Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

(—) (): Thank you very much. It is disappointing that those opposite have no concept of the planning process that needs to be undertaken in a significant agreement such as this. There has been an initial planning process, which started in November or so last year. There was extensive communication and consultation with members of the local community about that planning process. And I announced a fortnight ago that, given there were significant community concerns, I would curtail the length of the master planning process and ensure that it finished within a month. I also indicated that I would ensure that agricultural land was, as far as possible, used for agricultural purposes. What those opposite do not understand—and it is hardly surprising, given their experience—is that a plan of this significance, a strategic partnership of this significance, takes a very long time to plan and to organise. There are certain legislative requirements and there are certain environmental requirements—in fact, the list goes on. We have been observing all of those in making the announcement today. (Time expired)