Policy be supported in the digital age?(3) Who will undertake the leadership training needed for principals and library staff to develop 21st

century libraries and to become familiar with new standards of research?(4) What will replace the advisory role the central school library support service plays in supporting

teacher librarians in improving student literacy?

Answer— (1) to (4) Changes to the structure of the Curriculum Support K-12 Unit and the Centre for Learning

Innovation have been made in response to a number of factors, including the introduction of the National Curriculum. The School Libraries and Information Services Unit has been maintained in the new structure. It will also maintain its current functions. The NSW Department of Education and Training recognises that the place of school libraries and the role of teacher librarians in an increasingly digital environment is a critical issue. Digital and other online resources and web technologies are integral to learning support provided by school libraries. Support will be enhanced with more digital and interactive components in the NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre. A Team Leader, School Libraries and Information Literacy, will coordinate resources to meet the professional learning needs of principals and school librarians.

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The School Libraries and Information Services Unit of the NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre will continue to support teacher librarians in improving student literacy.

*4718 HEALTH—NEW HOSPITAL IN WAGGA WAGGA—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) Given the long history of promises for a new hospital in Wagga Wagga, will the Government commit to a new facility?

(2) Will the recent COAG agreement which provided additional funding for regional and rural hospitals free up resources to encourage the Government to support this new hospital?

Answer— I am advised:(1) and (2) The NSW Government remains committed to the redevelopment of Wagga Wagga Base

Hospital. The NSW State Budget included $5.1 million funding in 2010⁄11 and $90 million overall for the completion of Stage 1 of the redevelopment. The Wagga Wagga Base Hospital redevelopment will involve a substantial new build on the current campus, and has been planned to address the priority elements identified in the Wagga Wagga Clinical Services Plan to 2016⁄17 and inpatient needs to beyond 2022. A Health and Hospital Fund Regional Priority Round Submission for Wagga Wagga Base Hospital redevelopment is currently being prepared. The National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospital Services was signed by the Premier and Prime Minister on 19 July 2010. It provides additional funding during 2009⁄10 – 2013⁄14 to reduce waiting times for elective surgery, reduce total time spent in Emergency Departments, and to improve access to sub-acute care across Australia. This funding has been targeted for all hospitals across NSW and linked to specific performance targets and milestones. Wagga Wagga has benefited from these allocations.

*4719 TREASURER—TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer, Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister for Ports and Waterways, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Illawarra—

When will NSW Treasury release its advice on the introduction of "Transition to Retirement" arrangements for public sector employees?

Answer— I am advised:(1) NSW Treasury is undertaking an update to their Transition to Retirement Discussion Paper to reflect

Commonwealth Government 2009 and 2010 Budget changes to tax rates and concessionary superannuation contributions thresholds.This document will be released once finalised.

*4720 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—MUMBULLA STATE FOREST—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) What was the total gross revenue from royalties from logging of Mumbulla State Forest compartment 2135 from March to May 2010?

(2) What was the net income to Forests NSW from logging of compartment 2135 after deducting costs for security (including management of community blockades and declaration of prohibited zones), roading, wildlife surveys, logging and supervision including marking up? Please detail the costs of each expense.

(3) What was the net and gross revenue from royalties from logging of Mumbulla State Forest compartment 2133: (a) Up to 27 April 2010 when the logging crew withdrew because Forests NSW acknowledged that


the area was part of an Aboriginal Place declared in 1984?(b) After 27 April 2010 in the area of the compartment which was not part of the Aboriginal Place

declared in 1984?

(4)(a) Has Forests NSW calculated what the cost would be if it were obliged to pay local government

rates on a similar basis to those a private plantation grower would have to pay?(b) If so, what are the costs for the following local government areas:

(i) Bega Valley?(ii) Eurobodalla?(iii) Palerang?(iv) Shoalhaven?(v) Cooma-Monaro?(vi) Bombala?

(5) What, if anything, would be the cost of compensation to the native forest logging industry under the Regional Forest Agreements for Eden and the Southern Region if the Rural Forest Aagreements were to be cancelled?

(6) Regarding correspondence from Forests NSW to the Board of Management of the Biamanga National Park dated 25 June 2010, which included an acknowledgement that logging should not have occurred in Mumbulla State Forests compartment 2135 and part of 2133 because they are an Aboriginal Place: (a) Why is Forests NSW proceeding with prosecutions under Forestry Regulations, of members of

the local community who tried to stop the illegal logging in incidents before 27th April 2010?(b) Does Forests NSW intend to pay any financial or other compensation to traditional owners or to

the Biamanga Board of management for logging the Aboriginal Place in Mumbulla Forest compartments 2135 and 2133?

