Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00437:body:0:p180
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00437
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 580724–583623

significant Sculpture Garden established in 1982.

In 1972 an informal Aboriginal Embassy was established in front of Old Parliament House. The Embassy became the focus of a campaign for land and other rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In 1992 the Embassy was re-established.

The most recent major change to the central National area was the construction of a new Parliament House on Capital Hill. In 1974, The site of Capital Hill for Parliament House, was chosen by a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. An Act of Parliament extended Parliamentary jurisdiction over work in the Parliamentary Triangle, henceforth known as the Parliamentary Zone. Completed in 1988, the building has resulted in a number of significant changes to the area. The relocation of the Parliament to the new building left the Old Parliament House without its original use. The construction of the building also resulted in the levelling of Camp Hill, Griffin's intended location for a Parliament House and its incorporation into the broader formal landscape of the new Federation Mall. Finally, the new Parliament House involved the construction of a large complex of buildings and extensive new landscape areas. The changes affected most of Capital Hill. The winning design, by Mitchell, Giurgola and Thorp Architects, considered the land axis of Canberra as the fundamental gesture of the City, a line around which all other design has evolved in circular and radial directions (Reid 2002).

During 2001-2002 new designed features were constructed across the Land Axis of the Vista landscape. These are Commonwealth Place and Reconciliation Place. In addition, a rotunda with exhibition, called Magna Carta Place is located to the west of the former Senate Garden. Following the construction of Parliament House, emphasis was placed on the landscape of the Parliament Zone. The development of Federation Mall with its trees and central space was to balance Anzac Parade and to complete the visual Land Axis from Capital Hill to the War Memorial.

Use

By the turn of the century (2000-2001), the area was used for countless public events. These include memorial services such as the Anzac Day March and the Dawn Service, public protest demonstrations, celebration events, sporting activities, water races, art displays, fireworks and large-sale concerts. In addition it is used by people informally for weddings, picnics, and fairs. The area is a popular destination for tourists and schoolchildren.

DESCRIPTION
The central National area of Canberra is an extensive cultural landscape comprising buildings, roads, parks, tree plantings and a lake. The area is designated for Parliamentary and National

Capital uses. The major features of the area include: Parliament House with its gardens and paved areas, State Circle Cutting (geological feature), Old Parliament House and curtilage,