Ms LAWRIE - 2004-12-01
We have heard in discussion today that the business community is very excited about the jobs that the convention centre and the waterfront project will bring. At the other end of the socioeconomic scale, my kids are certainly excited about the wave pool.
However, we know the waterfront area also has some very important heritage sites. Can you advise the House if these sites will be protected as part of the waterfront development?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Karama for her question. I also know several kids who are excited about the wave pool, and that includes several big kids. It is not just little kids, but big kids who are excited about the wave pool.
The waterfront development is a big and exciting project. It is always important with projects like this that historical and heritage values are preserved and interpreted in a way that explains the history and tells the story. We all remember that, when the CLP tried to build a convention centre, as far as they got was bulldozing the Darwin Hotel.
The waterfront site has a rich history. Before European settlement, the site was an important part of Larrakia land. Since then, it has witnessed the first settlement by Europeans in Darwin, the coming of the Overland Telegraph Line, the bombing and loss of lives during World War II, the fury of Cyclone Tracy and, more recently, industrial activity that has been pivotal to the economic development of the Territory.
There are several important sites in the waterfront and surrounding areas that serve to remind us of this history, such as Goyder’s Camp, the World War II oil tunnels, and the steam pump house, to name a few. Several of these sites are currently surrounded by disused petrol tanks and industrial sheds. The waterfront project not only preserves and protects the historical sites, it promotes and celebrates them. It will make them more accessible and meaningful to the public and tourists.
Another exciting aspect of the waterfront project is the new cultural interpretive centre. This centre will provide an overview of the heritage of Darwin from its origins to the present day, and will cover the history of its people, its maritime and military history, and modern aspects of our city. The centre will be a prominent tourist attraction in its own right.
The CLP are opposed to the project; we are getting on with the job, and will not delay this project for Darwin and the Territory.
However, we know the waterfront area also has some very important heritage sites. Can you advise the House if these sites will be protected as part of the waterfront development?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Karama for her question. I also know several kids who are excited about the wave pool, and that includes several big kids. It is not just little kids, but big kids who are excited about the wave pool.
The waterfront development is a big and exciting project. It is always important with projects like this that historical and heritage values are preserved and interpreted in a way that explains the history and tells the story. We all remember that, when the CLP tried to build a convention centre, as far as they got was bulldozing the Darwin Hotel.
The waterfront site has a rich history. Before European settlement, the site was an important part of Larrakia land. Since then, it has witnessed the first settlement by Europeans in Darwin, the coming of the Overland Telegraph Line, the bombing and loss of lives during World War II, the fury of Cyclone Tracy and, more recently, industrial activity that has been pivotal to the economic development of the Territory.
There are several important sites in the waterfront and surrounding areas that serve to remind us of this history, such as Goyder’s Camp, the World War II oil tunnels, and the steam pump house, to name a few. Several of these sites are currently surrounded by disused petrol tanks and industrial sheds. The waterfront project not only preserves and protects the historical sites, it promotes and celebrates them. It will make them more accessible and meaningful to the public and tourists.
Another exciting aspect of the waterfront project is the new cultural interpretive centre. This centre will provide an overview of the heritage of Darwin from its origins to the present day, and will cover the history of its people, its maritime and military history, and modern aspects of our city. The centre will be a prominent tourist attraction in its own right.
The CLP are opposed to the project; we are getting on with the job, and will not delay this project for Darwin and the Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016