(c) If so, on what basis will this be calculated and paid and to whom?

(7) What is the cost per year of the provision of educational, public information and media services: (a) To Forests NSW by staff of the Department of Industry and Investment?(b) By staff of Forests NSW?

(8) Has Forests NSW made an estimate of the compensation it would be obliged to pay if its proposed logging of Yurammie State Forest Special Protection Zone were to damage the water supply of the town of Wyndham?

(9)(a) What is the gross and net income that Forests NSW expects to make from logging Yurammie

State Forest's Special Protection Zone?(b) What is the typical income of a logger employed in an integrated harvesting logging operation

in a native forest?(c) How long is the Yurammie logging expected to take, assuming no delays from protests?

(10) What measures has Forests NSW taken in response to the Auditor General's report of February 2009 to enable its Native Forest Division to start making a profit instead of the $15 million loss that it currently makes?

(11) Has the Auditor General been made aware that the proposed wood fired power station at the Eden woodchip mill has a likely lifespan of 40 years but the Regional Forest Agreements which ensure its fuel supply have less than 10 years to run?

(12) What is the expected legal and policy basis for the supply for native forest wood to fuel the plant after the Rural Forest Agreements have expired?

(13) Has the Department of Industry and Investment or any other agency of the Government calculated the size of the losses the Government would make over forty years of the expected lifespan of the wood fired power station proposed for the Eden chipmill if current price and supply arrangements with the chipmill continue unchanged?

(14)(a) Who is responsible for the decision to defer logging operations in Murrah, Mumbulla and Tanja

5739


State Forests until after the state election next year?(b) What are the reasons for removing these forests from the logging schedule until then?

(15) Does the Government support changes to the Commonwealth's Renewable Energy Target Regulations to allow woodchipped pulplogs as well as woodchipping by-products to be burnt for electricity generation at the chipmill?

(16) What is Forests NSW definition of "waste"?(17) Did South East Fibre Exports ask Forests NSW for relief from the "take or pay" provisions of its

wood supply contracts during the Global Financial Crisis because it could not sell all the wood it was obliged to take under contract from the South East forests?

Answer— (1) Income received for cpt 2135 was $17,442 from March to May 2010. Additional sales income of

$3,959 was received after May.(2) and (3) As the harvesting across the two compartments was integrated, costs are not separately

accounted. Overall revenue and costs for the integrated operation are: Gross revenue: $72,833. Net revenue (est.): $29,833. Estimated costs for various components of harvesting:

• Original harvest planning: $12,000;• Extra fauna (Koala) surveys: $3,000;• Additional harvest planning: $5,000;• Road maintenance: $5,000;• Compensation paid to the harvesting contractor: $18,000.

(4)(a) Not recently, but in 2001-02, Forests NSW provided Treasury with estimates of the local

government rates payable on its commercial native forests and plantations based on its land profile across NSW. This information was compiled for the purposes of the Government's Reciprocal Charging Review. The information submitted by Forests NSW showed that the contributions to the cost of services normally provided by local government, such as local roads and bridges, pest control and fire control exceeded the potential rates contributions payable on State native forests and plantations, on a state-wide basis.

(b) Forests NSW does not have recent estimates of the hypothetical rates payable for these local government areas.

(5) Cancellation of the Regional Forest Agreements is not under consideration by the Government. No attempt has been made to estimate the hypothetical cost of compensation in the event of the cancellation canvassed in the question.(6)

(a) Forests NSW prosecutions in regard to alleged breaches of the Forestry Regulation are following due legal process.

(b) No. Forests NSW did not knowingly harvest within the Aboriginal Place.(c) Not applicable

(7) For 2010-11:(a) $359,400.(b) $1,104,600.

(8) No.(9)

(a) Estimated gross revenue: $220,000. Estimated net revenue: $203,000(b) Forests NSW does not employ loggers in native forests.(c) Two months.

(10) Forests NSW has a strategy in place to improve its Native Forests Operations Branch finances to a cash break even position by 2012. This plan will be achieved through increasing log prices gradually and


cutting expenditure through improved technology and staff productivity. Forests NSW is on track to meet this target, with an $8.05M cash loss for the Branch posted in 2009-10.(11) This question would be best directed to the Auditor General.(12) The operation of the proposed power plant must of course be in accordance with the Government's legal and policy framework. I am not aware that the proponent of the plant has raised the expiration of the Regional Forest Agreements as an issue that affects its decision to proceed with the project.(13) No.(14)

(a) Forests NSW regional harvest planners and Regional Manager are responsible for the scheduling of harvesting in the nominated State forests.

