No. 10

PLANNING FOR THE PARTY OF THE CENTURY

The ACT Government has allocated $200,000 this financial year for further advance planning for Canberra’s Centenary in 2013.

“This investment will keep building on the outstanding momentum generated in 2005 and the release of the Centenary of Canberra Task Force’s Strategy Report in March this year,” Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today.

“Since its foundation, Canberra has been characterised by innovation and ambitious thinking.  Those qualities will be needed again as we plan for 2013. 

“Delivering the biggest single year of events in Canberra’s history will take an enormous combined effort from government, the private sector and the community.  It will need a truly national effort, and the people of Canberra have made it clear that the city should make the most of this once-in-a-century opportunity. 

“In the months to come, teams from business, the community and government will further develop each of the program areas and we will work with the Federal Government to develop longer-term governance arrangements. Several business and community leaders have already come forward to lead working groups in project development.”

Mr Stanhope said the funds allocated in the Budget would be used to resource a core organising group to start advancing those projects that were logically the responsibility of the Territory. Feasibility studies would also begin, as would more intensive national discussions—initially through schools but ultimately in every sector. 

The Canberra Centenary Strategy can be viewed at www.canberra100.com.au.