❓ Question regarding assistance for Carnarvon's sporting and recreation facilities after major flood damage. The Minister announces an emergency grant for the racecourse and commits to supporting the community in restoring sporting facilities.
AnsweredQoN 103Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CARNARVON — SPORTING AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Mr Speaker, having heard that long-winded and very — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I have given the member for North West the call. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON
Mr Speaker, having heard that long-winded and very — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I have given the member for North West the call. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON
AnswerView source ↗
Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I have given the member for North West the call. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : I have given the member for North West the call. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I have given the member for North West the call. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : I have given the member for North West the call. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, and other people in this place, I gave the call to the member for North West. I also saw the member for Scarborough on her feet before the member for Collie–Preston got anywhere near being on his feet. I will formally call you for the first time, member for Collie–Preston. Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr V.A. CATANIA : My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : Members in this place, there are many members in this place who have observed many Speakers in this place and would know that a supplementary question is not always given. Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr M.P. Murray : When was the last time it was not? The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : I am not going to give you a date, member for Collie–Preston, but I know that that is the case; I have seen it myself in this place. Other members in this place would know that I have also seen the first person on their feet being given the question. Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Or not. The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
The SPEAKER : It is not always the case, member for Collie–Preston. I have given the call to the member for North West. Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr V.A. CATANIA : As I said, the question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
As the minister has seen firsthand, the recent floods in Carnarvon caused major damage to community infrastructure, including the racecourse and community sporting facilities. Bringing recreation facilities back online is an important part of the recovery process after a natural disaster, particularly a disaster of the size experienced by Gascoyne residents. Could the minister please advise the house of any assistance being provided to help Carnarvon re-establish its sporting and recreation facilities? Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
Like most of us in this chamber and like most Western Australians, I was devastated to see the damage and destruction left by the recent floods that devastated parts of the Pilbara, the Gascoyne and, of course, the Mid West. Carnarvon and its surrounds were particularly affected and suffered greatly after what I think were the worst floods in more than 50 years struck the region. In January this year I visited the town to see firsthand the damage that had been caused, particularly to the infrastructure at the race club. I had heard of that damage, so we went there to look at what had happened at the race club. However, while I was there I also met with the sporting groups and looked at the facilities that had been damaged. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the member for North West, who accompanied me on that visit. It was excellent to have the benefit of his local knowledge. I congratulate him on the great job that he and others did in that region. He did an excellent job. From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
From a racing perspective, the Carnarvon Race Club certainly sustained some quite serious damage to a significant portion of the track. A lot of it was completely washed away. I inspected the track firsthand, and I could see how serious the damage was. The damage was quite extensive, and it meant that the club could not have any races there. Something needed to be done. The 2011 racing season there is due to commence at the end of April, so we needed to do something as a priority. To that end, I am announcing today that I have approved an emergency grant of $34 790 from the government’s racecourse infrastructure grants program to assist with the repair work on the track. This money is being advanced as a matter of priority. The overall cost of the repair job on the racecourse is about $64 000. This is where the community comes in strongly, because when we met and discussed things, the club wanted to contribute, which it is doing. It has had generous donations from supporters. The council of the Shire of Carnarvon is also donating materials. It is typical of our communities that when something like this happens, they work together and work with the government. We had an engineer from Racing and Wagering Western Australia go up there to assist in ascertaining the level of damage and how it could be fixed. I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
I understand that the repair work is going to commence this weekend, and the aim is to have the track ready for the season opening race meeting on 30 April. I am hoping that that happens. One never knows with these things. Sometimes when construction starts there are problems with the availability of people. I am hoping that the club can have the track ready by 30 April. While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
While I was in Carnarvon, I took the opportunity to meet with the sporting groups, as I said, and the local government to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure of the sporting groups. When I was there, a lot of the clubs were still assessing the damage; the water was still going down. However, it was clear to me that we needed to provide some support in those areas. Many of the clubs are still dealing with insurance issues and location issues—that is, whether it would be better to repair the damage or whether it would be better to relocate elsewhere. The clubs in the town are liaising closely with the Department of Sport and Recreation to look at the best outcomes. It is my intent to use every mechanism available through the Department of Sport and Recreation to support the Carnarvon community in resurrecting and putting back their sporting facilities. In some cases we will be able to improve them, so I think it is a good result for the Carnarvon community.
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