The Year in Review

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of self-government in the Australian Capital Territory and creation of the National Capital Authority to maintain the Commonwealth's interest in planning and developing the National Capital.

Canberra is one of the world's great national capitals. It is a beautiful city, a model for planning and design innovation and a city that values its special role as the capital of Australia. It has a legacy of excellence in public architecture and respect for the unique landscape character and bush setting of the city.

The story of Canberra is inextricably bound to the concept and expression of Australian federation. It is seen as not only the seat of government but also a place that should symbolise our heritage, values and aspirations. In his speech at the 1913 ceremony to lay the foundation stones and to name the city, King O'Malley, the then Minister for Home Affairs said:

All subsequent Australian political history will concentrate its searchlight on this place ... a magnetic centre of attraction to the eyes of countless generations still unborn, and forever the visible evidence of Australia's national destiny.

This has been a year of significant achievement as well as of change for the National Capital Authority. In November 2007 a new federal government was elected. In February 2008 the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus MP, asked the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories to inquire into the Authority's role. The Authority welcomed this inquiry and prepared a comprehensive submission to address the terms of reference. The committee report was tabled in July 2008.

Achievements during 2007-08 include completion of urban design guidelines for Section 63 City Hill. The ACT Government's subsequent sale of the site cleared the way for the first private sector development in this significant precinct. Advances were also made in development of urban design guidelines for Section 19 City Hill. Public consultation was finalised for Draft Amendment 63 to the National Capital Plan to accommodate new urban development in Molonglo and North Weston. Enhancement of two campuses in the Parliamentary Zone came closer to realisation with design proposals for the Arts and Civic Campus being prepared and capital works approved for Stage 1 of the Humanities and Science Campus.

The Parliamentary Zone was further improved with installation of directional and interpretative signage and completion of the kiosks on the lake foreshore at Commonwealth Place. The design for bridging Kings Avenue over Parkes Way was completed and approved by the Public Works Committee with construction due to commence in December 2008. Reconciliation Place was further enhanced with the unveiling of the Women Artwork and development of a Pavement Artwork for completion towards the end of 2008.

Two important design competitions were conducted during the year for the Australian Peacekeeping memorial on Anzac Parade and for the World War I and II memorials on either
side of Rond Terraces.

New outreach products developed during the year include virtual tours of the National Carillon and of the National Capital Exhibition and the successful pilot of a travelling exhibition on The Story of Canberra to regional areas attracting some 31,000 people. The Winter in the Capital trial event attracted nearly 20,000 people.

As has been the case in previous years, many Authority projects have been recognised with industry awards for excellence. This year's awards included:

• Planning Institute of Australia (ACT Division) awards for the Griffin Legacy Amendments to the National Capital Plan (for Planning Excellence in Urban Design, Plans and Ideas); and for the Authority's Consultation Protocol 2007 (commendation for Social and Community Based Planning).
• Royal Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) awards for the National Police Memorial (for Art and Architecture as well as the Urban Design Award); and for the Parliamentary Zone Kiosks (commendation in Urban Design) and the Dulux Colour Award.
• Master Builders Excellence in Building Award for the Rond Terraces wall replacement (civil projects under $1 million category).
• ACT Tourism Award for the National Capital Exhibition (for Heritage and Cultural Tourism).

Such awards are a demonstration of leadership and innovation.

We are now at the start of celebrations for the centenary of Canberra. In 1908, the Federal Parliament chose the Yass-Canberra district as the future site of the seat of government.
New South Wales gave the land to the Commonwealth the following year and the Federal Capital Territory came into being on 1 January 1911. An international competition for design of 'the federal capital city for the Commonwealth of Australia' in 1912 produced the wonderful design of Walter Burley Griffin. When the centenary of the naming of Canberra is celebrated on 12 March 2013, the Authority will join the many professional bodies that have been privileged to maintain the ideals and ideas that brought Canberra into being 100 years before. To start the celebrations the Authority commissioned an exhibition of the Selection of the Site of Canberra for the National Capital to celebrate the 2008 centenary anniversary of that event; the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus MP, opened the exhibition.

In May 2008, Mr Michael Ball AM announced he would not be seeking re-appointment to the position of Chairman of the National Capital Authority. He was initially appointed as a member of the Authority's Parliamentary Zone Review Advisory Panel in 1998. He was appointed as a Member of the Authority in July 2001 and represented the Authority as Chairman of the Marketing and Events Advisory Committee. He was re-appointed for second and third terms as an Authority member and as Chairman in May 2006.

During Mr Ball's time with the Authority, a large number of significant national projects have been commenced and completed. On the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Commonwealth Place, Speakers Square and Reconciliation Place have become an integral part of the experience of the Capital. These public places have received many awards for architecture and urban design. Commonwealth Place was the home for several years of the lakeside annex of the National Portrait Gallery. More recently, Commonwealth Place has gained an attractive forecourt and award-winning kiosks. Also completed during Mr Ball's term were refurbishment of the National Carillon on Aspen Island, erection of the National Emergency Services Memorial, reconstruction of the Old Parliament House Gardens, installation of the Women's Suffrage Fountain and the National Police Memorial, and development of the Australians of the Year Walk and the RG Menzies Walk.

During 2007-08 the Authority also bade farewell to two senior executives on their retirement from the public service - Mr Lindsay Evans and Mr Graham Scott-Bohanna, both of whom made significant contributions to the national capital. Mr Evans is an engineer who was one of the original staff of the National Capital Authority and a former employee of its predecessor, the National Capital Development Commission. He left the Authority for three years to take up a position in the then Department of Housing and Regional Services, returning to the Authority in 1998. Since that time he has held senior executive positions including Managing Director (Business) and Managing Director (Projects and Estate). Mr Evans was central to the Authority's initiatives and achievements over some 10 years particularly in promotion, estate management, capital works and governance. He developed a strong corporate strategic planning focus and business-planning framework for the agency. Many new partnerships to engage other government agencies and the private sector were established under his direction. Mr Evans made a lasting contribution to the national capital.

Mr Scott-Bohanna is an architect and was a former employee of the National Capital Development Commission. After a successful period in private architectural practice and as Practice Director for the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in Melbourne, he joined the Authority in 2002. Since that time he has held senior executive roles as Managing Director (Design) and Managing Director (Major Projects) and for a time was also responsible for planning and urban design. Mr Scott-Bohanna made a remarkable contribution to the Authority and to Canberra particularly in planning and in capital works. He chaired the advisory panel on the Griffin Legacy and ultimately led the team responsible for framing and delivering associated major capital projects. He engendered a strong professional ethic in the agency, forged lasting industry networks and ensured excellence in the Authority's built works.

During their time with the Authority both Mr Evans and Mr Scott-Bohanna provided professional guidance and mentoring to staff and support and friendship to colleagues.

The Authority has always been fortunate to attract staff committed to Canberra and the national capital. To those staff who left during the year and those who continue in the agency, their efforts and their personal and professional achievements have been most appreciated by the Authority. Thanks are also due to the many volunteers who help to keep the gardens in the Parliamentary Zone in pristine condition and work so closely with the Authority to welcome our visitors and enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of Canberra.

All cities need visionary plans - the very concept of planning is about the future. Cities that are also national capitals have special functions and further layers of meaning. This requires careful attention to the setting and character and visual connections of the city, to the creation of places for administrative and cultural purposes, for public ceremony and celebration and for the commemoration of the events that have defined us as a nation and those that are yet to occur. Australians are fortunate to have a visionary plan for their national capital. For nearly 100 years, the Griffin design has shown itself to be a touchstone for the future. In the Authority's work it has been able to pursue modern urban design objectives because many of Griffin's ideas can be translated so readily into contemporary sustainable planning initiatives.

After leading the staff for some 10 years, the Authority's Chief Executive, Ms Annabelle Pegrum AM, resigned on 8 August 2008 and was subsequently appointed as Head of the School of Architecture at the University of Canberra.

During her tenure Ms Pegrum made many significant contributions to the work of the Authority, both as the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Authority. She was instrumental in recognising many talented professionals and bringing them to work at the Authority. Ms Pegrum is highly regarded by the Authority staff, her colleagues in other agencies and the many professional bodies that have daily contact with the Authority. After a decade at the helm she will be remembered for her open, friendly, inclusive and professional approach to all who came in contact with her. The staff and Authority members wish her well in her new role at the University of Canberra.

Christopher M. Doogan AM
Interim Chief Executive

Structure of this Report

The Authority has three outputs against which it reports:

• Output 1: Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance.
• Output 2: Promotion and awareness of the significance of Canberra as the national capital.
• Output 3: Advocacy, enhancement and management of the national capital.

The structure of this Annual Report addresses the outputs and other reporting requirements.

Chapter 1 describes the Authority's enabling legislation and its relationship to the Parliament and the Minister. It also provides an overview of the Authority's management structure, outcomes and output structure, resources and assets, and meets the Authority's performance reporting requirements.

Chapter 2 describes the review, amendment and administration of the National Capital Plan (Output 1).

Chapter 3 described the Authority's activities in culture, commemoration and awareness (Output 2) that include animating the capital, managing venues, and promoting Canberra as Australia's national capital both nationally and internationally.

Chapter 4 describes the Authority's asset and land management services (Output 3) and the administration of National Land (Output 3).

Chapter 5 describes the Authority's role in capital enhancement services (Output 3).

Chapters 6-8 report on governance, corporate, competitive tendering and contracts and other reporting including social justice and equity, diversity and employment and the certificate of compliance.

Financial Statements for the year appear at Appendix 1. Additional mandatory reporting is at Appendix 2. The Authority's resources for outcomes report is at Appendix 3. A glossary and compliance and alphabetical indexes appear at the end of the report.

Contact details

Further information about this report or about the Authority may be obtained from the Authority by:

Telephone: +61 2 6271 2888
Facsimile: +61 2 6273 4427
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Authority's contact officer for this report is Paula Dewhurst on telephone +61 2 6271 2836.

The Authority's website is www.nationalcapital.gov.au.

The Authority's freedom of information contact point is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone +61 2 6271 2888

The Authority's Library is open one day per month by appointment only and is located at:

Royal Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Office
2A Mugga Way, Red Hill

Information about the national capital is available from the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Canberra

Open Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm; weekends 10 am to 4 pm
Closed on public holidays except Canberra Day

1. The National Capital Authority

The National Capital Authority is established under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. Part II of the Act establishes the Authority, prescribes its powers and functions, and makes it subject to general Ministerial direction. In 2007-08 the former Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the Hon Jim Lloyd MP, administered the Act until the federal election in November 2007. Following the change in government, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus MP, administered the Act.

The Authority's functions, as set out in section 6 of the Act, are:

1. to prepare and administer a National Capital Plan (see Chapter 2)
2. to keep the Plan under constant review and to propose amendments to it when necessary (see Chapter 2)
3. on behalf of the Commonwealth, to commission works to be carried out in Designated Areas in accordance with the Plan where neither a Department of State of the Commonwealth nor any Commonwealth authority has the responsibility to commission those works (see Chapter 5)
4. to recommend to the Minister the carrying out of works that it considers desirable to maintain or enhance the character of the national capital (see Chapter 5)
5. to foster an awareness of Canberra as the national capital (see Chapter 3)
6. with the approval of the Minister, to perform planning services for any person or body, whether within Australia or overseas (see Chapter 8)
7. with the Minister's approval, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to manage National Land designated in writing by the Minister as land required for the special purposes of Canberra as the national capital (see Chapter 4).

The Authority's statutory functions comprehensively establish the extent of the Australian Government's interest in the national capital.

Minister's powers

The Minister has a range of specific powers under the Act.

Amendments to the National Capital Plan are subject to the Minister's approval. Either House of Parliament can disallow them, in whole or in part. None were disallowed in 2007-08.
Section 7(1) provides that the Minister may give the Authority general directions in writing about the performance of its functions. No directions were given in 2007-08.

Section 20A provides that the Minister, having considered a draft Plan amendment submitted by the Authority, may approve it without alteration or refer it back to the Authority with directions to consider further consultations or consider suggested alterations or both. No draft Plan amendments were referred back to the Authority in 2007-08.