(b) I am advised that there are Koala Management Plan prescription issues that need to be resolved with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and incorporated into the applicable harvesting plans before timber harvesting can be re-scheduled.

(15) This is a question for the Minister for Energy, the Hon Paul Lynch MP.(16) There are many possible definitions of "forest waste" depending on the context. In the context of the Auditor General's Performance Audit report, the term is used to refer to harvested wood fibre for which there is not a current market. The term may also encompass forest residues burnt after harvesting to promote regeneration.(17) No.

*4721 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—MUMBULLA STATE FOREST—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—

(1) Under plans to make National Parks operate on a commercial basis, will land used for income producing business purposes be required to pay local government rates, as any other business operating in the tourism industry would be obliged to do?

(2)(a) Has the Department for the Environment, Climate Change and Water completed its review of

the episode in which compartments 2134 and part of 2133 of Mumbulla State Forest, which are a declared Aboriginal Place, were mistakenly logged in March to April 2010?

(b)(i) Will the review be made public?(ii) Does the review recommend financial or other compensation for the logging that took

place?(iii) Have any changes been made following the review of due diligence guidelines?

(3) Does the proposed wood fired power station at the Eden woodchip mill have a likely lifespan of 40 years, but the Regional Forest Agreements regarding its fuel supply have less than a 10 year lifespan?

(4) What is the expected legal and policy basis for the supply of native forest wood to fuel the plant after the Rural Forest Agreements have expired?

(5) Does the Government support changes to the Commonwealth's Renewable Energy Target Regulations to allow woodchipped pulplogs as well as woodchipping by-products to be burnt for electricity generation at the chipmill?

(6) Will the Minister release all submissions made by the Department to the Department of Planning in response to the application of South East Fibre Exports for a wood fired power station at the Eden woodchip mill?

Answer—

I am advised as follows:(1) The National Parks and Wildlife Service works with a range of service providers to achieve the

objects of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, including, on occasion, commercial operators in parks who assist in providing accomodation and also tour services

5741


There is no intention to change the current arrangements in relation to local government rates. The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), rather than local councils, provide the range of services within parks, such as garbage disposal and provision of other visitor amenities, to the public.In some parks, such as Hill End Historic Site and Kosciuszko National Park, DECCW provides the full range of municipal services to visitors and commercial operators.

(2)(a) The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) conducted a

thorough and independent investigation into Forests NSW logging in Biamanga Aboriginal Place. This investigation was completed on 12 August 2010.

(b)(i) DECCW's investigation reports are not generally made publically available, however,

DECCW does respond to all those who contact the Department about alleged breaches of Forests NSW licences. In this case, DECCW has written to all those who contacted the Department with concerns about logging in Mumbulla State Forest. DECCW also made comment on the investigation in responding to media enquiries.

(ii) No.(iii) The Government recently admended the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 to make its

compliance and enforcement provisions more consistent with those in other New South Wales environmental protection legislation. DECCW worked with Forests NSW to develop a new diligence Code of Practice to reflect these amendments. I am advised that this new code is being used by Forests NSW.

(3) The Environmental Assessment for the proposed wood fired power station at Eden woodchip mill indicated that the power station will have a 30 year lifespan. The Environmental Assessment also notes that fuel for the proposed wood fired power station will come from a number of different sources and locations. These include wood from plantations, wood waste from timber mills across Australia's east coast, and wood waste from mills processing NSW Regional Forest Agreement sourced timber. The NSW Regional Forest Agreements are only half way through their 20 year lifespan, and as such, the NSW and Australian Governments have not begun discussions on what arrangements will apply to native forest logging after that time.

(4) In 2003, the NSW Government passed a regulation making it an offence to cause or allow native forest bio-material to be burned for electricity generation. However, there are some exceptions for particular wood waste, such as sawdust and sawmill waste, which can be burnt for this purpose.

(5) See answer to Question 4.(6) Yes. All submissions made by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water to the

Department of Planning are publicly available on the Department of Planning website.

*4722 PLANNING—SOUTH EAST FIBRE EXPORTS APPLICATION FOR A WOOD-FIRED POWER STATION AT THE EDEN WOODCHIP MILL—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands—

(1)(a) Why have submissions from the public on the application of South East Fibre Exports (SEFE)

for a wood fired power station at the Eden woodchip mill not been released?(b) Will the Minister release these submissions to members of the committee?

(2)(a) What were the main concerns raised by the public in relation to the application of South East

Fibre Exports for a wood fired power station at the Eden woodchip mill?(b) How is SEFE dealing with these concerns?(c) Can the public have confidence that all matters are adequately addressed in making a decision

on this application if submissions remain secret?

