| Launch Of Mapping The Capital |
| Written by Brendan O'Connor | |
| Monday, 10 August 2009 | |
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Regatta Point, Canberra, Monday 10 August 2009
First, may I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we meet on – and pay my respects to their elders, both past and present.
Ladies and gentlemen And in particular, a strong and warm welcome to the family of Charles Robert Scrivener
How the mapping began On 14 December 1908 the Seat of Government (Yass-Canberra) Act 1908 received Royal Assent and became law. The then Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon Hugh Mahon MP, wasted no time and immediately engaged NSW surveyor Charles Robert Scrivener to undertake a survey of the district to recommend the boundary of a new federal territory and a location for the new city. In his instructions to Scrivener, Mahon stressed the gravity of the task. Apart from ensuring 'picturesque views' which was one of his tasks, Scrivener was also engaged to make practical, far-reaching decisions still affecting us today. The Canberra region - then as now - was prone to droughts and the securing of a reliable water source for the national capital was a major concern. Scrivener recommended the inclusion of the Molonglo-Queanbeyan Rivers catchment in the Federal Territory, a suggestion the NSW Government rejected in return for the Cotter catchment. The media were regular visitors to the survey camp and the progress of the survey was avidly followed by the entire nation. At last, the new nation's capital – the embodiment of the ideals, aspirations and achievements of a still very young nation – was taking shape. The work of Scrivener and his team gave physical form to the national capital. And now it is here on paper for all of us to wonder over. Already many of the main features of our modern city are there: Scrivener saw the Molonglo River, with its wide floodplains could be dammed to create an ornamental lake. And the hills seen as locations for prominent public buildings. Scrivener's iconic contour map of the city site provided the canvas on which to paint a grand vision and deliver the world class national capital Canberra is today. The map was a key part of the materials supplied to entrants of the international design competition for the national capital -the map which would provide Walter Burley Griffin with inspiration to plan his ideal city. Of course, the survey of the Federal Capital Territory was not undertaken by one person. Apart from the talented surveyors - recognisable in their suits and ties - there were also axemen, chainmen, cooks and labourers, often local men from properties soon to become part of the Federal Capital Territory. The work was hard and sometimes dangerous. The survey continued despite blizzards and scorching summer temperatures, sheer rock faces and river crossings. It was indeed the determination, skill and foresight of these people we have to thank for the Australian Capital Territory we have today. One hundred years ago my predecessor, the Minister for Home Affairs King O'Malley, was presented with the contour map for the site of the future national capital. As the Minister for Home Affairs today, it is with honour I launch this display celebrating the centenary of the survey that led to that unique achievement. Thank you very much. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 August 2009 ) |