Page 2637 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 5 June 2012
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There were suggestions in the inquiry that the unusual acoustics to the Fitters Workshop may lend themselves to a broader range of music styles than had already been performed there, but the acoustic testing commissioned by the committee found that the building is only suitable for a limited range of music. We also heard claims that the government’s decision-making process in committing the Fitters Workshop for Megalo had been flawed, yet we saw nothing in the committee’s report to support this.
In the absence of new, evidence-based information, the ACT government can see no reason to break its promise and to exacerbate the damage already done to Megalo print studio.
I note that there were dissenting comments from Mary Porter MLA in relation to the politicisation of the issues and the role of the media in the debate. Ms Porter notes that her examination of the matter before the committee led her to believe that the process leading to the decision by the ACT government was done in the best interests of the arts community. Ms Porter raised concerns regarding Megalo’s position as a result of the delays on this matter. I agree. The acceptance of the committee’s recommendations would only cause further delays.
The decision to locate Megalo Print Studio + Gallery to the Fitters Workshop was made by the ACT government with the best interests of the arts community in mind. This decision was supported with funding for the refurbishment of the building in the 2011-12 budget, agreed by the Assembly.
During the inquiry there was commentary about the impact refurbishments would have on the heritage values of the Fitters Workshop. The Fitters Workshop is heritage listed and, as such, any works to the internal or external parts of the building would need to be consistent with its heritage listings. Just as the conversion of the former powerhouse building to accommodate the Canberra Glassworks has, in fact, enhanced the heritage features of the building, so too will the refurbishment to accommodate Megalo.
I note that proponents of the mixed-use option have given limited consideration to the reality that to make the Fitters Workshop usable for performance, exhibitions and other activities, substantial additional funding would be needed to meet those standards, such as accessibility, fire and emergency, and occupational health and safety. No consideration was given to what impacts these necessary works would have on the building’s acoustics.
The committee’s report also outlines the time lines discussed by the Land Development Agency during public hearings of the inquiry. Notwithstanding that the LDA representative who appeared before the committee prefaced his comments with the disclaimer that his time lines were “ballpark” only and that the LDA did not have carriage of the project, the committee chose to accept those time lines over those provided consistently by the Community Services Directorate. That, of course, is a moot point, given the delays that have already been caused by the inquiry. There has been such delay in construction on the Fitters Workshop that Megalo will need to call Watson home for at least another year.
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