Page 5742 - Week 13 - Thursday, 18 November 2010
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I think to have a music festival in the heart of the parliamentary triangle in the national capital is significant, very special and consistent with the notion that the parliamentary triangle belongs to all Australians of all demographics. Part 1.1 of the national capital plan states:
The Parliamentary Zone will be given meaning as “the place of the people”, accessible to all Australians, so they can more fully understand and appreciate the collective experience and rich diversity of this country.
It goes on to say:
The place of the people must have:
• A sense of scale, dignity and openness;
• A cohesive and comprehensible layout;
• A large forum for public ceremony and debate;
• Intimate, enjoyable spaces for individuals and groups;
• A dynamic program of national, state and regional events; and
• Public facilities that are accessible and affordable.
It is my opinion that the responsible engagement and coming together of thousands of young people does comply with this vision of what is a special part of our national estate. I firmly believe that the more people come to Canberra and see our great city, the more pride and respect there will be in the territory and in Australia as a whole. Especially for the thousands who travel to Canberra from interstate for the event, I think the festival taps into a demographic that might otherwise not be engaged with much of what is typically associated with the national capital. It is this end, in addition to the huge sums of money poured into our community, which makes this event significant and indeed worth while.
Of course, whenever there are big crowds and alcohol is consumed, there are risks and the foreshore festival, sporting matches, Australia Day or New Year’s Eve celebrations and others are not exempt from these risks. However, these risks can be managed and, from what I know of the organisers of this event, they are doing all they can to ensure that the event remains as trouble free as possible, as it has done in the past.
I believe that the ACT government and the commonwealth government, through the National Capital Authority, should be doing all which is reasonable to help facilitate the event. I think it is reasonable to expect a multi-year lease or agreement to be engaged, to allow the planning for future events. I think it is reasonable that the ACT government work with the promoters and owners of the festival to ensure maximum leverage for the festival, on the back of other activities taking place in Canberra, and for other activities to make the most of visitors to foreshore. I think that it is
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