House debates

Thursday, 7 September 2017

Parliamentary Zone

10:01 am

Photo of Paul FletcherPaul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Urban Infrastructure) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That, in accordance with section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974, the House approve the following proposal for works in the Parliamentary Zone which were presented to the House on 4 September 2017, namely:

1.Questacon signage;

2.International Flag Display; and

3.Seating at Commonwealth Place.

This motion concerns three applications for works approval for works within the Parliamentary Zone. Under section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974, approval of both houses of parliament is required for such works, and this motion seeks that approval. I will briefly describe the three works. Firstly, there are two new signs pointing the way to Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, which are proposed to be built: one near the intersection of King Edward Terrace and Parks Place West; and the other near the entrance of the Questacon car park off Parkes Place West.

The second works approval concerns a proposal to extend the international flag display, which is located on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin on either side of Commonwealth Place on Queen Elizabeth Terrace. This displays flags for all the countries which have a diplomatic mission in our national capital. There is capacity presently for 100 flags, but that is not sufficient and therefore the National Capital Authority has submitted application for works approval to install eight new flagpoles, remove five trees, remove and replace plaques, and upgrade in-ground lighting.

Thirdly, new timber bench seats on Commonwealth Place jetties have already been installed, subject to parliamentary approval. This has been done as a safety measure to stop cyclists from riding on the jetties. I commend this motion to the House.

Question agreed to.