(3) How will the Minister for Planning ensure that SEFE deals with all the Director-General's Requirements, including the project's "relationship to native forest harvesting"?

(4)


(a) Does the proposed wood fired power station at the Eden woodchip mill have a likely lifespan of 40 years, but the Regional Forest Agreements regarding its fuel supply have less than a 10 year lifespan?

(b) What is the expected legal and policy basis for the supply of native forest wood to fuel the plant after the Rural Forest Agreements have expired?

(5) What discussions has the Department of Planning or any other Government agency had with Victorian officials about the log supplies from Victoria and the legislative constraints on use of Victorian native forest inputs?

(6)(a) What will happen to the application by SEFE for a wood fired power station at the Eden

woodchip mill if no Ministerial decision is made before the State election in March 2011?(b) Will the application by SEFE lapse or will the incoming Minister be asked to make a decision

on it?(c) How long does an approval remain valid if work on the power station does not commence

within a reasonable time?

Answer— As the public exhibition of the Environmental Assessment for this project (19 March 2010 to 22 April 2010) predates the Department of Planning's publication policy (1 July 2010), submissions received cannot be placed on the Department's website.The Department has obtained legal advice that placing these submissions on the website could result in a breach of the Privacy and Personal Information Act 1998 (NSW).The main concerns raised in submissions include: the relationship between the proposed biomass-fired power station and the native forest woodchip industry, justification for the proposal, contribution to climate change, impacts on human health, impact on marine ecology from heated water discharge to the ocean and impacts on marine industries such as mussel farming and fishing.It should be noted that the regulation of forestry activity is subject to Regional Forestry Agreements, administered by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Department of Industry and Investment. Questions in relation to these matters should be directed to the Department of Industry and Investment.SEFE will provide the Department of Planning with a "Response to Submissions Report" which will be made available to the public on the Department's website once it has been reviewed and accepted by the Department.Issues which fall into the Department's areas of responsibility will be considered in the Department's assessment of the proposal.The Department will then prepare a Director General's Assessment Report which will be made publicly available once the proposal has been determined. The report will include a summary of all issues raised in both the public and government agency submissions.The Director-General's Requirements (DGRs), prepared in consultation with relevant government agencies and local councils, outline the key issues the Proponent is required to address in its Environmental Assessment.The Environmental Assessment has been received by the Department, reviewed and deemed to be adequate.The Proponent's Environmental Assessment does not specify the life span of the proposed power station. I won't speculate on the legal and policy position which may underpin any renewal of Regional Forestry Agreements in 2019.Contractual undertakings between SEFE and timber mill operators in Victoria with regard to purchasing arrangements for timber waste are a matter for SEFE and Victorian mill operators.Applications for major projects remain valid, regardless of electoral processes, unless the proposal is withdrawn.Approval times for projects are specified in the conditions of any approval. Five years is typically applied in approvals of major project applications.

5743


2 DECEMBER 2010(Paper No. 184)

4976 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH RELEASE OF BUDGET DETAILS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) When did the Government publish budget details for each area health service to all NSW Health staff following the release of the: (a) NSW 2009⁄10 Budget Papers?(b) NSW 2010⁄11 Budget Papers?

(2) When did the Government publish staffing targets and activity and performance targets aligned to the budget?

(3) What was the first month that all Area Health Service Chief Executives published information to their staff on the level of patient care performance in units and wards?

4977 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH NURSE/MIDWIFE IN CHARGE WORKLOAD—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) What measures has NSW Health introduced to split Nurse:Midwife in Charge workload 70:30 between clinical and administrative work?

(2) What evidence is there that this is working?

4978 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH STAFF COMPLAINTS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) How many bullying and harassment complaints have been received by NSW Health from staff in the following months: (a) March 2009?(b) April 2009?(c) May 2009?(d) June 2009?(e) July 2009?(f) August 2009?(g) September 2009?(h) October 2009?(i) November 2009?(j) December 2009?(k) January 2010?(l) February 2010?(m) March 2010?(n) April 2010?(o) May 2010?(p) June 2010?(q) July 2010?(r) August 2010?(s) September 2010?(t) October 2010?(u) November 2010?

(2) What proportion of these involve staff complaining about a co-worker?(3) What proportion of these involve staff complaining about a superior?


4979 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH RESOLUTION OF STAFF COMPLAINTS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) What is the timeframe within which bullying and harassment complaints need to be resolved within NSW Health?

