Mr Kelvin Thomson asked the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, upon notice, on 8 October 2003:

(1) What studies has the Government made of the environment and heritage value of the 177 hectares of former Department of Defence land at Malabar Headland.

(2) Are there any threatened, vulnerable or endangered species at Malabar Headland.

(3) Is he able to say whether the Government intends to dispose of property at Malabar Headland; if so, what steps is he taking to ensure that the environmental and heritage qualities of this property are safeguarded.

Dr Kemp (Minister for the Environment and Heritage) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) I am advised that the Department of Finance and Administration commissioned the following reports on the environment and heritage value of the former Defence Department land at Malabar Headland:

Godden Mackay (1997) ANZAC Rifle Range Heritage Assessment. Unpublished Report prepared for Department of Administrative Services.

Planning Workshop Australia (2001) ANZAC Rifle Range Malabar Headland, Review of listing on the Register of the National Estate.

(2) I am advised that no Commonwealth listed threatened, vulnerable or endangered species have been recorded at Malabar Headland.

(3) No. This question would be better directed to the Minister for Finance and Administration.