The Minister also has powers under other legislation relating to management of National Land, namely:

• National Land Ordinance 1989 and applied provisions of:
  • City Area Leases Ordinance 1936
  • City Area Leases Regulations
  • Crown Lands Act 1884 (NSW)
  • Dedication by User Limitation Act 1902 (NSW)
  • Lakes Ordinance 1976
  • Leases Ordinance 1918
  • Leases (Special Purposes) Ordinance 1925
  • Leases Regulations
  • Protection of Lands Ordinance 1937
  • Public Roads Act 1902 (NSW)
  • Recovery of Lands Ordinance 1929
  • Roads and Public Places Ordinance 1937
  • Trespass on Commonwealth Lands Ordinance 1932
• National Land (Parking) Ordinance 1994
• National Land (Parking) (Consequential Amendments) Ordinance 1994
• National Memorials Ordinance 1928

Australian Parliament

The Authority's relationship with the Australian Parliament has two main elements, namely:

• Either House of Parliament may disallow amendments to the National Capital Plan tabled by the Minister under the Act. See Chapter 2 for details of amendments to the Plan in 2007-08.
• The Parliament Act 1974 requires that any work undertaken in the Parliamentary Zone must have the approval of both Houses of Parliament. The Authority assesses such proposals and provides advice to the Minister and, through the Minister, provides information to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories.

The Minister has obligations under section 5(1) of the Parliament Act 1974 to ensure no works are carried out in the Parliamentary Zone unless the Minister has presented the proposal before each House of Parliament and the proposal has been approved by resolution of each House of Parliament. The Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988 places this obligation in respect of works in the Parliamentary Precincts on the Presiding Officers.

The Authority prepared one proposal for the Minister to lay before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with section 5(1) of the Parliament Act 1974; Stage 1 of the Humanities and Science Campus was approved by resolution of both Houses. The Authority was also required to grant separate works approvals for the proposal.

In addition, the Authority approved 33 other minor works in the Parliamentary Zone, under the 'de minimus' principle and the Minister and the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories were duly advised (see Table 1).

Table 1: Authority-approved works in the Parliamentary Zone, 2007-08

Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories

The resolution of appointment by the Parliament for the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories enables it to inquire into matters that affect the national capital, National Capital Plan amendments, and works in the Parliamentary Zone. The responsible Minister or the Presiding Officers of either House of Parliament may refer matters to the Committee.

At the request of the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus MP, in April 2008 the Committee conducted an inquiry into the role of the National Capital Authority. The inquiry's terms of reference were:

1. The administration of the National Capital Plan with particular emphasis on the reduction of red tape and duplication of municipal and local planning functions, the jurisdiction of ACT spatial policy and harmonisation of planning systems.
2. Whether the governance arrangements for the Authority provide a sufficient balance between the independence of the Authority's planning decisions and its accountability
   for its operations.
3. The appropriate level of oversight required to achieve the highest standards in design for areas of national significance.
4. Opportunities to ensure cooperation with the ACT planning authority and increased engagement with the Canberra community.
5. The effective national promotion of the National Capital, and the roles of the Authority and the ACT Government in advocacy for new infrastructure projects including responsibility for events and developing the distinctive character of the National Capital.

The Authority provided a comprehensive submission to the inquiry as well a number of supplementary submissions and additional information as requested by the Committee. Authority staff also appeared at public hearings on 21 April 2008 and 2 May 2008. The Authority's submissions and the hearing transcripts are available at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ncet/natcapauth/index.htm.

The Committee was initially asked to report by 30 June 2008, but was granted an extension until 16 July 2008.

Canberra National Memorials Committee

The National Memorials Ordinance 1928, made under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910, provides for the location and character of national memorials, and the naming of divisions of, and public places in, the Australian Capital Territory.

The Ordinance applies only to National Land in the Territory; that is, land the Commonwealth is currently using, that it intends using, or that will be used on behalf of the Commonwealth. National Land is defined and established in accordance with section 27 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988.

The Ordinance establishes the Canberra National Memorials Committee. The Committee consists of the Prime Minister as chair, the Minister responsible for the Ordinance (currently the Minister for Home Affairs), the Leader of the Government in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Department (currently the Attorney-General's Department), an officer appointed by the Minister (currently the Authority's Chief Executive), and two other members to be appointed by the Governor-General from among Territory residents (these positions are currently vacant).

The Committee met twice during 2007-08. On 16 August 2007, it endorsed the design intent documentation to be used for design competitions for the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial and World War I and World War II memorials; and on 19 May 2008 it provided comments on the short-listed designs from those competitions and commented on the Authority's revised Guidelines for Commemorative Works.

Authority membership

The Act provides that the Authority consist of a chairman, a chief executive and three other members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor-General. The Chief Executive is full-time while the other four members serve on a part-time basis (section 33 of the Act). The Chief Executive manages the affairs of the Authority under the general directions of the Authority (sections 45 and 46 of the Act). In 2007-08 the members of the Authority were as follows.

Chairman

Michael Ball AM, BA, ThL was appointed Chairman of the Authority for two years beginning 8 May 2006. This appointment was extended until 8 August 2008.

Mr Ball was first appointed as a member of the Authority for two years beginning 15 July 2001. He was subsequently appointed for a second term of one year from 15 July 2003
and then for a third term of three years beginning 15 July 2004. Mr Ball was appointed as acting part-time Chairman of the Authority from 8 April 2006 to 7 May 2006.

Before his appointment as a member of the Authority, Mr Ball was a member of the Authority's Parliamentary Zone Review Panel that, in 1999, recommended a plan for developing the Parliamentary Zone for the period 2000-50. The Parliament accepted the panel's recommendations and they now form the basis of current development in the area. He has also chaired the Authority's Events and Marketing Advisory Panel.

Mr Ball had a long career in international marketing and advertising that included working for 25 years with the global firm of Ogilvy and Mather of which he was Vice Chairman and Executive Director International. He later formed his own international company, the Ball Partnership, from which he retired in 1993.

Mr Ball has served on the boards of the Federal Airports Corporation, Sydney Airport Corporation, David Jones, the National Trust and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. He lives in Sydney and in the Southern Highlands at Sutton Forest.

Chief Executive

Ms Annabelle Pegrum AM was appointed Chief Executive of the Authority in June 1998 for a three-year term. She was reappointed for a second term commencing 2 June 2001 for five years. On 2 June 2006, she was appointed for a further three-year term. Ms Pegrum announced her resignation in May 2008 effective from 8 August 2008.

Ms Pegrum has wide-ranging professional experience as an architect and as an academic. Before joining the Authority she held a number of senior executive positions with the ACT Government, including Chief Executive of the then ACT Department of Business, the Arts, Sport and Tourism. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and was the 1998 Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year. In 1999 Ms Pegrum was appointed Adjunct Professor in Architecture at the University of Canberra, a position she continues to hold. Ms Pegrum is an Honoured Friend of the Canberra Institute of Technology.

On 17 June 2005 the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, ACT Chapter awarded Ms Pegrum the 2005 President's Award in recognition of her significant contribution as an Australian architect to the built environment, most notably in the fields of built works, policy initiatives and as an advocate for the economic and cultural development of the ACT.

On 11 June 2007 Ms Pegrum was appointed as a member in the Order of Australia for service to the planning, promotion, enhancement and development of Australia's national capital, and to architecture, particularly as a mentor to women in the profession.

Members

Mr John Murray was appointed as a part-time member of the Authority for three years commencing 8 May 2006. Mr Murray is the Managing Director of Ancra Consulting, which provides strategic advice on major development concepts. Mr Murray has 35 years experience within New South Wales' local government where he was responsible for a broad range of planning, environmental and administrative functions. He was appointed Director Development and Environment at Gosford Council on the New South Wales Central Coast in 1991 until his retirement in 2003.

Throughout his professional career he has developed and introduced many reforms to both the strategic and operational levels of local government with his work in the field of public policy related to the built environment being recognised by awards from the Australian and New South Wales governments and the Royal Australian Planning Institute.

Mr Murray has been associated with both community and government organisations involved with formulating and delivering planning strategies for the future. He is a life member of Apex and lives at Avoca Beach north of Sydney.

Ms Kathryn Greiner AO was appointed as a part-time member for three years commencing 1 January 2007. She is a renowned communicator, with experience in various media. She has a commitment to services to the community, having graduated in Social Work from the University of New South Wales (1968) and embarking on an extensive career in health and children's services (1968-88), both in Australia and overseas. She was elected a City of Sydney councillor (1995-2004) and was an active contributor to the urban renewal and regeneration of Sydney, with a constant focus on the impact on residents.

She is Chairman of Australian Hearing, Chairman of Bio Tech Capital Ltd, a member of the Advisory Council of LEK Consulting and a council member at Bond University.

The Hon Neil Andrew AO was appointed as a part-time member for three years commencing 1 January 2007. Elected to the House of Representatives for the South Australian seat of Wakefield in 1983, Mr Andrew served as a member of the Federal Parliament until 2004. He was appointed Government Whip in 1997 and in 1998 was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. As a presiding officer of the Parliament he worked closely with the Authority on development proposals that affected the Parliamentary Zone.

Mr Andrew was born and lives in South Australia. He has had a life-long association with the irrigation industry, particularly irrigated horticulture and viticulture. He was a member of the South Australian Advisory Board of Agriculture (1975-83) and was its chairman (1980-83). He was an Australian Nuffield Scholar to the United Kingdom in 1975 and had local government experience as a councillor in the Waikerie District Council for nine years.

Since retiring from Federal Parliament in 2004, Mr Andrew has completed arbitration and mediation qualifications and has chaired a review of the South Australian Barley Marketing legislation. He is presently Chairman of the Crawford Fund in Australia and has been asked by the State Government of South Australia to fill a role as liaison officer for the River Murray.

In January 2008, Mr Andrew was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the Parliament of Australia through the advancement of parliamentary administration and reform, and to the community in the areas of agricultural research, development and education.

Organisational structure

The Authority's organisational structure (see Figure 1) is aligned with its statutory responsibilities and output reporting requirements (see Figure 2). The Authority structure includes the senior management positions of Chief Executive, Managing Director Projects, Managing Director Planning and Urban Design, Managing Director International Relations and Leasing, Managing Director Governance and Managing Director Finance and Estate.

Figure 1: Organisational structure at 30 June 2008

The organisational structure provides for advisors and advisory panels and comprises five functional areas, namely:

• Finance and Estate
• Governance
• International Relations and Leasing
• Plan
• Projects.

The Authority Governance Framework includes the Authority, management committee, executive briefing, audit committee, tender board, remuneration board and an employee consultative committee. Figure 3 illustrates how the home base units contribute to output delivery for the Authority.

Performance reporting

The Portfolio Budget Statement for the Attorney-General's portfolio provides information to senators and members on the Authority's outcome-outputs framework for 2007-08 and the three forward years.

Figure 2: Outcomes and outputs reporting structure

Figure 3: Delivery of outputs

Departmental performance

Table 2 shows the Authority's income and expenses for 2007-08 and Table 3 shows its assets and liabilities.

Note: * Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-09 Attorney-General's Portfolio p.330

Operating result

The Authority reported a Departmental operating surplus of $48,869. This is largely in line with the budgeted operating result.

Note: * Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-09 Attorney-General's Portfolio p.331

Financial assets

The variation against budget is predominantly the result of higher than forecast cash holding associated with contributions for construction of memorials.

Non-financial assets

The variation against budget is primarily due to the impact of asset revaluations.

Liabilities

The variation against budget is due to a reduction in employee liabilities associated with the overall reduction in employee numbers and the lower than forecast revenue received in advance for construction of memorials.

Administered performance

Table 4 shows the Authority's Administered revenue and expenses for 2007-08 and Table 5 its administered assets and liabilities.

Note: * Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-09 Attorney-General's Portfolio p.333

Income

The variation against budget includes a gain of $30,405,000 which represents the transfer of a number of roads and related assets from the ACT Government.

Expenses

The variation against budget is due to a lower than forecast premium for insurance of national assets.

