Page 1192 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 10 April 2018
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will have experts on hand to share resources and provide tips on researching family history.
In addition, the Parkwood Chapel, located just four kilometres west of the suburb of Macgregor, will be open for tours between noon and 2 pm on both Sunday, 22 April and Monday, 23 April. This beautiful structure was constructed in 1880 by Thomas Southwell, a devout Wesleyan, and was the first Methodist church established in the area. It has recently been restored by the Southwell Family Society and forms an important part of Canberra’s built heritage.
I specifically invite culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available during the heritage festival to visit these and other sites and exhibitions and to participate in events. In this way they can come to better understand and appreciate the Aboriginal, European and natural heritage of their new home, thus enriching the vibrant heritage they have brought with them.
In conclusion, I once again thank Ms Lawder for bringing this matter of public importance before the Assembly today. I thank organisations such as the Heraldry and Genealogy Society of Canberra and the Southwell Family Society for all that they do to preserve our heritage and make sure we never have to forget it.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (4.01): The ACT Greens value Canberra’s history and its importance to our lives and our culture both now and for future generations. Heritage is a reflection of our territory’s history, including the more than 3,500 known Aboriginal heritage sites throughout our territory. I am sure that members would agree on the importance of heritage protection not being limited to the preservation of buildings and other places and objects but including the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, such as the memories and stories of Aboriginal elders.
The Greens are very supportive of both public and private collection and protection of our shared heritage. We are highly aware of the need for a careful balance between protecting heritage places and allowing our city to meet the demands of growth and sustainability.
As Ms Lawder mentioned in her opening remarks, the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival is on this month in the ACT. There are a wide variety of great things on here in Canberra. There are workshops, tours and open days for almost everyone, depending on your interests.
I note that, although the heritage grants program provides funding for groups to undertake specific conservation projects, I understand that the National Trust, as the relevant peak body, is constantly under funding pressure. Its fate is large tied to the ups and downs of federal funding. It would be remiss of me not to mention the heritage application backlog, which means that there is a very long wait for a decision. I believe these are largely prioritised based on development pressures.
Consultation is a key part of the heritage assessment process. The Greens would like to see improved and increased community consultation in relation to identifying what is considered a heritage place and what should constitute its protection. We also think
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