Questions & Answers Paper No. 158 - Parliament of New South ...

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2009
*7482 NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL—Mr Rob Stokes asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate
Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce representing the Attorney General, Minister
for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the
Executive Council—
What monies have already been spent in relation to the Northern Beaches Hospital including land
acquisition, preliminary planning procedures and consultation?
Answer—
I am advised:-
NSW Health Department records indicate that to the end of August 2009 almost $29.7 million has been
spent in relation to land acquisition and project planning for the new Northern Beaches Hospital.
*7483 SYDNEY BUSES—UNRULY PASSENGERS—Mr Rob Stokes asked the Minister for Transport, and
Minister for the Illawarra—
(1) What procedures are in place to assist bus drivers and security guards who lose control of unruly
passengers aboard Sydney Buses services?
(2) Are there any plans to increase the amount of support being provided to bus drivers and security
guards aboard Sydney Buses?
Answer—
I am advised:
(1) and (2) State Transit works closely with NSW Police on strategies to boost safety and security on the
Sydney Buses network, and to improve incident response times. This includes coordinated operations
and exercises involving both Police and State Transit officers. State Transit also maintains regular
liaison with local councils and hotel groups in working to improve safety and reduce antisocial
behaviour on its buses.
The Sydney Buses fleet is also being continually upgraded with the latest in driver and passenger
safety, security, and vehicle monitoring systems, including the latest in digital CCTV security and
vehicle tracking systems. As new and more advanced technology becomes available it is
incorporated into the vehicles of the Sydney Buses fleet. This allows for targeting of immediate
assistance to a bus at its exact location in situations requiring an immediate response. In addition,
evidence from CCTV cameras is used by Police in finding and prosecuting offenders, as
demonstrated in recent high profile cases in the local media on the Northern Beaches.
*7484 ASBESTOS REMOVAL—MONA VALE HOSPITAL—Mr Rob Stokes asked the Deputy Premier,
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce representing the Attorney
General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice
President of the Executive Council—
(1) When does the Government expect to announce a timeline for the completion of asbestos removal
works to Mona Vale Hospital's maternity ward?
(2) How long after the closure of the maternity ward in July did the renovations commence?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The Mona Vale Hospital Maternity Ward was temporarily relocated to Manly Hospital on 1
July 2009. Specialist asbestos hygienists were engaged to develop a scope of works for the asbestos
removal during July 2009. The tender process for the asbestos removal program was conducted in August
2009 and a contract was awarded in September 2009. It is anticipated that asbestos works will commence
in October 2009. The timeline for completion of the asbestos removal is approximately four months,
followed by restoration works, all of which is expected to be completed by June 2010.
*7485 COASTAL CYCLEWAY PROGRAM—Mr Rob Stokes asked the Minister for Planning, and Minister for
Redfern Waterloo—
In regards to the NSW Coastal Cycleway Program:
(1) Which local councils have submitted proposals for the NSW Coastal Cycleway?
(2) What is the assessment procedure for such proposals?
(3) How have climate change and ecologically sustainable development been taken into consideration?
(4) (a) Is the Minister aware of any areas where the cycleway will pass through sensitive coastal
habitats?
(b) If yes, where are these areas?
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