Note: * Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-09 Attorney-General's Portfolio p.334

Financial assets

The movement reflects a higher than forecast level of receivables at years end.

Non-financial assets

The variation against budget is primarily due to the impact of asset revaluations.

Liabilities

The variation against budget is due to a higher than forecast level of payables at years end.

Performance information

Outcome 1 - A National Capital which symbolises Australia's heritage, values and aspirations, is internationally recognised, and worthy of pride by Australians.

Output 1: Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance.

The Authority prepares, administers, reviews and proposes amendments to the National Capital Plan (when necessary).

To realise the promise of the city plan and the ideals of its founders

Output 2: Promotion and awareness of the significance of Canberra as the National Capital.

The Authority fosters an awareness of Canberra as the National Capital of Australia.

Output 3: Advocacy, enhancement and management of the national capital estate.

The Authority develops and manages assets, including National Land, required for the special purposes of Canberra as the National Capital.

To develop the special character of the National Capital

Awards

The Griffin Legacy Amendments to the National Capital Plan - 2007 Award for Planning Excellence in Urban Design, Plans and Ideas of the Planning Institute of Australia (ACT Division).

The Consultation Protocol - 2007 Commendation for Social and Community Based Planning of the Planning Institute of Australia (ACT Division).

The Authority received a commendation in Urban Design from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) on 21 June 2008, for the Parliamentary Zone Kiosks. The kiosks were also given a Dulux Colour Award.

The Rond Terraces retaining wall replacement project, constructed in 2007 by Manteena Pty Ltd, was awarded the 2008 Master Builders' Excellence in Building Award, in the
civil projects under $1 million category.

The National Capital Exhibition won an award for Heritage and Cultural Tourism in the 2007 Canberra and Capital Tourism Awards.

The Authority received an Award in Art and Architecture and Urban Design from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) on 6 July 2007 for the National Police Memorial.

2. National Capital Plan and Development Assessment

Section 6 of the Act sets out the Authority's functions. Sections 6(a) and 6(b) provide that two of the Authority's functions are:

1. to prepare and administer a National Capital Plan
2. to keep the Plan under constant review and to propose amendments to it when necessary.

Output 1: Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance

Overview

The Australian Government is responsible for Canberra's role and functioning to ensure the city serves its national purpose and, as the guardian of the national interest in the capital, is accountable to all Australians for decisions about their national capital.

The National Capital Plan secures the Australian Government's continuing interest in ensuring that 'Canberra and the Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance'. This recognises the value of the unique purpose, setting, character and symbolism of Australia's national capital.

The capacity to prepare, administer and propose amendments to the National Capital Plan has been essential to the Australian Government's abiding interest and commitment to the future development and enhancement of the national capital.

National Capital Plan amendments

Section 23 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 requires that amendments to the National Capital Plan be prepared in the same way as the Plan itself. The process includes public consultation, consultation with the ACT Planning and Land Authority, submission to the Minister for approval, and tabling in both Houses of Parliament. Upon Ministerial approval, the Attorney-General's Department includes an amendment in the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

The Minister may refer draft amendments to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories before approving them. Under separate legislation, draft amendments are also subject to regulation impact assessment, as administered by the Productivity Commission's Office of Best Practice Regulation.

Amendments finalised in 2007-08

Draft Amendment 66 - Diplomatic Mission Yarralumla: On 22 February 2007 the Authority agreed to propose a draft amendment to the National Capital Plan to change the land use policies for Blocks 2 and 3 Section 44 Yarralumla to Diplomatic Mission.

The draft amendment proposes to add to the diplomatic estate within the established Yarralumla diplomatic precinct and to ensure an open space corridor (including bicycle path) is maintained between Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin.

The former Minister approved Amendment 66 on 27 July 2007. The disallowance period ended on 12 February 2008 in the Senate and on 13 February 2008 in the House of Representatives.

Draft Amendment 67 - Provisions for Mobile Home Park, Blocks 6 and 8 Section 97 and Block 17 Section 102 Symonston: On 20 June 2007 the Authority agreed to prepare a draft amendment to the National Capital Plan for Blocks 6 and 8 Section 97 and Block 17 (previously part Block 13) Section 102 Symonston.

The purpose of the draft amendment to the National Capital Plan is to allow for a mobile home park to be established on Block 17 Section 102 Symonston and formalise the existing caravan park on Blocks 6 and 8 Section 97 Symonston.

Draft Amendment 67 was jointly released with the ACT Government's draft variation to the Territory Plan No. 285 Block 17 Section 102 Symonston.

The former Minister approved Amendment 67 on 5 October 2007. The disallowance period ended on 13 May 2008 in the House of Representatives and 18 June 2008 in the Senate.

Current draft amendments

Draft Amendment 53 - Albert Hall Precinct: On 6 September 2005 the Authority agreed to propose a draft amendment to the National Capital Plan to expand the land use policy of the Albert Hall Precinct to allow for mixed use development on the car park and road reservation areas.

The Griffin Legacy identifies this area as a key location where improved connections can be provided between the National Museum of Australia and the national institutions within the Parliamentary Zone via a high-span pedestrian bridge.

The Authority released the draft amendment for public comment on 22 February 2007 and held public information sessions on 5, 22 and 24 March 2007. Due to the level of interest in the draft amendment, the period for public comment was extended to 4 May 2007.

In response to public comments the Authority, at its 2 April 2007 meeting, decided:

• not to proceed with a 25-metre landmark building north of Albert Hall and adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin and to ensure primary uses will not be commercial
• to consider as an alternative the benefits or otherwise of providing for a future low-scale public building, such as a performing arts centre or concert hall with ancillary uses
• to reconsider the balance of the land north of Albert Hall as a public lakeside park
  (open space) subject to agreement from the ACT Government
• to conduct a series of special community and professional workshops on heritage, traffic, and urban design, and on any other significant matters identified in submissions received by close of public consultation on 4 May 2007 and before finalisation of the draft amendment for the Minister's consideration.

Further, at its meeting on 22 May, the Authority decided:

• to retain the current uses of Albert Hall as a cultural facility and for short-term retail/commercial activities, with the addition of social and community uses.

The Authority has commissioned a heritage study of the Albert Hall Precinct and a traffic study, which will be used to inform community and professional workshops. Following completion of the workshops, the draft amendment will be re-released for a further period of public consultation.

Draft Amendment 63 - Molonglo and North Weston: On 17 May 2006 the Authority agreed to prepare an amendment to the National Capital Plan to allow for urban development in the lower Molonglo Valley, in the area between Woden and Belconnen.

The Amendment is required to provide for continuation of urban development in the Territory, while ensuring adequate protection of the National Capital Open Space System. The new Broadacre Area land use policy will be created to recognise existing uses and balance the loss of broadacre land in North Weston.

The draft amendment was available for public consultation between 1 September and 23 November 2007 and the Authority received 67 written submissions.

In light of submissions received, the Authority identified the need for an independent review to determine if the proposed urban boundary is justified in terms of biological and environmental conservation. The ACT Planning and Land Authority jointly funded the study and the Authority received the final draft in June 2008.

On 13 May 2008, the ACT Government announced a 20-year moratorium on development in Central Molonglo to allow sufficient time to undertake planning and environmental studies.

On 29 May 2008 the Authority met to discuss the proposed changes to the draft amendment, as publicly exhibited. A number of changes were agreed, including removing Central Molonglo from the Urban Areas land use category on the basis of the environmental report and adjusting the Urban Areas boundary on the eastern side of North Weston. The ACT Planning and Land Authority did not support either proposal so the Authority will reconsider them in July 2008.

Draft Amendments yet to be released

Draft Amendment 47 - Diplomatic Land: On 2 July 2003 the Authority agreed to prepare a draft amendment for the National Capital Use part of Block 3 Section 128 Yarralumla to include a land use of Diplomatic Mission in the range of permissible uses.

The presence of the diplomatic corps continues to expand in Canberra, with new missions being established. This reflects Australia's increased presence and profile in world affairs. The Australian Government needs to be able to welcome the presence in the national capital with appropriate opportunities to construct and establish embassies.

On 17 May 2006 the Authority agreed to revise the draft amendment to consider all possible opportunities to accommodate diplomatic missions in the future.

As at 30 June 2008, a study into diplomatic land supply had been completed and referred to the Department of Foreign and Affairs and Trade for comment before the draft amendment is finalised for public release.

Draft Amendment 57 - Blocks 12 and 13 Section 9 Barton: On 13 February 2006 the Authority agreed to prepare a draft amendment to the National Capital Plan for Blocks 12 and 13 Section 9 Barton. The purpose of the draft amendment is to set out a framework of land uses and planning and urban design principles and policies to guide future mixed use development (including office, retail and residential).

The land is National Land managed by the Commonwealth Department of Finance and Deregulation. Block 13 forms part of that Department's divestment program.

The Authority consulted key stakeholders between November 2007 and February 2008 about the proposed land use policy changes before the draft amendment is released for public comment.

Development Assessment

The Authority's functions, as set out in section 6 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, require the Authority to prepare and administer the National Capital Plan. The Act requires the Authority to keep the National Capital Plan under constant review and to propose amendments to it when necessary.

The National Capital Plan secures the Australian Government's continued interest in ensuring that 'Canberra and the Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance'.

The objectives of the Plan are achieved through the general principles and policies including the General Policy Plan - Metropolitan Canberra (Figure 1 of the Plan) and the General Policy Plan - Australian Capital Territory (Figure 2 of the Plan).

The Plan's general policies apply to the whole of the Territory and demonstrate a logical and strategic approach to planning. The Plan acknowledges distribution of national functions throughout the city and the interdependence of the urban and non-urban parts of the Territory. It provides for critical services for both national and local purposes and safeguards the landscape character and quality of the setting. The Plan also secures the future of the national capital by safeguarding the status, future use, amenity, infrastructure, quality and setting of the Seat of Government for all Australians.

The Plan sets out general planning policies and principles for overall development of the Territory. It also sets out detailed conditions of planning, design and development for Designated Areas, which are those areas that have the special characteristics of the national capital. The Designated Areas include the main avenues and approach routes, the inner hills that provide the immediate setting to Canberra, the Central National Area embracing the Parliamentary Zone, Lake Burley Griffin and foreshores, the Australian National University, City Hill precinct, Constitution Avenue and Russell, parts of Forrest and Barton and the diplomatic estate. Map 1 shows the Designated Areas for which the Authority has responsibility for works approvals.

Section 12(1) of the Act states:

• no works shall be performed in a Designated Area unless:
  1. the proposal to perform the works has been submitted to the Authority together with such plans and specifications as are required by the Authority
  2. the Authority has approved the works in writing
  3. the works are in accordance with the Plan.

Outside the urban areas (in the National Capital Open Space System, the Broadacre and Rural Areas) the National Capital Plan sets out broad land use policies and specifies the range and nature of permitted uses.

The Plan also sets out special requirements for development of certain areas (not being in the Designated Areas) where considered desirable in the interests of the national capital.

Regulating development

The Authority promotes, facilitates and regulates development to ensure it is in accordance with the National Capital Plan by:

• approving works in Designated Areas, as set out in the National Capital Plan
• master planning
• setting special requirements for defined areas of Canberra outside Designated Areas, where such requirements are considered to be in the interests of Canberra as the national capital
• preparing detailed conditions of planning design and development for Designated Areas
• issuing leases and licenses for land administered by the Authority.

Development and works approval

Within Designated Areas, the Authority is responsible for the detailed conditions of planning, design and development and for approving any subdivisions of land, and for approving works (under section 12 of the Act). The scope of the works subject to such approval enables the Authority to influence qualities of planning, design and development that respect and enhance Canberra's status and character as the national capital.

'Works' is defined in section 4 of the Act to include:

1. the construction, alteration, extension or demolition of buildings or structures
2. landscaping
3. tree-felling
4. excavations

• but excludes anything done inside buildings or structures.

Works approval granted by the Authority is effectively a planning approval, not a building approval, and is granted only on the basis that works are in accordance with provisions of the National Capital Plan. It does not constitute any form of warranty as to the structural sufficiency of the proposed works or as to the safety of the performance of the works. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure any approvals required under separate legislation are also obtained.

