Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148:reg:2017:p25
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2017 (pt 25/81)
Character Range: 109265–112184

meets this criterion regarding its contribution to the landscape of the Parliamentary Zone, its fine craft construction and high quality materials, integrated artworks, notable interiors and historic furniture.

   (g) the place has significant heritage value because of the place's strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons

There are several groups with specialised interests that would hold the Library in very high regard, including the Friends of the National Library, the Petherick and other frequent readers, and the staff of the Library.  But these would not be regarded as 'a community or cultural group' as required by the criterion.

There is some evidence (through visitation figures, awareness surveys, and tourism and media images used) that the Australian community, especially that part that has visited the Library or which has lived in Canberra, values the place highly.  But this regard is not as yet supported by sufficient research that shows that association is 'strong or special' compared, say, to other iconic places in the national capital or elsewhere in the nation.  Nor is it clear that community regard attaches to the national collection, library functions, the building, or some combination of these.

Despite the lack of specific evidence to demonstrate this value, it is still thought likely that the Library is highly valued by at least the Canberra community for its cultural use as a library, for its national collections and exhibitions, and as a prominent and longstanding element in the national landscape of Canberra.

The Library may meet this criterion but further research is required to substantiate the value.

None the less, the current official Commonwealth Heritage values concludes that the Library does have associations which meet the threshold.  Accordingly, until this can be formally reviewed, the current value is included in the statement of significance in the following chapter.

   (h) the place has significant heritage value because of the place's special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Australia's natural or cultural history

There are a range of possible associations which could be considered under this criterion, related to Walter Bunning, Tom Bass, Leonard French, Mathieu Matégot, Edward Petherick, Sir John Ferguson, Sir Rex Nan Kivell, Kenneth Binns and Sir Harold White.

Bunning was the lead architect for the Library building.  He is of some importance in Australian history for his lead role in a prominent post-war Sydney architectural practice.  This practice produced a number of important buildings, mostly in Sydney.  He was also prominent in his contributions on the link between housing and town planning in Australia, and was very active on government committees and professional boards.  Bruce Hall was