(2) What proportion of complaints have been resolved within these timeframes in the following months: (a) March 2009?(b) April 2009?(c) May 2009?(d) June 2009?(e) July 2009?(f) August 2009?(g) September 2009?(h) October 2009?(i) November 2009?(j) December 2009?(k) January 2010?(l) February 2010?(m) March 2010?(n) April 2010?(o) May 2010?(p) June 2010?(q) July 2010?(r) August 2010?(s) September 2010?(t) October 2010?(u) November 2010?

4980 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH AUDIT OF COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) When was the last annual audit conducted into NSW Health's complaint management systems?(2) What targets have been set to measure the system's performance?(3) What were the results of the audit against each of those targets?

4981 HEALTH—QUALITY SYSTEMS ASSESSMENT STATEWIDE REPORT—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

Which NSW Health area health services did not implement the improvement plan process set out by the Clinical Excellence Commission in the Quality Systems Assessment Statewide Report within the timeframes specified?

4982 HEALTH—STATEWIDE HEALTH SERVICE REVIEW—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) What is the status as at October 2010, of the statewide review into existing health services undertaken by NSW Health?

(2) What community and workforce consultation has taken place to inform the review?

5745


4983 HEALTH—CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND REFERRAL TRAINING—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

How many regional, rural and remote qualified paramedics have been provided with Clinical Assessment and Referral training since 1 March 2009?

4984 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH CLINICIAN INFORMATION PRACTICES—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1)(a) What statewide practices have been introduced in each NSW Health area health service to

provide clinicians with information about patients' length of stay and comparable data?(b) What was the date of their introduction?

(2)(a) What practices have been introduced on a Service by Service basis?(b) What was the date of their introduction?

4985 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH REVIEW OF NUTRITIONAL STANDARDS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) What is the status of the review of nutritional standards and packaging?(2) What approach has been recommended?(3) When will it be implemented?(4) In which hospitals will it take place?

4986 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH ASSET REGISTER—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

In which month did NSW Health's statewide equipment asset register begin recording details of the following:

(a) Fixed assets with an acquisition value greater than $10,000?(b) Attractive assets greater than $1,000?(c) Leased equipment?(d) The purchase price of each item registered?(e) The date of acquisition?(f) The estimated life expectancy and usability or contract expiry date?(g) The half-life usability assessment date?(h) The location of the asset?

4987 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH ASSET TESTING AND REPLACEMENT—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) On what date did NSW Health begin performing equipment functionality tests to assess and predict the need for equipment replacement?

(2) As at 1 October 2010, how many individual pieces of equipment are recorded for each NSW Health area health service on the equipment asset register?

(3) How many equipment functionality tests have been performed in each NSW Health area health service since 1 March 2010?

(4) As at 1 October 2010, how many pieces of equipment with an acquisition value of more than $10,000 are in need of replacement in each NSW Health area health service?


(5) How many pieces of equipment with an acquisition value of more than $10,000 are listed on the register?

4988 HEALTH—MANDATORY HAND HYGIENE—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

How many mandatory hand hygiene audits have been conducted since 1 March 2009 at each of the following hospitals:

(a) Bathurst Base Hospital?(b) Blacktown Hospital?(c) Bowral Hospital?(d) Camden Hospital?(e) Campbelltown Hospital?(f) Concord Hospital?(g) Fairfield Hospital?(h) Gosford Hospital?(i) John Hunter Hospital?(j) Liverpool Hospital?(k) Maitland Hospital?(l) Nepean Hospital?(m) Orange Base Hospital?(n) Prince of Wales Hospital?(o) Ryde Hospital?(p) Royal North Shore Hospital?(q) St George Hospital?(r) Shellharbour Hospital?(s) Shoalhaven Hospital?(t) Sutherland Hospital?(u) Westmead Hospital?(v) Wollongong Hospital?(w) Wyong Hospital?

4989 HEALTH—HOSPITAL CLEANER POSITIONS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

How many extra positions for cleaners have been created since 1 March 2009 at each of the following hospitals:

(a) Bathurst Base Hospital?(b) Blacktown Hospital?(c) Bowral Hospital?(d) Camden Hospital?(e) Campbelltown Hospital?(f) Concord Hospital?(g) Fairfield Hospital?(h) Gosford Hospital?(i) John Hunter Hospital?(j) Liverpool Hospital?(k) Maitland Hospital?(l) Nepean Hospital?(m) Orange Base Hospital?(n) Prince of Wales Hospital?

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(o) Ryde Hospital?(p) Royal North Shore Hospital?(q) St George Hospital?(r) Shellharbour Hospital?(s) Shoalhaven Hospital?(t) Sutherland Hospital?(u) Westmead Hospital?(v) Wollongong Hospital?(w) Wyong Hospital?