Figure 4 illustrates the number of works approvals completed each year between 2000-01 and 2007-08 as well as the value of the works assessed each year (in millions).

Works approvals over $1 million

In 2007-08 the Authority approved 23 applications for works valued at more than $1 million (see Table 10), compared with 36 in 2006-07.

Performance against service charter

The Authority undertakes to assess most works approvals and respond to written requests for advice within 15 working days. During 2007-08 the Authority assessed 266 works approval applications - 233 (87.6%) were finalised within 15 working days.

Development Assessment Forum

On 6 March 2007 the Authority was invited to become a member of the Development Assessment Forum. The Forum encourages harmonisation of Australian development assessment systems, through promotion of leading practice regulatory reform which is directly relevant to the Authority's role under section 12(1) of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, to approve works (development approvals) in writing and in accordance with the National Capital Plan.

In 2007-08 the Authority continued its participation in Forum activities.

Development control plans

Development of some sites outside of the Designated Areas are subject to the Special Requirements of the National Capital Plan and are required to conform to development control plans approved by the Authority.

The Authority approved five development control plans in 2007-08. Four were for National Land sites and one was for a Territory Land site. They were:

• National Land sites
  • Two amendments to the existing development control plan for Block 622 Majura, for the Australian Federal Police Training Facility, located adjacent to Majura Road in Majura.
  • An amendment to the existing development control plan for Sections 43 and 50 Belconnen (Benjamin Offices) located within the Belconnen Town Centre.
  • An amendment to the existing development control plan for Block 2 Section 14 Greenway for the Tuggeranong Offices site located within the Tuggeranong Town Centre.
• Territory Land site
  • An amendment to the existing development control plan for Block 14 Section 25 Griffith for a site adjacent to Canberra Avenue.

Territory Plan variations

Part IV of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 provides for the ACT Legislative Assembly to establish a Territory planning authority responsible for preparing and administering a Territory Plan. The ACT Planning and Land Authority currently administers the Territory Plan.

Section 25(2) of the Act provides that the object of the Territory Plan:

is to ensure, in a manner not inconsistent with the National Capital Plan, the planning and development of the Territory to provide the people of the Territory with an attractive, safe and efficient environment in which to live and work and have their recreation.

The Authority considers draft Territory Plan variations to ensure their consistency with the National Capital Plan and its statutory object. During 2007-08, the Authority considered six draft Territory Plan variations; three were found to be not inconsistent with the provisions of the National Capital Plan and comments were provided on the other three (see Table 11).

Urban Design Guidelines

The Authority prepared Urban Design Guidelines for part of Section 63 City Hill Precinct.
The Guidelines were made available as part of the documentation for the ACT Government's public auction of the site in November 2007. The Guidelines foster excellence in urban design and establish the opportunity for innovation.

3D model

The Authority's 3D model for the Central National Area was further developed into a 3D visualisation for use in consultation and a range of planning and urban design functions.

3. Culture, commemoration and national capital awareness

Section 6 of the Act provides for the National Capital Authority:

5. to foster an awareness of Canberra as the national capital.

Output 2: Promotion and awareness of the significance of Canberra as the national capital

Overview

The Australian Government is committed to a national capital that embodies our heritage, aspirations, unity and values, and is worthy of pride for all Australians. The capital, as the Seat of Government, centre of national administration, location for national institutions and reflection of national life, should be such that all Australians can appreciate it.

The Authority is charged with developing an understanding and appreciation of the role of Canberra as the national capital. The responsibility complements and informs the Authority's other roles of planning, capital works and land management and provides an excellent balance to the cultural programs of the national cultural institutions.

The Authority takes a strategic approach to fostering an awareness of the capital through research; by encouraging participation, appreciation and celebration in the national capital; by providing information and education about the capital; and by promoting the attributes of Canberra that are of national significance.

Key initiatives and achievements

Key initiatives and achievements during 2007-08 were the development of virtual online tours of the National Capital Exhibition and National Carillon; and the success of the Travelling Exhibition and Showcase Canberra.

Online virtual tours

The Authority developed two new online virtual tours during the year and complemented the existing range of online educational resources. The virtual tour of the National Carillon was launched in September 2007. It was developed in-house and offers a new opportunity to interact with this unique instrument. The virtual tour provides people with the opportunity to not only see this amazing building but also to interact with it.

In May 2008, the virtual tour of the National Capital Exhibition was released. This tour was developed to provide visitors and teachers with additional tools to help them discover Canberra's history; it is a useful pre-visit experience for the thousands of students who visit the National Capital Exhibition each year.

The new online virtual tour takes the story of Canberra to the world.

Travelling exhibition

The Story of our National Capital, the Authority's travelling exhibition, follows the journey of Australia's national capital and showcases its unique history, purpose and the plans for its future. It comprises a large visual display, short film and interactive postcard activity asking Australians for thoughts on their national capital. The Story of our National Capital is linked to the Authority's primary and secondary education resource kits.

In 2007-08 the travelling exhibition continued its tour of regional Queensland and this year also included regional venues in Victoria (see Table 12).

Approximately 31,000 people visited the exhibition at venues throughout Queensland and Victoria. The exhibition was used by the ACT Government's Live in Canberra team to promote and inform Australians about Canberra.

Showcase Canberra

In December 2007 the Authority hosted a reception for the diplomatic corps at Commonwealth Place. The concept of Showcase Canberra, an pilot program to highlight countries with which Australia shares a diplomatic relationship, was launched at this event.

A number of missions have participated in the Showcase Canberra pilot program by promoting their culture, trade and tourism opportunities at the Showcase Gallery in Commonwealth Place.

The Museum of Chinese History's travelling exhibition, Bridge of Memories - exploring identity, diversity, community, was held in April 2008, to coincide with the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay.

The Royal Danish Embassy received over 4,500 visitors to their exhibition and supporting speaker program, Dreams on Wheels, held in the Showcase Gallery in May 2008.

With the growing expectations and excitement surrounding the twenty-ninth Olympiad, the Chinese Embassy installed an exhibition, One World One Dream, focusing on the city of Beijing and preparations for the Olympics. Some 1,000 Canberrans and visitors enjoyed the exhibition.

International relationships

The Authority's engagement with the diplomatic corps was significantly enhanced in 2007-08 through an expanded range of activities. Induction tours of the national capital were provided to the newly accredited Heads of Mission of China, Denmark, Israel, Austria, India and Nepal. Flag raisings were held at Commonwealth Place for the United States of America and Peru to commemorate their national days, and Denmark and Nepal to celebrate the opening of their embassies in Canberra.

The National Capital Exhibition was the venue for a photographic exhibition of Maltese migration to Australia, which was opened by the Prime Minister of Malta in August 2007. The Authority held a special recital at the National Carillon for the Norwegian Embassy on 4 September 2007 to mark the anniversary of the death of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.

A publication, Ties that Bind, was developed to aid foreign states wishing to offer gifts of physical works of commemoration to Canberra.

Capitals Alliance

The Capitals Alliance, formed in 2001 between Ottawa, Washington DC, Brasilia and Canberra, has conducted rotating meetings providing the opportunity to create linkages and encourage the sharing of visions and ideas for national capitals in the twenty-first century.

The Capitals Alliance meets approximately every 18 months with the last meeting, combined with the first Alliance conference, hosted by the Authority in Canberra during January 2007. That event attracted 170 delegates. Since then Alliance members have maintained a regular exchange of information and introduced routine teleconference meetings. Members of the Alliance have produced a joint paper - Capitals Alliance Snapshot - on their respective governance arrangements and have developed a joint members' website at capitalsalliance.org, where resources and information can be shared freely worldwide. The Alliance has received requests
for planning advice or information from the capital cities of South Africa (Tshwane) and Afghanistan (Kabul).

In March-April 2008, Alliance members participated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Capital City Symposium to explore key aspects of capital city arrangements and governance. Authority officials spoke on a variety of topics including governance, national programming and place making, commemoration, hosting embassies, and the approval process for national interests. All costs were reimbursed by the UAE.

Visiting delegations

The Authority provides information and detailed overviews of the national capital for visiting dignitaries, officials and international students. Presentations by Authority staff primarily address the planning, development and promotion of national capital cities. Delegations from seven countries visited the national capital in 2007-08 (see Table 13).

Events in the National Capital

During 2007-08 the Authority planned and managed several successful events in the national capital. They included Australia Day Live 2008, Australia Day in the National Capital, Tropfest, Summer in the Capital, the Canberra Biennial and the inaugural Winter in the Capital event program.

Australia Day Live 2008

Australia Day Live, now in its fifth year, was held on Australia Day eve, Friday 25 January 2008. Australia Day Live, produced in partnership with the National Australia Day Council, was staged on the lawns of Federation Mall in front of Parliament House in Canberra. Australia Day Live brought together the 'Australian of the Year Awards' with a free public variety concert.

Channel Nine broadcast the concert live nationally, reaching 364,000 viewers throughout Australia. A delayed broadcast of the Australian of the Year Awards reached an audience of 345,000. A total of 709,000 people watched the concert and the awards ceremony.

The live event incorporated the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards by the Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP. The Prime Minister announced the Young Australian of the Year, the Senior Australian of the Year, the Local Hero, and Lee Kernaghan as the Australian of the Year.

A live audience of 35,000 people enjoyed the Australia Day Live concert, which included many popular Australian performers. Local sponsors MIX 106.3, WIN Television, The Canberra Times, Australian Capital Tourism and the Pavilion on Northbourne supported Australia Day Live. The Authority's cash contribution to Australia Day Live was $440,000 (including GST), with site management, marketing and graphic design services provided by the Authority. The Authority's in-kind contribution to the event was valued at $156,200 (including GST).

Australia Day in the National Capital

The Authority partnered with the ACT Government and National Australia Day Council to deliver the 2008 Australia Day celebrations.

The ACT Government presented a Children's Festival in Commonwealth Park, which attracted more than 7,000 people, incorporated stage performances by the Bananas in Pyjamas and ABC for Kids. Activities included farmyard animals, games and rides.

Activities ranged from citizenship and flag raising ceremonies to an Aussie barbecue. Throughout the day 15,000 people were attracted to Commonwealth Park. The Australia Day celebrations culminated in a fireworks finale over Lake Burley Griffin which attracted 37,000 people and incorporated national attractions such as the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and the National Carillon. The Authority provided in-kind venue management services in Commonwealth Park throughout the day.

Two other events - Park Alive '08 (in Glebe Park) and Cotter Bush Picnic (at the Cotter River reserve) - were also marketed as part of the two-day Australia Day program.

Tropfest

Tropfest is the largest short-film festival in Australia. The festival attracted entries from throughout Australia and a shortlist of 16 finalist films was screened live at the principal festival site in Sydney. This screening was simultaneously broadcast to venues in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart, as well as eight regional sites around the country.

The Authority hosted the Canberra screening at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park on Sunday 17 February 2008, attracting the largest audience outside of Sydney with 20,000 people.

The Canberra screening of Tropfest was funded through support from principal local sponsor, TransACT Communications; major local sponsor, the Australian National University; and local supporters, Service One Members Banking, WIN Television, and FM 104.7.

Summer in the Capital

Summer in the Capital enhances an understanding of the role of the national capital by increasing appreciation of and participation in a range of Authority-managed public venues and facilities.

The program was presented over two months, offering both entertaining and educational experiences and promoting a variety of venues on National Land. Events included family days showcasing Commonwealth Park, walking tours of Anzac Parade, National Carillon events and open-air cinema at Commonwealth Place. The February program was delivered with significant support from Service One Members Banking - the major sponsor of Summer in the Capital.

In total, over 9,000 people attended Summer in the Capital events. The program was funded through sponsorship from Service One Members Banking, Mix 106.3 and The Canberra Times.

Canberra Biennial

The Canberra Biennial - City of Architecture + Design 07 - held in November 2007 explored the role of design in sport through public displays, fashion parades, lectures, tours and activities. A partnership between the Authority, the University of Canberra and the ACT Planning and Land Authority, Winning by Design: Designing for Sport in 21C, was the second time the biennial had been staged.

