Special venues for events
Canberra's wonderful open spaces provide a range of excellent venues for outdoor events. Some public places in the heart of the capital have a special commemorative association or national use requiring particular consideration as an event venue.
The Parliamentary Precincts — at the heart of the nation
A spectacular location with a crowd capacity of several thousand, this area is highly desirable for events of all sizes. Close to Australia's Parliament House, the Parliamentary Precincts on Capital Hill are at the heart of the capital.
The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the Presiding Officers of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are responsible for Parliament House and the Parliamentary Precincts.
The Presiding Officers have an interest in making Parliament House and its setting strong symbols of democratic government at work for all Australians and have supported many significant national events in the Precincts.
Given the importance of the Parliamentary Precincts as the centre point and pinnacle of Australian government, many special issues may need to be taken into consideration for events — including the Parliamentary sitting programme, occasions of state, national celebration and security.
All events proposed in this area require the support of the Presiding Officers and approval by the National Capital Authority of any temporary structures. The Authority can offer assistance, on behalf of event proponents, in liaising with the Presiding Officers through Parliament's Joint House Department.
Federation Mall — right in front of Parliament House
Federation Mall, with backdrops of Parliament House and Old Parliament House and views to Anzac Parade and the Australian War Memorial, is one of the most prestigious venues in the National Capital.
Federation Mall is the ceremonial and symbolic link between the provisional and permanent Parliament Houses.
The Mall is suitable for a broad range of events and installations, including commemoration of Australian history, celebration of national anniversaries and achievements, public receptions for national occasions, launches, national displays and community gatherings.
Due to the proximity of Federation Mall to the Parliamentary Precincts, the Authority liaises with the Presiding Officers of the Parliament when considering events proposed on Federation Mall. As with the Parliamentary Precincts, many special issues may need to be taken into consideration for events on the Mall, including the Parliamentary sitting programme, occasions of state and security.
The Land Axis — internationally acclaimed vista
Canberra is famous for the superb vista, connecting Parliament House on Capital Hill with the Australian War Memorial at Mt Ainslie.
This Land Axis is a key component of Walter Burley Griffin's plan for Canberra. The Land Axis is a grand and open landscape space. For much of its length it contains excellent grassed venues that can support major events. These venues include Reconciliation Place and Commonwealth Place, the Rond Terraces and Anzac Parade.
While events are welcome on the Land Axis, there are some restrictions related to structures associated with events which block the vista to a significant extent, or which are required to be in place for significant periods of time. Other national occasions and events at significant places along the Land Axis, such as Parliament House and Anzac Parade, will also be taken into consideration when appraising the appropriateness of new events on the Axis.
Lake Burley Griffin — go sailing or enjoy Canberra's waterfront
Lake Burley Griffin is the ornamental lake at the centre of the National Capital. It is surrounded by quality parklands and public places.
Special conditions apply to the use of Lake Burley Griffin that are outlined in the National Capital Authority's Lake Burley Griffin Management Plan. The Authority will generally only consider approving up to two powerboat events on the lake each year.
In appraising events proposed on Lake Burley Griffin, special consideration will also be given to routine lake recreational uses such as sailing, rowing, fishing, swimming, and ferry boat operations, and to environmental impact and routine lake maintenance.
Regular water quality testing undertaken by the Authority can return results that may necessitate lake closures and the cancellation of events on the lake. Proponents of events on Lake Burley Griffin are advised to take such issues into consideration.
The Diplomatic Estate — connecting Canberra to the international community
Events proposed for an area near a diplomatic mission, or in the roads and streets of the diplomatic estates, will be subject to special consideration. The Authority will liaise with the relevant mission/s and the relevant Commonwealth Government agencies regarding any proposals in such areas. National occasions, customs and ceremonies, and security, will be among the issues considered by the Authority.
Anzac Parade — a place of honour commemorating sacrifice
Anzac Parade is the National Capital's major commemorative way and is the ceremonial approach to the Australian War Memorial. The Parade was completed in 965 to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli and is set along the magnificent Land Axis of the Walter Burley Griffin plan for Canberra.
Anzac Parade is important to generations of Australians as a commemoration of the military conflicts in which Australia has played a part and affirms the long and close bond between New Zealand and Australia.
Anzac Parade will generally be reserved for those events which recognise or commemorate service, valour and sacrifice by members of the Australian Defence Force, or which serve to heighten awareness of Australia's allies, military operations, symbols and ceremony, and/or defence of the national interest.