ASIO » North Canberra Community Council

Senator Humphries statement regarding ASIO building

Campbell, Planning/Development No Responses »

Mar 162010

Artist's impression of the ASIO building on Constitution Avenue (Source: ASIO)

In July 2009 the North Canberra Community Council approached Senator for the ACT Gary Humphries for direct comment in response to the following article that was published on the NCCC website:

ABC News: New ASIO HQ branded ‘barbed wire city’

Senator Humphries replied to the original NCCC email request indicating that he would be making further statements in the next few days.

Unfortunately it appears that the task of sending the response to the NCCC was delegated to one of his staffers who failed to complete this task. This fact only recently came to light when the staffer recently left his employ. Senator Humphries has apologised for the delay in providing the statement.

The statement that the Senator originally prepared has been reproduced below:

Canberra Times: NCA faces roasting over ASIO HQ

Arts/Heritage, Campbell, Planning/Development No Responses »

Nov 262009

Artist's impression of the ASIO building on Constitution Avenue (Source: ASIO)

Tonight, 26 November 2009 the National Capital Authority will hold a public forum (at Parliament House) to provide an opportunity to begin a continuing dialogue about planning in Canberra and ensuring Canberra’s “place” as the national capital.

The Canberra Times is reporting that despite the issuing of a formal order of proceedings, the ASIO building is likely to be the main topic of discussion at the meeting with many angry Campbell residents intenting to demand answers from the NCA about its overall involvement in the project.

The Canberra Times article has been reproduced below:
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Canberra Times: Secret Manoeuvres (The destruction of the Griffin Legacy)

Planning/Development No Responses »

Nov 242009

The Griffin Legacy Model (Source: NCA)

On 15 August 2009, the Saturday Canberra Times ran a very interesting article written by John Thiselton which discussed how the new ASIO building is contrary to and will destroy the concept of the NCA’s Griffin Legacy.

The Griffin Legacy is likely to be a very hot topic at the upcoming NCA public forum.

The article is reproduced below:

Reminder – Public Forum: National Capital Authority (26 November 2009)

Announcements, Planning/Development No Responses »

Nov 192009

Map of the Central National Area (click for larger image)

On 26 November 2009 the NCA will hold a public forum to provide opportunity to begin a continuing dialogue about planning in Canberra, and ensuring Canberra’s ‘place’ as the national capital. The event will take place at Parliament House commencing at 6pm.

The length of the forum will vary according to the level of interest, but it is expected to finish between 9pm and 10pm. Tea and coffee will be available.

The purpose of the forum is to provide a framework for discussion between the NCA and the community and stakeholders on:

An introduction to the NCA and its role;
the recent projects and work of the NCA; and
the goals and plans for Canberra’s future direction as the National Capital.

There is a form on the NCA website to register your interest in either attending the public forum or putting forward a question you would like the NCA to respond to - Registration Form

One of the issues that is likely to be covered during the event is the recent planning decisions behind the new ASIO building. On 15 August 2009, John Thisleton of the Canberra Times interviewed the architect of the Parliament House, Dr. Romaldo Giurgola. Dr Giurgola was quite critical of the project and architecture.

Public Forum: National Capital Authority (26 November 2009)

Announcements, Meetings, Planning/Development No Responses »

Oct 162009

Ongoing community concerns regarding new ASIO building development

Arts/Heritage, Campbell, Environment Water Energy, Planning/Development No Responses »

Sep 242009

Artist impression of the entrance to the ASIO New Central Office from Constitution Avenue (Source: ASIO)

If you are concerned about the construction of the ASIO building adjacent to Campbell on Parkes Way and Constitution Avenue, whether because of its size, because of the inappropriateness a security agency in such a symbolic location, or because of the almost total lack of public consultation, then please look at some of the suggestions below as to what you can do, to either turn the tide or to help guarantee better consultation in future.

THINGS YOU CAN DO:

Meet & lobby Bob McMullan MP for Fraser:

This coming Wednesday 30^th September 2009: 6.30-8pm at Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, and voice your concerns. He has extended an invitation to all Fraser residents.