The theme of the biennial aimed to highlight the relationship between sport and spectacle. The Authority provided event management and staffing for Design InTENTS, a three-day event promoting the interaction between sport, health, design and the community at Commonwealth Place as part of the festival. The event included an 'Xtreme' fashion parade by Canberra Institute of Technology design students, extreme sport demonstrations, and an art and design market place.

Winter in the Capital

In July-August 2007 the Authority piloted the Winter in the Capital event program. Building on the success of Summer in the Capital, the program was conceived as a way of encouraging visitors to enjoy the Parliamentary areas during the winter months. The Winter in the Capital program consisted of:

• Sunday Bike Days
• Vintage Village Fair
• The Capital Drive-In
• Winter Night Markets
• Discover Anzac Parade
• Capital Chats
• National Carillon Winter Recitals and Tours.

As well as Authority events, promoters, attractions and national institutions also listed activities in the Winter in the Capital program, which contributed to two months of lively activity throughout the capital.

The Winter Night Markets at Commonwealth Place were an enormous success attracting more than 15,000 people over three nights. Over 19,000 people attended Winter in the Capital events.

Launches

In 2007-08, the Authority launched a number of key projects, namely:

• media launch for the Winter in the Capital program of events on 6 July 2007
• unveiling of the Women Artwork at Reconciliation Place on 11 July 2007 by Senator for the ACT, Gary Humphries
• media launch of the National Carillon Virtual Tour on 10 September 2007 by the (then) Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the Hon Jim Lloyd MP
• launch of Canberra Biennial - City of Architecture + Design 07 program of events on 9 November 2007 at Design InTENTS
• media launch for the Summer in the Capital program of events on 4 January 2008.

Venue management

The Authority encourages, approves and regulates events and temporary traders on National Land managed by the Authority including Lake Burley Griffin.

Events on National Land

The Authority helps event organisers by advising on the availability and suitability of venues and by providing access to power, water, public toilets, car parking and other services. The Authority markets open space venues on National Land with the aim of encouraging use of the venues by a wide range of groups and to promote the Parliamentary Zone as a place of the people.

In 2007-08 the Authority provided permits or letters of confirmation for 944 events and activities, including weddings, protests, launches, sporting activities and commercial filming. This represented a 17.5 per cent increase on 2006-07(see Figure 5).

Significant events held on public National Land over the period 2007-08 included:

• Anzac Day Commemorative Celebrations (Anzac Parade)
• Australia Day Celebrations (Lake Burley Griffin and Commonwealth Park)
• Australia Day Live (Parliamentary Zone)
• Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay (Parliamentary Zone, Commonwealth Place and Rond Terrace)
• Carols by Candlelight (Commonwealth Park)
• Celebrate in the Park (Commonwealth Park)
• Elton John - Rocket Man Solo Tour (Commonwealth Park)
• Floriade 2007 (Commonwealth Park)
• Foreshore Summer Music Festival (Commonwealth Place)
• National Autumn Balloon Festival (Parliamentary Zone)
• Opera by the Lake (Rond Terrace)
• Powderfinger/Silverchair - Across the Great Divide Tour (Parliamentary Zone)
• Skyfire (Lake Burley Griffin and surrounds)
• The Million Paws Walk (Commonwealth Park)
• Tropfest Short Film Festival (Commonwealth Park).

Temporary Traders on National Land

The Authority issued 23 permits for temporary traders to conduct concession services on National Land during 2007-08. These traders included mobile coffee outlets, ice-cream vendors, various food and beverage concessions, and amusement rides. Temporary traders also provided services during Authority-conducted events.

Lake Users Group

The Lake Users Group comprises key users of Lake Burley Griffin, including sporting bodies, regulatory bodies and community groups. The group was formed in 2004 so that key users could liaise routinely with the Authority on issues relating to Lake Burley Griffin. The group meets quarterly and is chaired by Mr Tony Blunn AO.

Outreach

The Authority's program of reaching out to the community to foster an awareness of Canberra as the national capital covers a broad spectrum of promotion and awareness strategies, projects and services.

National Capital Exhibition

The National Capital Exhibition tells the extraordinary story of Australia's national capital. Through its interactive displays, the exhibition illustrates Canberra's history, its vital role as a symbol of Federation, its growth and development, as well as incorporating the exceptional design of the national capital.

Spectacular panoramic views of Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Zone and the Captain Cook Memorial Jet can be enjoyed from the exhibition's balcony.

Visitation for 2007-08 was 275,844 people (see Figure 6). The exhibition's visitors comprised:

• 65,528 school students, predominantly from interstate
• 50,800 international tour group visitors
• 4,092 domestic tour group visitors
• 155,424 independent travellers.

In November 2007 the National Capital Exhibition, Blundells Cottage and the National Carillon renewed their Tourism Accreditation with the Australian Capital Tourism Corporation. This accreditation is achieved by meeting National Tourism Accreditation standards and results in increased consumer confidence in the level of tourism experience being provided.

In November 2007 the National Capital Exhibition won the award for Heritage and Cultural Tourism in the Canberra and Capital Tourism Awards.

Blundells Cottage

Blundells Cottage, located on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin in the Central National Area, was built around 1860 as part of the Campbell family's 'Duntroon' estate. Blundells Cottage, built to house tenant farmers, displays a collection depicting a typical workers cottage dating back to around the late 1800s.

Entrance fees to the cottage are $7 for adults, $5 for children and concessions, and $15 for families.

During 2007-08 Blundells Cottage attracted 3,494 visitors comprising 752 school students and 2,742 independent travellers.

National Carillon

Located on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, the National Carillon was a gift of the British Government to the people of Australia to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the national capital. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially accepted the carillon on 26 April 1970.

The carillon building comprises three main levels. The first level, the George Howe room named after the long serving carillonist, houses the main instrument called the clavier. The second, the bell chamber, houses the 55 static bronze bells which are played by the clavier, and the third is a function room named 'Chimes'.

Throughout 2007 Chimes was used for a range of Authority functions and meetings and was promoted to government agencies, private companies and the public.

Regular recitals were played on Sundays and Wednesdays during winter (June to August) and Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and public holidays throughout the remainder of the year. From March 2008 recitals were played on Sundays and Wednesdays only.

In 2007-08 the recital series Stillness and the Night was held in December and January on Tuesday evenings. The recitals proved popular, with up to 200 people attending each performance.

The National Carillon hosted Christmas Carols with Sing Australia on 19 December 2007; an audience of approximately 240 people enjoyed the performance. On Christmas Eve, a special Christmas recital was held.

On 24 April 2008, local carillonist Lyn Fuller played a special recital to celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Canberra. This recital used musical pieces from all over the world to celebrate this international event.

In February 2008, Ann-Kirstine Christiansen from Denmark was guest carillonist at the National Carillon as part of the Authority's Visiting Artist Exchange Program. Ms Christiansen performed recitals for Stillness and the Night and the Valentines Day program.

In May 2008, the Authority facilitated a sponsorship with Colliers International and the Molonglo Group to support the National Carillon recital program in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

Friends of the Old Parliament House Gardens

The Friends of the Old Parliament House Gardens promote and preserve the Gardens. The Friends Program was launched in December 2004, with Mrs Tamie Fraser AO and Mr Richard Broinowski as joint patrons.
The Friends Program was suspended in March 2008 pending the Government response to the inquiry into the role of the National Capital Authority.

Adventure in Citizenship

Adventure in Citizenship is an initiative of the Rotary Clubs of Canberra Inc. and Canberra Woden Inc. and the Authority, with assistance from the Parliamentary Education Office.

Adventure in Citizenship aims to improve community awareness of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship and to develop an understanding of how our country is governed at the national level. Rotary clubs around Australia sponsor Year 11 students to spend a week in Canberra, during which time they participate in a number of activities including Parliamentary role plays, focus groups examining topics of national interest, meeting a Member of Parliament or Senator and visiting national institutions.

The 2007-08 program attracted 45 delegates from around Australia to Canberra for a week in August. The Authority provided two half days of activities for the delegates, focusing on the role of our national capital. These included a tour of the National Capital Exhibition, a soapbox activity and mystery bus tour of the Central National Area.

The Authority provided administrative and financial support, including postage for letters inviting all Rotary clubs in Australia to take part in the program and backpacks for each delegate. The Authority contributed $3,465 (including GST) towards the Adventure in Citizenship project.

Authority volunteers

The National Capital Authority Interpretive Volunteer Program was established in August 2000 to complement the Authority's awareness of Canberra as the national capital. Since this time the program has been expanded to include the Horticulture Volunteer program and Event Volunteer program.

Interpretive volunteers

Interpretive volunteers share their time, skills and knowledge, to develop their understanding and appreciation of Canberra as the national capital which they pass on to the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the capital. At 30 June 2008 there were 26 active interpretative volunteers.

Volunteers continued to be rostered as interpretive guides at the National Capital Exhibition and at Blundells Cottage, to assist school groups and other visitors appreciate these facilities. Volunteers also provide tours of the National Carillon.

Volunteers provided visitors and locals with informative walking tours of Anzac Parade, the Old Parliament House Gardens and the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin.

The Anzac Parade Walks scheduled as part of the Authority's 2008 Summer in the Capital program were very successful with increased numbers over the previous year.

Horticulture volunteers

Horticulture volunteers undertake supervised defined activities in the Old Parliament House Gardens, such as deadheading of roses and other flowering plants, weeding and maintenance of garden beds. Horticulture volunteers assist in the Old Parliament House gardens on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Since the horticulture volunteers began shifts in July 2005 the program has grown substantially. At 30 June 2008 there were 47 active horticulture volunteers.

In March 2008 horticulture volunteers were involved in the first of three 'Garden in Depth' presentation sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to build a greater appreciation for the volunteers of each section of the Gardens.

The activities the horticulture volunteers have undertaken have made a tangible difference to the experience of visitors to the Gardens.

Event volunteers

In 2007-08 the Authority's event volunteers' ongoing commitment of time, knowledge and assistance ensured the success of the Authority's events programs.

More than 20 event volunteers assisted with visitor services at Australia Day Live, Australia Day celebrations, Summer in the Capital, Winter in the Capital and Tropfest. The public response to the volunteers has been very positive.

Education kits

The Authority has developed four online education resource kits, which are available at http://education.nationalcapital.gov.au.

Two - A Look into the Past, an online education resource for Blundells Cottage and The Story of our Nation's Capital - are aimed at primary school students. The other two - The National Police Memorial education resource and Reflections of a Nation: the history and design of our national capital - are aimed at lower to upper high school students.

Each resource informs students about aspects of Canberra's history and the role of our national capital through interactive activities linked to Australian state curriculum. In 2007-08, 11,263 people accessed the education portal, an increase of 23 per cent on 2006-07.

Library

The Authority Library is located at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter building, 2A Mugga Way, Red Hill.

The library holds a collection of specialist materials covering the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, urban development, environmental planning, local history and cultural awareness and serves as a rich resource for study of the planning and development of the national capital.

The library also holds reports from the Authority, the National Capital Development Commission and its predecessors, as well as a photographic collection containing over 25,000 images in print, slide and transparency formats.

The Library is now open by appointment one day each month.

4. National land and asset management

Section 6 of the Act provides for the National Capital Authority:

7. with the Minister's approval, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to manage National Land designated in writing by the Minister as land required for the special purposes of Canberra as the national capital.

Output 3: Advocacy, enhancement and management of the national capital estate

Overview

The Australian Government has a direct interest in developing and maintaining the national capital as an asset in which all Australians have a major investment.

On behalf of the Australian Government, the Authority develops, manages and maintains assets valued at $672 million (Administered) at 30 June 2008.

Most assets are maintained under competitively tendered contracts and represent some of the capital's most nationally and culturally significant landscapes and attractions. These assets include:

• the Parliamentary Zone (excluding the Parliamentary Precincts)
• Anzac Parade (and its memorials)
• Lake Burley Griffin (and Scrivener Dam)
• Commonwealth and Kings Parks, including Aspen Island and the National Carillon
• Acton Peninsula
• Yarramundi Reach
• Stirling Ridge
• the diplomatic estates (Yarralumla, Deakin and O'Malley).

