Page 2892 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 14 August 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cheyne for the supplementary question. The arts portfolio includes several high profile heritage-listed buildings. In this year’s budget, the government is investing in the future of some of our most iconic arts facilities, improving the roofing at Strathnairn and Watson arts centres, and site safety and accessibility at Ainslie Arts Centre and Gorman House Arts Centre.
We are working towards celebrating a major milestone for Canberra’s arts and cultural heritage in 2025 when Gorman House will turn 100. This means that we are investing now in design works to ensure the building’s ongoing success as an arts and artists’ venue. We are also working with Strathnairn Arts Centre to plan for ongoing vehicle and pedestrian access requirements, given the adjacent development of Ginninderry. I am pleased to see the ongoing close and productive relationship between the arts centre and the Riverview development company.
We are also implementing a package of works at the historic Lanyon precinct to install new water infrastructure, to undertake building stabilisation measures and to upgrade the security infrastructure. This will be one of the largest investments ever made in ACT historic places. It will ensure that Lanyon is safe and secure for staff, for volunteers, for visitors and for tenants, and it will protect the precinct’s heritage status into the future.
We will also be improving facilities at the Canberra Theatre with a further program of upgrades to enhance security infrastructure, safety and building management. These initiatives further demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing the cultural life of our community, further cementing Canberra’s status as a creative capital.
Visitors
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Pettersson, before I give you the call, I bring to the attention of members that we have in the chamber the 13th Australian Political Exchange Council delegation from the Philippines. Welcome to Canberra and welcome to the ACT Assembly.
Questions without notice
Arts—government investment
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, can you please update the Assembly on the government’s overall investment in the arts and artists in the ACT?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary question. The ACT government has a strong commitment to the arts, demonstrated through the annual arts budget of over $10 million, which is the largest such expenditure in the history of self-government. The government also provides funding of $9 million annually for the operations of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, which runs CMAG, the Canberra Theatre Centre and ACT Historic Places.
Opposition members interjecting—
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video