Page 131 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 24 May 1989
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legislation in the ACT, but at the same time we seek to ensure that appropriate action is taken by the Government in the interim period between this day and when the legislation is finally put in place. To that end, we support some of the suggestions that have been put forward by our colleagues on the Liberal side.
I am sure, Mr Speaker, that the bipartisan support that has been shown on the floor of this chamber today will ensure that the ACT has heritage legislation that will provide an important development in this city.
Mr Speaker, I think it is important to talk about some of the earlier human habitation in this area, particularly because of the nature of this place. Members will no doubt be aware that this region was known as the meeting place for Aboriginal tribes of this part of the continent as they moved from the rich plains of the Shoalhaven River to the highlands. I commend to members, for their information on this important history of our region, the book "The Moth Hunters" by Dr Josephine Flood, an eminent scholar of our area. It would seem appropriate that what was a meeting place prior to European settlement in Australia is still so.
Leaving the early history of the ACT for the moment, I will now move from the prehistoric story of our city to the future occupation of it. It is true that this is a young city when compared with other parts of our nation. However, it is because it is the national capital that the city takes on even greater national significance. Although it was before my time, it was clear that areas such as Glebe Park were under threat by the development of the Parkroyal Hotel. It was only after considerable efforts on behalf of the residents of that area, including a member of the Residents Rally, Mr Chris Donohue, who was also spokesman on environment during the campaign, that that magnificent site and grove of trees were retained and that Glebe Park was developed.
To comment on some points raised by my colleague on my right, Mr Stefaniak, who I see has left the chamber, in relation to his concerns about what can or cannot be done to renovate the buildings, particularly in areas like Barton and Reid. Mr Speaker, I refer you to a very good document that was produced by the NCDC in 1986 in relation to guidelines for alterations and extensions of conservation areas within the ACT.
That document refers to a number of areas. It refers to the Reid conservation area, the Ainslie conservation area, the Forrest conservation area and also the Braddon conservation area. Unfortunately, Mr Speaker, it has not been possible for the Barton area to be included in this.
But might I suggest, Mr Speaker, as my colleague Mr Moore has already suggested, that it is possible, provided that appropriate arrangements are made, to develop these areas
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