Associated assets include the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, fountains, national monuments, public artworks, large areas of landscape infrastructure (paths, lighting, signage) and civil infrastructure (roads, bridges, and street lighting).

Lake Burley Griffin, the centrepiece of the Griffin Plan for Canberra, is a significant and highly valued national asset.

The diversity of these assets reflects the breadth of the Australian Government's interests in the national capital and provides the setting for ceremonies, activities and events that Australians expect to occur in their capital. In managing these assets the Authority seeks to ensure they are created, maintained and replaced to enhance and protect the unique qualities of the capital, and support activities and events that foster an awareness of Canberra as the national capital.

Condition assessments are undertaken regularly to help manage and maintain the assets. These assessments provide information for maintenance and/or replacement of key components or assets, as needed.

Most of the National Land the Authority manages is in the public domain and located in the Central National Area of Canberra (see Map 2). The land use policies in the National Capital Plan for these areas are primarily National Capital Use, Open Space or Diplomatic Missions.

Key initiatives and achievements

Key initiatives and achievements in 2007-08, in managing National Land designated as land required for the special purposes of Canberra as the national capital, were:

• King Edward Terrace traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures - new roundabout
• Bridge condition assessments.

King Edward Terrace traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures - new roundabout

As the first stage of a traffic calming strategy for King Edward Terrace, Parkes, the Authority managed the design and construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of King Edward Terrace, Bowen Drive and Dorothy Tangey Place. Project delivery included consultation with internal and external stakeholders. To minimise costs and traffic interruption, the new roundabout was delivered concurrently with construction of a new entry to the National Gallery of Australia. The scope of the project includes creation of a new pedestrian and cyclist crossing point at the roundabout as well as improvements to the Kings Avenue Bridge pedestrian abutment and the existing Bowen Drive pedestrian and cyclist crossing.

Bridge condition assessments

The Authority is responsible for managing 17 road and pedestrian bridges on National Land.

As part of its planned asset management program, the Authority engaged Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd to undertake a routine visual inspection of the bridges to ensure maintenance of public safety and protection of important national assets.

Maunsell carried out the inspections in accordance with Austroads AP-R252, Guidelines for Bridge Management, Inspections Level 2. An internal inspection of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridges and an internal inspection of the Eastern and Northern Viaduct abutments were also completed. Maunsell reported that the structures are generally in good condition, reflecting a high level of ongoing maintenance.

Developing and managing national assets

The Authority manages and maintains National Land and some of the nation's most significant cultural assets. These assets are managed as a national investment, for their cultural, heritage and environmental values and provide the setting for ceremonies, activities and events that occur in the national capital.

In managing assets in the national capital, the Authority aims to ensure maintenance and
other practices are consistent with the design intent and support the objectives of the National Capital Plan.

Open space maintenance contracts

Open space maintenance contracts for the Parliamentary Executive Campus, the Humanities and Science Campus, the Arts and Civic Campus, Parkes Place and Anzac Parade and the Australian War Memorial were extended to 30 June 2008.

Memorials, artworks and fountains

Management of national memorials, fountains and artworks involves care of key features within landscape areas of the national capital. These include the memorials on Anzac Parade, King George V Memorial, the Federation Centenary Fountains, Treasury Fountain, memorials and artworks in Commonwealth and Kings Parks and the artworks in Reconciliation Place. In all, the Authority manages and maintains more than 100 commemorative elements throughout the city.
The Authority has set maintenance standards and best practice benchmarks for managing and maintaining assets, taking into account their artistic and heritage values. The Authority employs three experienced people dedicated to providing these specialised services.

Replacing Central Reflection Pond liner and filtration system

The Central Reflection Pond is a feature of the lawns in front of Old Parliament House. During 2007-08, the Authority finished replacing the pond's waterproof liner and upgrading the filtration system to allow conversion to lake water. The total cost of the project was $933,265 (including GST).

Maintaining buildings on National Land

Building assets are maintained under a contract awarded to Hirotec Maintenance Pty Ltd in 2003. A new procurement process is currently underway in relation to this contract.
The key building assets the Authority manages include the National Capital Exhibition building, Commonwealth Place, the National Carillon, and Blundells Cottage, as well as leased premises, such as the Lobby Restaurant, and buildings at Acton Peninsula and Commonwealth Park.
Minor facilities, such as public toilets, bus shelters and electrical switchboards, are also maintained under this contract.

The scope of work encompasses management, coordination and delivery of works and services, including cleaning, preventative and corrective maintenance, and minor capital works. In addition, the contract delivers condition assessments, maintenance programs, and cost plans.

Upgrading Regatta Point air conditioning

Regatta Point is a popular visitor destination and houses the National Capital Exhibition.
The building is temperature controlled by an environmentally friendly lake-water system. While this system is adequate for most temperature variations experienced in Canberra, there were occasionally days where the inside temperature was either excessively hot or cold. The Authority engaged Hirotec to commission a supplementary air conditioning system to operate on such days. The system was completed during 2007-08 at a total cost of $123,519 (including GST).

Lake Burley Griffin management

Lake Burley Griffin is the centrepiece for the setting of the national capital. The lake covers an area of 664 hectares with a maximum depth of 17.6 metres near Scrivener Dam and an average depth of some 4 metres.

Administration of the lake is governed by the Lakes Ordinance 1976. The Authority issues permits for powerboats, moorings, major events, and authorisations for abstraction of water for irrigation, and various other matters associated with use of the lake.

Lake maintenance program

Lake Burley Griffin facilities include the water body, jetties, beaches and other lake infrastructures. The Authority manages a comprehensive maintenance works program to maintain and enhance the lake and facilities in order to provide a clean, safe and attractive environment in a cost effective manner.

Ecoway (Aust) Pty Ltd managed the maintenance works program under an external three-year contract; the contract price is $666,030 (including GST).

Lake wall replacement program

The Authority has an ongoing program of replacing ageing sections of lake wall. During the year, sections were replaced on the northern side of east basin and near the ACT Hospice.

Environmental condition

The Authority manages a comprehensive water quality program to understand and manage the environmental status of the lake. The program also allows the Authority to advise on aesthetic and health characteristics of water to recreational users following periods of floods, drought, and elevated bacterial levels and algal bloom conditions.

The environmental state of the lake is monitored through physical, chemical, and biological testing. These parameters are measured across the lake and analysed to identify any change and, if required, implement appropriate management responses.

The Authority provided the public with weekly water quality information during the summer of 2007-08 through its website and additional reports were posted on the site when circumstances warranted.

During the year, the overall bacterial quality of the lake was generally good and did not affect organised lake events; the swimming beaches were, however, occasionally subjected to elevated bacterial levels marginally exceeding guideline values. These events were managed with appropriate signage and other control measures as established in the Lake Burley Griffin Water Quality Management Plan.

Algal bloom conditions affected several areas in the lake for a period of more than four weeks. The areas affected included East Basin, Central Basin and West Lake. The alert was managed with shore-based signage and media announcements.

Lake levels were also regularly monitored and reported on. The lowest lake level recorded was on 25 October 2007 at approximately 90 mm below the normal lake level (at 555.84 metres AHD [Australian Height Datum]).

Maintenance contract - Captain Cook Memorial Jet

Ecowise Services provided maintenance and miscellaneous electrical services for the Captain Cook Memorial Jet under a three-year contract. The contract was let in July 2006 for $277,305 (including GST).

Water quality monitoring contract

Ecowise Environmental Pty Ltd provides management of the water quality program under a three-year contract. The contract was let in September 2006 for $154,710 (including GST).

Water abstraction

The Authority has established an Abstraction Plan to address matters affecting abstraction of water from Lake Burley Griffin. Such abstraction is authorised through subsection 12(1) of the Lakes Ordinance 1976.

Currently, abstraction authorisations are issued to five abstractors: Canberra Urban Parks and Places, Yarralumla Nursery, Government House, National Capital Authority and Royal Canberra Golf Club.

The Authority monitors abstraction of water twice a year. The fees are set to cover administrative costs and are currently $0.20 per kilolitre.

Abstraction of water by Royal Canberra Golf Club is subject to Crown lease conditions that provide for taking of water at no cost. The Authority is continuing negotiations with the club with a view to agreeing on an appropriate quantum of water for abstraction, within the context of the club's Crown lease.

The Authority initiated formation of a working group, comprising various Australian Government agencies and the ACT Government, to develop a framework for applying the new Water Act 2007 to the consumptive abstraction of water by Commonwealth agencies within the ACT. The working group has convened three times and is developing a number of options for government consideration.

Open space irrigation

The Authority manages irrigation of grass and trees on National Land made up of open space vistas, parks and public use areas with high national significance and heritage values.

The Authority has converted a number of irrigated open space areas, fountains and memorial water features on National Land to draw lake water.

The Authority has achieved the 35 per cent reduction in potable water usage required by staged water restrictions on those irrigated open spaces, fountains and water features on National Land that still rely on potable water, through efficient management of its irrigation systems.

Scrivener Dam management

Lake Burley Griffin was formed by construction of Scrivener Dam in 1964. The Authority manages maintenance and operation of the dam through three contracts for facility management, safety and surveillance, and provision of hydrometric data.

SunWater manages the facility management contract that covers routine operation and maintenance of the dam and flood forecasting services. ActewAGL manages the safety and surveillance contract that provides for independent routine inspections to gauge the condition and performance of the dam, and carry out specific requirements of the safety and management surveillance program, as set out in the Australian National Committee on Large Dams' guidelines. Ecowise Environmental Pty Ltd manages the contract for provision of hydrometric data that covers rainfall and flow measurements data services for flood management activities.

Buoy line upgrade

During the year, the Authority upgraded the main buoy line across the lake at Scrivener Dam. This buoy line is a critical element of the dam safety strategy and provides a clear marker for keeping boat traffic away from the dam.

Approximately 300 metres of buoy line enclosures were replaced at a cost of $71,164 (including GST).

Administration of National Land

In administering National Land the Authority negotiates and administers leases and licences for appropriate activities on National Land and on Lake Burley Griffin; negotiates with key stakeholders to formulate and agree mutual roles and responsibilities to ensure the vision for the Parliamentary Zone as 'the place of the people' is achieved for the benefit of all Australians;
and administers diplomatic leases.

Leases and licences

In 2007-08 the Authority finalised the following lease and licence matters:

• Boat hire agreements: The existing boat hire agreements with the Canberra Southern Cross Club were extended for another one-year term (October 2007). In addition, the Authority issued a new licence agreement to Lake Burley Griffin Boat Hire for a five-year term and to R.E.A.L. Pty Ltd for a one-year term after publicly advertising for interest.
• Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd: The Authority finalised a licence agreement in April 2007 with Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd over land for a temporary site establishment compound to service construction of a new office building on Block 3 Section 2 Barton. The agreement expires in June 2009.
• Canberra Horticulture Pty Ltd: The Authority granted a new licence agreement to Canberra Horticulture Pty Ltd over the Commonwealth Park Depot in September 2006 for a term of one year, until September 2007. The agreement is in association with the open space maintenance contract for Acton Peninsula, Commonwealth Park and Kings Park.
• Commonwealth Place Restaurant: The Authority approved an assignment of licence from B and D Clevenot to Mussillon's Empire Pty Ltd to operate the restaurant space at Commonwealth Place, known as the Waters Edge.
• Commonwealth Place Kiosks: The Authority called for expressions of interest, evaluated responses and negotiated licence conditions with prospective tenants.
• Commonwealth Place West: With the departure of Reconciliation Australia to new offices in December 2007, the Authority agreed to conduct an expression of interest process for use of the area adjacent to the Waters Edge restaurant.
• Commonwealth Place East: The National Portrait Gallery vacated the gallery space in April 2008. Since then this venue has been used for hosting cultural exhibitions and events by countries with which Australia shares a diplomatic relationship.
• Commonwealth Park Caretaker Cottage: The Authority agreed to enter into a licence agreement with the ACT Government for use of the cottage for planning, developing and promoting the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens and the National Bonsai Collection.

