Claims about Barrack St jetty plans wrong

29/12/93

Environment Minister Kevin Minson has rejected outright Opposition claims the State Government is keeping plans for the redevelopment of the Barrack Street jetty secret.

Mr Minson accused Labor frontbencher John Kobelke of selective amnesia over the matter.

He said it was Mr Kobelke's Labor Government which approved a much larger development for the area in 1990.

"This proposal, which included the WA Rowing Club, was approved by the previous government after public advertising and comment under the Swan River Trust Act in 1990," Mr Minson said.

"It was endorsed by the then key Ministers but the development approval lapsed in August 1992 because of delays with liquor licences and the recession.

"Another smaller proposal which did not include the WA Rowing Club was submitted."

Mr Minson said that while the processes had been drawn out, the correct procedures were followed by both the previous government and the present Government.

He said further advertising was not considered necessary for the present proposal because it followed on from the first and was substantially smaller.

The Swan River Trust had approved the current proposal and Mr Minson said he was waiting for its report.

"There can be no suggestion of favouritism or special treatment on the Trust's part," Mr Minson said.

"At all times the Trust has tried to deal with all the issues and treat applications as quickly as possible.

"It is a shame Mr Kobelke can sit in the Parliament on the Government benches for four years and only just realise what has been happening when he is in Opposition."

Media contact: Diana Callander 222 9595 or 321 2222