4990 HEALTH—INCIDENT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ACCESS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

Can reports from the statewide Incident Information Management System be accessed at facility and ward level at each of the following hospitals:


4991 HEALTH—NSW ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

How many allied health professionals' positions have been vacated without replacement for five working days or longer, each month since March 2009, at the following hospitals:

(a) Bathurst Base Hospital?(b) Blacktown Hospital?(c) Bowral Hospital?(d) Camden Hospital?(e) Campbelltown Hospital?(f) Concord Hospital?(g) Fairfield Hospital?


(h) Gosford Hospital?(i) John Hunter Hospital?(j) Liverpool Hospital?(k) Maitland Hospital?(l) Nepean Hospital?(m) Orange Base Hospital?(n) Prince of Wales Hospital?(o) Ryde Hospital?(p) Royal North Shore Hospital?(q) St George Hospital?(r) Shellharbour Hospital?(s) Shoalhaven Hospital?(t) Sutherland Hospital?(u) Westmead Hospital?(v) Wollongong Hospital?(w) Wyong Hospital?

4992 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH VACANT POSITIONS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

At each of the following hospitals:(1) How many Nurse⁄Midwifery Unit Manager positions were budgeted for each month since March

2009?(2) How many Nurse⁄Midwifery Unit Manager positions remained vacant each month since March

2009?(3) How many Clinical Support Officer positions were budgeted for each month since March 2009?(4) How many Clinical Support Officer positions remained vacant each month since March 2009?


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4993 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

How many additional support staff have been employed in each NSW Health area health service to help transport patients to a same sex area when a bed becomes available in each of the following months:

(a) March 2009?(b) April 2009?(c) May 2009?(d) June 2009?(e) July 2009?(f) August 2009?(g) September 2009?(h) October 2009?(i) November 2009?(j) December 2009?(k) January 2010?(l) February 2010?(m) March 2010?(n) April 2010?(o) May 2010?(p) June 2010?(q) July 2010?(r) August 2010?(s) September 2010?(t) October 2010?(u) November 2010?

4994 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH PRIVACY AND DIGNITY POLICY—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

What were the monthly progress results of the Privacy and Dignity Policy in NSW Hospitals, for each NSW Health area health service based on the National Health Service Privacy and Dignity Checklist, for each of the following months:

(a) March 2009?(b) April 2009?(c) May 2009?(d) June 2009?(e) July 2009?(f) August 2009?(g) September 2009?(h) October 2009?(i) November 2009?(j) December 2009?(k) January 2010?(l) February 2010?(m) March 2010?(n) April 2010?(o) May 2010?(p) June 2010?(q) July 2010?(r) August 2010?


(s) September 2010?(t) October 2010?(u) November 2010?

4995 HEALTH—RURAL EXTENDED CARE PARAMEDICS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

How many rural based extended care paramedics have been trained since 1 March 2009?

4996 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

What tools has NSW Health provided since 1 March 2009 to enable Department Heads to track patient tests and publish results within the hospital?

4997 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT STAFFING—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

When will NSW Health identify and publish current staffing levels and profiles for each existing Emergency Department?

4998 HEALTH—EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FACTSHEETS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) Since 1 March 2009 which Emergency Department fact sheets have been translated into plain English?

(2) Which other languages have the fact sheets been translated into?(3) Which Emergency Departments are they being distributed through?

4999 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH REVIEW OF CLEANING STANDARDS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

What were the findings of NSW Health's review of cleaning standards?

5000 HEALTH—HOSPITAL CLEANING STAFF HOURS OF OPERATION—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

At which hospitals have cleaners become available 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1 March 2009?

5001 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH CULTURAL CHANGE PROGRAMS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

What is the total expenditure on NSW Health cultural change programs which specifically deal with bullying and harassment since 1 March 2009?

5002 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH CULTURAL CHANGE SURVEYS—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

How many completed surveys into attitudes toward bullying, harassment and cultural change have been received by NSW Health since 1 March 2009:

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(a) From staff?(b) From patients?

5003 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH RURAL TRAINING—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

Since 1 March 2009, how many junior medical officers within NSW Health have completed rural training terms?

5004 HEALTH—RURAL CLINICAL STAFF—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

Since 1 March 2009, what new rural initiatives has NSW Health implemented to attract clinical staff to rural hospitals?

5005 HEALTH—NSW HEALTH REVIEW OF RURAL CLINICIAN TRAINING—Miss Gardiner to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

What is the status of NSW Health's review of education and training support for rural clinicians?

