The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: Claire CruickshankNew Southern Entrance
The proposal to alter the AWM's parade ground and entrance so drastically cannot possibly be in accord with the values enshrined in the National Capital Plan. To allow this degree of change - and after the number of comments in opposition to the 'preliminary works' a few months ago - makes a nonsense of the idea of the NCA being the capital's custodian in any meaningful way. The loss of so many mature trees, and the complete transformation of a heritage building cannot be allowed to proceed. Nothing in the National Capital Plan is intended to allow this degree of change. At the very least the proposed disastrous and destructive expansion of the AWM should be halted so that a proper public consultation can be held. The fact that the NCA's site only contains propaganda by the AWM shows that the NCA is biassed toward the re-development. It should be halted immediately.
Anzac Hall and Glazed Link
To be asked to comment on the destruction of Anzac Hall - and after a staggering 98% of respondents opposed its demolition under the NCA's 'preliminary works' process - demonstrates an appalling failure of judgment. What is the point of seeking consultation on Anzac Hall while bulldozers are actually in the process of destroying it? The NCA is treating the public as if they are fools. The NCA should be abolished and replaced by a more responsible and responsive body, one which is truly independent and not in league with the proponents of this re-development.
The proposed 'glazed link' is an abomination. As it will utterly transform the character of the heritage building it cannot surely be in accord with the National Capital Plan, which as I read it is intended to preserve the distinctive features of the capital, not allow them to be destroyed by the whim of a few powerful individuals and in defiance of expressed public sentiment. It is too late to save Anzac Hall, but the tasteless and over-sized 'glazed link' - which has no purpose besides displaying weapons and vehicles, which do not express the AWM's commemorative purpose - should not be allowed to proceed.
The proposed 'glazed link' is an abomination. As it will utterly transform the character of the heritage building it cannot surely be in accord with the National Capital Plan, which as I read it is intended to preserve the distinctive features of the capital, not allow them to be destroyed by the whim of a few powerful individuals and in defiance of expressed public sentiment. It is too late to save Anzac Hall, but the tasteless and over-sized 'glazed link' - which has no purpose besides displaying weapons and vehicles, which do not express the AWM's commemorative purpose - should not be allowed to proceed.