Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

(1)

In February 2009, the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) installed a 45,000 litre water tank in the public car park below the building forecourt.The tank is used to store rainwater harvested from the forecourt. Water from the tank is then used to run the forecourt water feature which was reactivated in May 2008.The rainwater captured is insufficient to fully meet the requirements of the water feature. Any additional water required is obtained from the Lower Molonglo Treatment Plant and delivered to Parliament House by a tanker.

(2)

The amount of water harvested from the forecourt is not measured.

(3)

The water harvested is used solely for the purpose of providing water to the forecourt water feature.

(4)

In addition to the recommissioning of the forecourt water feature, DPS is currently investigating the recommissioning of three additional high profile water features, namely those located in:

(a)

Aussies Courtyard;

(b)

the Ministerial entrance; and

(c)

the Formal Gardens opposite the House of Representatives entrance.

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