Chief Executive's Summary
Canberra is developing as a national capital worthy of the pride of all Australians – a place that symbolises our heritage, values and aspirations and a city which is internationally recognised. This year an important milestone was achieved in delivering on this vision for the city – a milestone that will secure the future of the capital in the first decades of the century.
A new blueprint for the future development of significant sites in the central national areas of the capital was given statutory effect on 30 November 2006 when the Hon Jim Lloyd MP, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, approved four amendments to the National Capital Plan aligned with the 2004 Authority publication The Griffin Legacy.
Collectively the amendments mark a significant chapter in the history of planning in the capital. New developments in the City Hill Precinct, at West Basin and on Constitution Avenue will create quality public places and mixed uses to enliven the city. These developments will go a significant way towards linking the city centre to Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary areas.
The Authority was encouraged by the spirited community, professional and parliamentary debate generated by The Griffin Legacy amendments. The Authority thanks the ACT Government for its collaboration and commitment as well as the hundreds of people who took the time to make written submissions, the Planning Institute of Australia, the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Engineers Australia and the various community groups who contributed with commentary, advice and support. The national capital deserves this level of consideration and as a result our planning processes and outcomes have been improved to the benefit of the future of Canberra. The Australian Government has shown leadership in the implementation of The Griffin Legacy planning initiatives with a 2007–08 Budget commitment of $71.8 million over four years. These significant funds will be used in part to redevelop Constitution Avenue and create a new quality streetscape and public domain commensurate with its intended status as a great boulevard. At the same time, Kings Avenue will be bridged over Parkes Way at Russell to improve access between the city, Parliament House and the airport.
An innovative model and film of The Griffin Legacy at the National Capital Exhibition has added a successful consultation and information dimension to the role of the exhibition in planning and development initiatives. The Authority has also developed a Consultation Protocol that will ensure greater consistency in its approach to public participation in planning processes.
The success of an international design competition for the Canberra Central Parklands was another major step forward in the renewal of these special urban parks. Designs are now being developed to respect the heritage values of Commonwealth Park and Kings Park, to increase their connectivity to the lake and to provide for sustainable landscape management.
The Authority was also pleased, on behalf of St John’s Church, to facilitate the conduct of a design ideas competition for this unique and culturally significant site at the junction of Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade.
The National Gallery of Australia celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2007. This is an important national institution and the Authority was privileged to have a role in recommending the approval of building extensions to the Gallery to both Houses of Parliament during the year. Significant advances were also made in design proposals for the public areas in the Humanities and Science Campus and the Arts and Civic Campus, both of which are in the Parliamentary Zone. Completed capital works during the year include the National Police Memorial in Kings Park, enhancement of the Atatürk Memorial on Anzac Parade and three splendid artworks along Reconciliation Place in the Parliamentary Zone. Such projects demonstrate design excellence but most importantly highlight Australia’s values, heritage and national life.
The replanting of Roman Cypress Hill, which was burned out in the 2001 Canberra bushfires, together with the development of comprehensive strategies to address the continuing drought conditions in the capital, serve as reminders of the climate challenges for maintenance of the national estate. The Authority is determined in its resolve to find innovative solutions to ensure that nationally significant public places and parks in the city remain beautiful and robust for future generations to enjoy.
Once again the Australia Day awards announcement and live concert attracted thousands of people to Federation Mall in front of Parliament House and were broadcast across Australia to an appreciative audience. The power of events in building positive perceptions and experiences was greatly enhanced with the inaugural visit to Canberra of the world renowned Cirque du Soleil. These experiences have resulted in a number of other high profile events seeking a venue in the capital.
For the first time the Authority has developed a travelling exhibition, The Story of Our National Capital, which has been very well received in the regional areas of our nation. Online resources were expanded launch of the Griffin Legacy blueprint for canberra cAPITALS aLLIANCE cONFERENCE national capital authority annual report xi 2006-07 with a virtual tour of Blundells Cottage and an associated education kit and new driving tours were developed of the Yarralumla diplomatic estate and military memorials in the capital. Such approaches to fostering an awareness of Canberra as the national capital are essential if we are to reach a broad Australian demographic and keep pace with the communication possibilities of today.
In 2001 the Authority formed a Capitals Alliance with Washington DC, Ottawa and Brasilia. Since that time Alliance members have met on many occasions and have shared information, research and general experiences and have provided learning and development opportunities. Over the years other nations have been invited to participate in our meetings to the benefit of all. In January 2007 the Authority hosted the first international conference associated with the Capitals Alliance. The conference at Parliament House attracted 170 delegates and 46 speakers with presentations by representatives from 11 of the world’s capitals. The plenary and workshop sessions were well attended and the conference and associated social functions were considered a great success.
As in previous years, the corporate and governance structures of the Authority have supported our business directions and strengthened our stakeholder relationships. Particular attention was paid to document and records management with an electronic system, TRIM Context, implemented across the agency.
Industry awards for projects managed by the Authority are a positive demonstration of leadership and recognise innovation and excellence. The Authority has been delighted to be recognised for many capital works, planning and governance projects over the years and was especially proud this year when the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point received the 2006 ACT Tourism Award for Heritage and Cultural Tourism as well as the Visitor Experience Award for excellence in customer service. This achievement is a credit to the dedication and enthusiasm of the exhibition staff and our volunteers.
Throughout the year our Minister, the Hon Jim Lloyd MP, has provided great support to the national capital and to this agency. His interest in all of our initiatives has been most appreciated and the Authority thanks him for his commitment.
Our Chairman, Mr Michael Ball AM, has provided vigorous leadership over the year particularly in promoting the role of the Authority and The Griffin Legacy. On behalf of the staff I thank him and the other members of the Authority for their guidance and good spirit in directing and engaging with our work.
The Authority is fortunate to be staffed with people who are innovative, professional and committed to the national capital. I thank them for their efforts and achievements; it is a privilege to work with them. I also thank our volunteers who work so closely with us to enhance visitor appreciation and enjoyment of our city.
We are looking forward to consolidating the advances made this year with construction works along Constitution Avenue and in other national areas. We will continue discussion on planning issues pertinent to the Canberra aesthetic, development and the environment, to finding the best ways to sustain the national estate; and to increase appreciation of our national capital. This is work we embrace with enthusiasm and confidence in the promotion of Canberra’s rightful standing as a world class city.
Annabelle Pegrum AM
Chief Executive