5006 LANDS—LANDCOM LAND BANK LAND—Mr Pearce to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands—

(1) As at 30 November 2010 how many unzoned lots or lot equivalent parcels of land held in the Landcom land bank were: (a) Wholly owned by Landcom?(b) Landcom partnered?(c) Landcom managed?

(2) As at 30 November 2010 how many zoned, serviced and master planned lots held in the Landcom land bank were: (a) Wholly owned by Landcom?(b) Landcom partnered?(c) Landcom managed?

5007 HEALTH—LANDCOM LAND BANK EMPLOYEES—Mr Pearce to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) As at 30 November 2010 how many staff were employed by Landcom?(2) How many staff were employed in the following divisions:

(a) Corporate?(b) Corporate marketing?(c) Finance and information technology?(d) Oran Park and infrastructure development?(e) Development south?(f) Development north?(g) Other?

5008 HEALTH—LANDCOM LAND BANK LAND LOTS—Mr Pearce to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) As at 30 November 2010 how many zoned, serviced and master planned lots or lot equivalent parcels


were held in the Landcom land bank?(2) As at 30 November 2010 how many unzoned lots or lot equivalent parcels of land were held in the

Landcom land bank for future development?

5009 CORRECTIVE SERVICES—LONG BAY FORENSIC HOSPITAL—Mr Shoebridge to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Corrective Services—

(1) When will the Long Bay Forensic Hospital become fully operational?(2) How many forensic patients who fit the criteria to be transferred to the Forensic Hospital remain in

the Department of Corrective Services custody at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre MRRC and in other state gaols?

(3) What priority is given to transfers of forensic patients from the MRRC to the Forensic Hospital?(4) Having regard to the provisions of Section 68 of the Mental Health Act 2007 and in particular

Section 68(a) which requires that people with a mental illness be held in the least restrictive environment, and also Guideline 77 of the Minimum Standard Guidelines to Australian Prisons, what action will be taken to immediately ensure that forensic patients who are detained in Department of Corrective Services' facilities are detained in "least restrictive environment" conditions?

(5) What provisions are in place to ensure that forensic patients detained in Department of Corrective Services' facilities are detained in the "least restrictive environment" conditions?

(6) Is there a proposal to further develop the Forensic Hospital to accommodate other forensic patients not accommodated in the Forensic Hospital?

(7)(a) Are there any places in Forensic Hospitals for other prisoners with mental health problems?(b) If not, what arrangements are in place to ensure ongoing treatment for them in accordance with

the provisions of Section 68 of the Mental Health Act?

5010 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME APPLICATIONS—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What was the final number of applicants accepted into the Solar Rebate Scheme who are being paid the 60 cent feed-in tariff?

(2) How many applications to the Solar Rebate Scheme were received by each of the New South Wales energy retailers?

5011 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME GENERATED ENERGY—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What is the total amount of energy that will be generated by these applicants to the Solar Bonus Scheme?

5012 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME COSTS—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What is the estimated cost of the Solar Bonus Scheme:(a) As at 1 December 2010?(b) When all applicants for the 60 cent feed-in tariff are connected?

5013 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME ELECTRICITY BILLS—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

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What will the increase in energy customers' bills be as a result of the cost blow-out attributable to the Solar Bonus Scheme?

5014 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME FUNDING—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) Is the Government considering new methods of funding for the Solar Bonus Scheme?(2) If so, what are the new sources of funding?

5015 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME APPLICATION BACKLOG—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) When will the backlog of applications to join the Solar Bonus Scheme at the 60 cent feed-in tariff rate be cleared?

(2) When will all such applicants be connected to the grid?

5016 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME NEW APPLICANTS—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) How many applications have been made to join the Solar Bonus Scheme at the 20 cent feed-in tariff rate?

(2) Is this application rate in line with the Government's modelling?

5017 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME INDUSTRY IMPACT—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

How many jobs, according to Government modelling, will disappear in New South Wales as a result of the decision to decrease the feed-in tariff to 20 cents?

5018 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME ENERGY RETAILERS—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What analysis has the Government or each of the New South Wales energy retailers conducted to assess the financial impact of the Solar Bonus Scheme on customers and on each of the New South Wales energy retailers?

(2) Where can this analysis be accessed?

5019 ENERGY—SOLAR BONUS SCHEME COST RECOVERY—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Transport, Minister for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What is the total amount each of the New South Wales energy retailers has sought to recover from the Government for the administrative costs of the Solar Bonus Scheme?

5020 HEALTH—THOMAS WALKER HOSPITAL WATER GATE HOUSE—Ms Cusack to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Water Gate House at the Thomas Walker Hospital, Canada Bay the sole example of this type of


building in Australia?(2) What steps is the Government taking to protect this important piece of our built heritage?(3)

(a) How much was spent preserving or restoring the Water Gate House in the 2009⁄10 financial year?