The Authority managed a range of licence agreements for premises located at Commonwealth Place, National Capital Exhibition, Commonwealth Park, Acton Peninsula, and the Lobby Restaurant. The Authority continued to conduct regular meetings with these commercial tenants.

Diplomatic leases

The Authority administers diplomatic leases under the Leases (Special Purposes) Ordinance 1925. Management of these estates includes sale and issue of Crown leases, rent appraisal and collection, lease variations and compliance. The Authority coordinates these activities with foreign missions and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

At 30 June 2008, 93 foreign missions are represented in the national capital. During 2007-08 Colombia established a diplomatic mission in Canberra and Denmark re-opened its mission in September 2007. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea officially closed its mission doors in January 2008.

Sixty-nine leases have been issued to foreign missions over sites on which chancery and consulate facilities and head-of-mission residences have been constructed or are proposed.

Crown lease negotiations were finalised with the Government of Timor-Leste for a new lease over land in Deakin; chancery construction has commenced. Construction of the Botswana High Commission chancery in Deakin has also begun and has an anticipated completion of late April 2009.

Other actions in the year included granting approval for works at the:

• High Commission of the Republic of Botswana
• British High Commission
• Embassy of the People's Republic of China
• Delegation of the European Commission
• Embassy of Ireland
• Embassy of Israel
• Embassy of the Republic of Poland
• High Commission of the Republic of Singapore
• South African High Commission
• High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• Royal Thai Embassy
• Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

Where a Crown lease for a diplomatic site is subject to payment of annual land rent, rent reviews are undertaken every 20 years in accordance with the lease agreement and the Ordinance. One review was undertaken during 2007-08.

On 27 July 2007, the (then) Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads approved Amendment 66 to the National Capital Plan to change the land use policies for Blocks 2 and 3 Section 44 Yarralumla to Diplomatic Mission.

5. National capital works

Section 6 of the Act provides for the National Capital Authority:

3. on behalf of the Commonwealth, to commission works to be carried out in Designated Areas in accordance with the Plan where neither a Department of State of the Commonwealth nor any Commonwealth authority has the responsibility to commission those works
4. to recommend to the Minister the carrying out of works that it considers desirable to maintain or enhance the character of the national capital.

Output 3: Asset and land management and capital enhancement services

Overview

The public places at the centre of the national capital provide the setting for the Parliament and national institutions. Such places are the setting for the ceremonial and community events that reflect our nation's history, spirit, culture and aspirations.

The Authority's statutory functions give it the capacity to ensure national assets continue to be created and maintained, are of an appropriate standard, meet the expectations of users, support an appreciation and understanding of the role of the national capital and our democracy, and enrich the experience of the national capital.

On National Land the Authority manages for the special purposes of the national capital, such works include maintenance (to address safety and public amenity), works to enhance or maintain prior Australian Government investment in national assets (refurbishment of monuments and fountains), core infrastructure and services (roads, parking, pathways and lighting) and development of the landscape setting for new building sites, public parks and places, commemoration and celebration.

The Authority's capacity to advocate and initiate works has been essential to the continued development and enhancement of the national capital for all Australians. The Authority's commissioning of works extends the rich history of Australian design and construction leadership in the national capital.

Capital works

Capital works in design or construction in 2007-08 were:

• Griffin Legacy implementation including bridging of Kings Avenue over Parkes Way
• Reconciliation Place artworks
• Royal Canberra Hospital Memorial minor works
• Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery National Memorial refurbishment
• Canberra Central Parklands Master Plan
• RG Menzies Walk
• Parliamentary Zone kiosks
• Humanities and Science Campus Development Plan and Campus Square
• Arts and Civic Campus Development Plan and Campus Square
• York Park Oak Plantation enhancement
• Parliamentary Zone directional and interpretive signage.

Griffin Legacy implementation

In the 2007-08 Federal Budget, the Authority was provided $58.8 million capital works funding over four years for two major infrastructure projects to transform the centre of the national capital consistent with the Griffin Legacy. The infrastructure projects were to:

• duplicate Constitution Avenue and create a new quality streetscape from Russell to Vernon Circle
• bridge Kings Avenue over Parkes Way at the Russell roundabout.

This funding was conditional on the ACT Government ceding ownership of certain roads (mainly in the National Triangle) to the Commonwealth at no cost. The 2007-08 Federal Budget also provided the Authority with $3.1 million for ongoing maintenance of the roads transferred to the Commonwealth.

In August 2007 the ACT Chief Minister agreed to transfer ownership of the roads subject to preparation of a memorandum of understanding to formalise consultation and agreement between the ACT Government and the Authority about road works undertaken by the Authority.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on 16 August 2007 and the roads were gazetted as National Land required for the special purposes of Canberra as the national capital on 20 August 2007.

On 6 February 2008, the Australian Government announced the withdrawal of the $46.3 million funding for the Constitution Avenue infrastructure project and for road maintainance.

The bridging of Kings Avenue over Parkes Way will remove one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the Territory. Parkes Way will be lowered and new bridges will carry Kings Avenue traffic over Parkes Way through to the Defence Headquarters at Russell. This work will also reinforce Kings Avenue as one side of Griffin's National Triangle.

On 3 December 2007 the Authority engaged architects Johnson Pilton Walker Pty Ltd to design the bridging of Kings Avenue over Parkes Way. A single bridge option with a single platform extending across both carriageways of Kings Avenue is the preferred option. By providing a single platform and designing bridge geometries appropriately, right turn traffic movement from opposite directions will be accommodated.

Further traffic analysis focused on the intersection's performance during the morning and evening peaks. Future performance of the intersection has been calculated on the basis of known or likely commercial, institutional and residential developments in the Russell, Constitution Avenue, Civic, Acton, Barton, and Airport precincts. Heritage and environmental impact assessments have informed part of the design process.

The project requires review by the Joint Standing Committee on Public Works. The Authority lodged its submission on 7 April 2008. The Committee's hearing is scheduled for 6 August 2008. Subject to Parliamentary support for the project, construction is anticipated to commence in early 2009 and conclude in 2010.

Reconciliation Place artworks

The location of Reconciliation Place in the Parliamentary Zone places the reconciliation process physically and symbolically at the heart of Australia's democratic life and institutions. It signifies the importance that the Australian people place on the ongoing process of reconciliation and is a prominent symbol of the nation's commitment to healing the wounds of the past.

The Authority managed works for the Reconciliation Place project in partnership with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

On 11 July 2007, Senator Gary Humphries, on behalf of the (then) Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, unveiled the Women Artwork. The artwork tells the story of three distinguished and inspirational women - Dr Faith Bandler, Dr Evelyn Scott and the late Lady Jessie Street. Three curvilinear cast bronze and photo-etched copper 'sculptures', located within the artwork, commemorate each woman.

Each sculpture has a concave and a convex face; each concave face features a biography, supporting images and unique patterning; each convex face features a quotation, key personal themes important to the featured woman and additional patterning. Indigenous artists Thanakupi, Jenuarrie and Gloria Petyarre designed the patterning.

The sculptures are arranged around a circular interactive purpose-made audio feature that includes recordings of Dr Faith Bandler, Dr Evelyn Scott and Sir Laurence Street (on behalf of Lady Jessie Street). Etched metal plates highlighting themes important to all three women have been recessed into the pavement surrounding the sculptures.

The cost of the Women Artwork was $273,627.30 (including GST).

The Authority has developed a design for a Pavement Artwork in consultation with the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Association, the artist Paddy Stewart Japaljarri, and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

The approximately 39-metre long by seven-metre wide artwork is based on Paddy Stewart Japaljarri's traditional Indigenous painting, Wati Jarra (Two Men Dreaming). The design was chosen for its strong linear character and distinct visual elements that are suitable for translating into a pavement design in Reconciliation Place. The references to central Australian landscapes and traditional Indigenous art-making also strongly complements existing artworks immediately adjacent to the proposed work in Reconciliation Place's eastern promenade.

The anticipated cost of these works is approximately $385,000 (including GST).

Royal Canberra Hospital Memorial minor works

On 25 May 2008, the Authority completed restoration and enhancement of the Royal Canberra Hospital Memorial located on Acton Peninsular beside the National Museum of Australia. The works included restoring pavement surfaces, regilding the plaque, replacing a damaged plaque and stand, installing two new curving timber-and-stone seats customised to the irregular shape of the Memorial, and planting two new National Trust classified pregnant pine trees.

The project was conducted in consultation with the Royal Canberra Hospital Memorial Committee, which provided funds for the new works. Restoration works were funded from the Authority's accumulated depreciation funds.

The cost of the project was $28,952 (including GST).

Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery National Memorial refurbishment

On 21 April 2008, the Authority completed major restoration of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery National Memorial. Completion preceded events hosted at the site on Anzac Day and the fortieth anniversary of the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral, which occurred during the Vietnam War. More than 1,800 people attended the anniversary event.

The works included replacing the timber gun carriage, the commemorative plinth, and bollards; refurbishing and enhancing the commemorative and interpretative plaques, signs and surrounds; refurbishing the stone jointing and electrical services; and restoring the cannon, and fittings and fitments.

The cost of the works was $164,659 (including GST).

Canberra Central Parklands Master Plan

The Canberra Central Parklands include existing parks on the northern foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin, namely Commonwealth Park, the Rond Terraces and Kings Park.

On 21 June 2007, Oxigen Pty Ltd, landscape architects was awarded first prize in an international design competition the Authority conducted for a schematic master plan for the parklands.

Oxigen was engaged in September 2007, to commence work on a detailed master plan for the parklands, to a brief prepared by the competition jury. Consultation on Oxigen's competition entry, early development of the master plan, and the first project to be implemented - the RG Menzies Walk - was undertaken in November and December 2007 and included public and private briefings to stakeholders including the ACT Government, park user groups and local landscape architects. The competition jury participated in workshops with Oxigen in February and May 2008 at which time it provided comment on an initial draft of the master plan. In June 2008 Oxigen submitted a further draft plan, including an implementation strategy, for review.

RG Menzies Walk

Reconstruction of the existing 1.9 kilometre lake edge gravel path will provide a continuous, fully accessible promenade between Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue Bridges. The project is the first to be implemented under the Canberra Central Parklands master plan and will set the standard for future projects within the parklands. Oxigen Pty Ltd was engaged to design and document the Walk.

The Walk project will also incorporate two related projects - construction of Citizenship Place, in Commonwealth Park, and replacement of the Commonwealth Park jetty.

Consultation was undertaken in November and December 2007 and included public and private briefings to stakeholders including the ACT Government, park user groups and local landscape architects; a report was published on the Authority website in February 2008.

In June 2008 the tender for Project Management Services was awarded to Manteena Pty Ltd. The Walk is expected to be completed in mid 2009.

Parliamentary Zone kiosks

The Parliamentary Zone is home to Australia's premier national institutions. It experiences increasingly high levels of tourist and event visitation throughout the year. To enhance public amenity the Authority has constructed two kiosks, one on either side of Commonwealth Place on the lake foreshore. Completed in February 2008, each facility includes two accessible unisex public toilets and space for leasing to a small business.

The cost of the kiosks construction at 30 June 2008 was $1,899,485.97 (including GST).

Humanities and Science Campus Development Plan and Campus Square

The Parliamentary Zone Review Outcomes 2000 defined campuses as 'organising elements around the structure of the main land axis and minor cross axes'. The Parliamentary Zone Master Plan (Amendment T.6 of the National Capital Plan) requires that a Campus Development Plan guide development of each campus.

The Humanities and Science Campus Square creates a unified address for the National Library of Australia and Questacon, separates coaches from pedestrians and establishes a framework for potential building expansion. Many the users of this area are children and road safety and access in the campus is therefore of central importance. Currently, pedestrians (including many children) need to cross busy roads to approach Questacon and they also share the road in front of the National Library of Australia. The Authority proposes to create a people-friendly public place, a safer environment for children and improve access to both the National Library of Australia and Questacon.

