Page 2552 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 7 August 1991
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during our investigations, find out how, when, where or why planning approval had been given. It appeared that it had not been given at any stage. It was quite clear from the evidence given to us by the National Capital Planning Authority, which had planning authority in that area, that it was not prepared to see the billboard continue. They were waiting for the Territory Government, which actually owned the thing, to take the necessary action to take it down.
I hope that my colleague Mr Wood, now the Minister, will ensure that the two planning authorities will get together and develop some of the concepts and ideas that were put to the committee in relation to the treatment of that very important part of the city. I think it is also important that the city itself be formally linked to City Hill so that City Hill can be used much more easily, and much more safely, by those people who work in the city; so that it becomes more than just a lung; it becomes a usable green lung, if you like, for the people who work in the city.
In view of the fact that it is land controlled for planning purposes by the Federal authorities - I seem to recall that it is designated land as well - I hope that the Federal authorities will do the development work that is required to improve and upgrade that part of City Hill, to extend the vista from Northbourne Avenue up the grove of trees that goes to the top of the hill, with the flag on top. I hope that the Government will make sure that there is a contribution on the part of the Federal authorities to the improvement and upgrading of this very important facility so that access can be gained not only by people who work in the centre of the city but also by visitors who come to Canberra and wish to participate and to see what in fact is a very important historical aspect and part of the past development of Canberra.
Anyone who has seen photographs and pictures, or even paintings, of that hill prior to its current existence will see the vast improvement that has been made to the ethos of that site by the very important plantings that I understand were overseen by Mr Weston, the gentleman who is well known for his commitment to and responsibility for the extensive groves of trees, particularly memorial groves of trees, that we find in the ACT.
In closing, Mr Speaker, let us not forget that now that the billboard is down action should be taken to improve and facilitate access to that site. I commend immediate action on the part of the Minister to ensure that work is commenced almost immediately, if it has not already been started, to further develop that very important site in the centre of our city.
Mr Wood: I will take that on board.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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