(b) What did this expenditure pay for?

5021 PLANNING—KENDAL BAY MARINA DEVELOPMENT—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands—

(1) What steps will the Minister for Planning take to ensure that the proposed Kendal Bay Marina will not adversely affect the marine biodiversity in and around Kendal Bay?

(2) How will the proposed development interact with the remediation of the former gas works site at Mortlake?

5022 PLANNING—THOMAS WALKER HOSPITAL WATER GATE HOUSE—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands—

(1) Is the Water Gate House at the Thomas Walker Hospital, Canada Bay the sole example of this type of building in Australia?

(2) What steps is the Government taking to protect this important piece of our built heritage?(3)

(a) How much was spent preserving or restoring the Water Gate House in the 2009/10 financial year?

(b) What did this expenditure pay for?

5023 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—CLEAN COAL FUND—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) How much public money has been granted to the Clean Coal Fund (CCF) in each of the financial years since it was established?

(2) What is the source of these funds?(3) What was the total contribution of each of these funding sources in each financial year?(4) What other funds are available to the CCF?

5024 PREMIER—BARANGAROO EVENT APPLICATIONS—Mr Ajaka to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo—

(1) How many event or activity applications were received to use Barangaroo in the 2009⁄10 financial year?

(2) Which event or activity applications were rejected, broken down by each?

5025 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AMALGAMATION—Mr Gay to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1)(a) Was the decision to amalgamate the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) into Industry &

Investment NSW (I&I NSW) based on a cost cutting exercise?(b) If not, what were the reasons?

(2) How much money did the Government save from this exercise?

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(3) What is the Minister for Primary Industries response to the Auditor-General's statement in the Report to Parliament 2010 Department of Industry and Investment, that "no performance measures were established to measure whether the amalgamation produces value for money for the Department and Government"?

5026 POLICE—TASER USAGE—Mr Shoebridge to ask the Treasurer, Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister for Ports and Waterways, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Police, and Minister for Finance—

(1) How many instances in which a taser was discharged were recorded in the following years: (a) 2006?(b) 2007?(c) 2008?(d) 2009?(e) 2010?

(2) How many instances have been identified where the use of a taser was improper in the following years: (a) 2006?(b) 2007?(c) 2008?(d) 2009?(e) 2010?

(3) Of the discharges from how many was a complete camera or audio recording of the incident, from the camera attached to the taser, available in the following years: (a) 2006?(b) 2007?(c) 2008?(d) 2009?(e) 2010?

(4) In instances in which a camera recording is not available, what was the reason for this?(5)

(a) Does each discharge of a taser result in an investigation into the circumstances of the discharge?(b) If not, why not?

(6) On what advice was the warning "taser, taser, taser" adopted?(7)

(a) How many civil claims have been lodged against the NSW Police Force following taser use?(b) Of these claims how many were successful?(c) What was the cost of defending these claims?(d) How much has paid to successful claimants?

5027 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—BOARD OF INQUIRY MINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT POLICY—Mr Gay to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) When did the Minister for Primary Industries become aware of the Board of Inquiry Mine Safety Enforcement Policy written by Dr James Macken?

(2)(a) Did the Minister have any discussions with the former Minister for Primary Industries Mr Ian

Macdonald on the report?(b) If so, when did these discussions take place?

(3)


(a) Did the Minister have any discussions with anybody else regarding this report?(b) If so, when?

(4) Why were the recommendations in this report not acted on when it was completed in July 2007?(5) Why did it take nearly three and a half years for this report to be shown to the mining industry?(6)

(a) Is the Minister aware of concerns within the mining industry regarding the conduct of Department of Primary Industry Mine Safety Investigators?

(b) If so, how does the Minister plan to address these concerns?

5028 PLANNING—BURRENDONG STATE PARK—Mr Gay to ask the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands—

(1) Has the moratorium on building, transferring or selling sites at Burrendong State Park been lifted?(2) Why did the Minister for Planning advise Parliament in June 2010 that the moratorium on building,

transferring or selling sites at Burrendong State Park had already been lifted when in actual fact six months after this advice it still remains in place?

(3) Is the Minister aware that site holders have been forced to stay and pay the large site fees that include a $500 increase since last year?

Lynn LovelockClerk of the Parliaments

_________________________________________ Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW...Dec 02, 2010 · QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS No. 184 THURSDAY...

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Transcript of QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW...Dec 02, 2010 · QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS No. 184 THURSDAY...