The Authority has developed a design that proposes to retain and upgrade the National Library of Australia forecourt. The work will be consistent with the heritage values of this place. Between Questacon and the Section 55 car park to its north, the design creates a dynamic park that will become the campus square proper. Key elements in the design include integration of Reconciliation Place artworks, shaded groves of trees, seating and assembly spaces, informal play areas and formalised coach drop off points.

The former Department of the Environment and Water Resources approved the Humanities and Science Campus Square Stage 1 proposal under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on 31 July 2007. The project received Parliamentary approval on 11 September 2007. Works approval was issued for Stage 1 of the Campus works on 29 November 2007.

An open tender for provision of project management services commenced in early March 2008 with the contract being awarded on 24 June 2008 to Manteena Pty Ltd. The project is scheduled for completion in May 2009.

Arts and Civic Campus Development Plan and Campus Square

Construction of the new National Portrait Gallery and approval of the extensions to the National Gallery of Australia both include new entrances and public facilities at ground level and extensive landscape works. These works present an opportunity to redevelop elements of the Arts and Civic Campus and to continue implementing the principles embodied in Amendment 33 to the National Capital Plan - Master Plan for the Parliamentary Zone.

Planning for the Arts and Civic Campus commenced in September 2006, with the commissioning of architects, Johnson Pilton Walker and PTW Architects, for the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia. Initial stakeholder consultation has begun and design development will continue during 2008-09.

York Park Oak Plantation enhancement

The York Park Oak Plantation is located on the corner of Kings Avenue and State Circle in Barton.

On 10 May 1927, HRH the Duke of York, as part of the celebrations associated with opening the Provisional Parliament House (Old Parliament House), carried out the inaugural planting of an English oak shipped from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The remainder of the plantation was established in 1931 as part of unemployment relief work during the Great Depression. Commonwealth nurseries at Campbelltown and Canberra grew the remainder of the trees in
the plantation.

The plantation, covering an area of 1.7 hectares, is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List and the Register of the National Estate. The area consists of a formal plantation, originally of 78 English oak trees planted in six rows, each of 13 trees on a 12-metre formal grid. In 2007 responsibility for the plantation was transferred from the former Department of Finance and Administration to the Authority. The government has provided funding of $1.5 million to improve the plantation to the standard of an urban park.

The Authority has appointed Redbox Design Group, working in association with Romaldo Giurgola and Pamille Berg Consulting Pty Ltd, and Canopy the Tree Experts Pty Ltd, to design the project.

A Heritage Management Plan, prepared in March 2008, has guided design development. Public consultation was undertaken as part of the design development. The design to improve the plantation to the standard of an urban park includes:

• construction of stone walls to the perimeter of the park, with varying heights to suit the existing contours, that provides a perimeter enclosure to designate the special nature of the setting and prevent vehicle entry
• horticultural works to the oaks and ground area
• construction of directional pathways from perimeter wall entries to manage pedestrian flow
• inclusion of seating structures and selected interpretive signage.

Construction is expected to commence in late 2008 with works completed by 2009.

Parliamentary Zone directional and interpretive signage

The Authority undertook this project to improve 'way finding' in the Parliamentary Zone. The signage includes traffic, lay-by and interpretive signs and pedestrian markers. The signs are designed to be read as a coordinated suite, using white lettering on a red ochre background and supported on stone plinths displaying the Commonwealth crest. Initially 44 signs have been installed, including 14 traffic signs, two lay-by signs, 11 interpretive signs and 19 pedestrian markers.

The Authority engaged Guida Moseley Brown Architects and Spatchurst Design to design the signage. The project received Parliamentary approval in November 2006. The contract was awarded to visual communications and signage company, Claude Group, in June 2007.

Construction of all signs was completed in June 2008 at a cost of $548,000 (including GST).

6. Governance

The Authority's governance framework provides for clear links between its enabling legislation, the outcome for Government, outputs and unit work plans. Governance committees and consultative processes include:

• the Authority
• Internal Management Committee
• Executive briefings
• Audit Committee
• Tender Board
• Remuneration Board
• Occupational Health and Safety Committee
• Authority Consultative Committee
• Chief Executive presentations (including Corporate Forums).

During 2007-08 the Authority continued to enhance its policies and procedures to improve the way it conducts business. Risk management plays a vital role in the way the Authority operates.

Agency delegations and authorisations

The Authority has delegated its powers under section 49 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 to the Chief Executive. The Authority has also delegated works approval powers under section 12 of the Act to officers who have responsibility for approving works in Designated Areas of the national capital.

The Chief Executive delegated a range of powers for general administration of the Authority, under section 47 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. The Chief Executive delegated limited powers to the Managing Directors, Directors and other key personnel, under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, for authorisation of expenditure of monies and to enter into contracts in accordance with the Chief Executive Instructions.

The Minister for Home Affairs has delegated specific powers under the National Land Ordinance 1989 to the Chief Executive and a number of Managing Director and key Director positions, including applied provisions of the Lakes Ordinance 1976, the Roads and Public Places Ordinance 1937, the Trespass on Commonwealth Lands Ordinance 1932, the City Area Leases Ordinance 1936, the Leases (Special Purposes) Ordinance 1925 and the Leases Ordinance 1918, in relation to administering National Land.

The Authority has also authorised a number of agency staff to exercise certain powers under the Public Order (Protection of Persons and Property) Act 1971.

Certain powers under the Lands Acquisition Act 1989, relating to acquisition and disposal of land, have been delegated to the Chief Executive, the Managing Director Finance and Estate, the Managing Director International Relations and Leasing and the Managing Director Projects.
These delegations provide the Authority with an efficient working environment in the service of the government and the community.

The Authority

The Authority is the primary decision-making body, and provides the National Capital Authority's leadership and strategic direction. The Authority held nine meetings in person and four telephone conference meetings during 2007-08.

Management Committee

The Management Committee is the principal internal leadership and management advisory group, comprising the Chief Executive (Chairman), Managing Director Governance, Managing Director Planning and Urban Design, Managing Director Projects, Managing Director Finance and Estate and Managing Director International Relations and Leasing. The Management Committee met 22 times during 2007-08.

The Committee considered and monitored a range of matters including the Business Plan, governance matters, works program and budgetary performance.

Tender Board

The Tender Board comprises the Managing Director Governance (Chairman), Managing Director Finance and Estate (Chief Finance Officer), and an independent member who also acts as Probity Advisor. The Tender Board reviewed and approved tender recommendations for contracts in excess of $80,000. The Tender Board met 13 times in 2007-08, to provide scrutiny and approve significant tenders the Authority had undertaken in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines, Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and the Authority Chief Executive Instructions.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee Charter and membership reflects the Australian National Audit Office's Better Practice Guide Public Sector Audit Committees - Having the right people is the key.
The Audit Committee comprises an Independent Chair, and two internal Authority officers - the Managing Director Governance and the Managing Director International Relations and Leasing.
The Authority Chief Finance Officer attends Audit Committee meetings as an observer and the Australian National Audit Office has a standing invitation to attend committee meetings as an observer.

The Audit Committee met five times during the year to consider the internal audit plan, internal and external audits, certificate of compliance, the fraud control plan and the financial statements. The Committee made a number of recommendations that have brought about performance improvements within the Authority.

Internal audit

To satisfy external compliance, and to ensure internal processes are robust, the Authority undertook three internal reviews relating to policies and procedures during 2007-08. The reviews conducted were:

• compliance audit of commencing salaries
• performance and compliance audit of contract management
• audit of the findings in the Australian National Audit Office's performance audit of the Authority's management of national assets to verify the quantum and reasons for the shortfall identified in the report concerning the non-payment of rent and overpayment for services in relation to an open space maintenance contract.

External audit

Ascent Chartered Accountants audited the Authority's 2007-08 Financial Statements on behalf of the Australian National Audit Office.

In January 2007 the Australian National Audit Office commenced a performance audit of the Authority's development, management and maintenance of national assets it administers on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Authority's management of its asset portfolio, which included examination of the Authority's asset management systems and management of selected maintenance contracts.

From February 2007 to November 2007 the Australian National Audit Office undertook its fieldwork for the audit that involved interviews with staff, contractors, and an examination of Authority files and contracts.

The audit report was tabled in Parliament on 15 May 2008. The report included five recommendations, namely:

1. The Authority take steps to bring its asset management framework up to date.
2. The Authority support its documented asset management framework by taking timely steps to implement a system that enables it to effectively manage the operation and maintenance of national assets.
3. The Authority improve its contractual arrangements for maintenance of national assets by:
   1. adopting more rigorous and consistent practices for monitoring contractor performance and addressing any shortcomings
   2. emphasising to contract managers the importance of following procedures for contract completion as set out in contracts
   3. implementing stronger controls over the checking and certification of contractor invoices.
4. The Authority pursue avenues to accelerate the timeframe in which action will be taken to fund priority asset maintenance works identified by its expert consultants and accepted by the Authority as being necessary.
5. The Authority, in consultation with the Department of Finance and Deregulation and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, develop options for consideration by government in relation to diplomatic leases that balance both revenues and foreign policy considerations.

The Authority agreed with audit recommendations 2, 3 and 4 and agreed (with qualification) with the remainder.

The Authority considered the recommendations provide a constructive basis upon which to improve its overall asset management framework, particularly its asset management system, internal controls and contract management procedures.

Recommendation 5 not only affected the Authority but also the Departments of Finance and Deregulation and Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department of Finance and Deregulation agreed to the recommendation and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade agreed, with qualification. An inter-agency committee has been established to inform future government policy decisions regarding diplomatic leasing.

The Authority has started to implement those recommendations that can be undertaken within existing resources.

Fraud Control Plan

The Authority's Fraud Control Plan complies with the requirements of the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines and associated fraud investigation procedures. The Chief Executive Instruction on Fraud Prevention and Control support the plan.

The plan contains fraud risk assessments where potential opportunities to commit fraud may exist. The methodology used to rank these risks is consistent with the AS/NZS 4360:2004 standard for risk management, the Authority's Risk Management Framework, and Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines.

The Audit Committee continues to monitor implementation of the plan as part of its responsibilities to satisfy itself the Authority has appropriate processes and systems in place to capture and effectively investigate fraud-related information. The risk of fraud remains low for the Authority.

There were no instances or allegations of fraud against the Authority reported or detected during the year.

Cost recovery

During the year the Authority recovered some of its costs primarily through works approval fees and licence agreements.

Security

The Authority engaged Kellogg Brown and Root to conduct a protective security compliance audit on how the Authority meets it obligations under the Australian Government Protective Security Manual.

A physical security risk review of the Authority and its major physical assets culminated in development of an agency physical security plan that reflects the Authority's physical security and operating environment to ensure it complies with the Protective Security Manual.

Authority staff continue to receive security and fraud awareness training. During 2007-08, the Protective Security Policy and Guidelines were reviewed and updated. The Authority received and considered the Auditor-General's report on Management of Personnel Security, Follow-up Audit in the context of enhancements and productivity improvements arising from personnel security arrangements.

Risk management

The Authority is committed to a proactive approach to managing risk, through an integrated risk management framework, an essential element of the governance framework.

One of the key platforms underpinning risk management in the Authority is the operation of Teamworks. Teamworks is a project management tool the Authority developed specific to its business needs that uses employee skill sets from across various business units to deliver projects identified in the Authority's business plan.

Teamworks helps the Authority deliver its outcomes through improved reporting, reviewing and monitoring of ongoing risk by:

• requiring projects to have a project plan and risk assessment
• requiring a risk treatment plan to be completed where a risk assessment identifies any risk(s) as significant, high or extreme
  providing a direct link between outcomes and projects identified in the Business Plan and individual employee performance agreements
  regularly monitoring projects and associated risks by the Management Committee.

The Authority's integrated Risk Management Framework based on AS/NZS 4360:2004 and Teamworks continues to promote and maintain a risk awareness culture across the Authority.
It has delivered tangible results through improved reporting and accountability, and stronger links between project outcomes and individual performance.

During 2007-08 further enhancements were made to Teamworks to improve online completion of project plans, risk assessments and risk treatment plans.

In March 2008 the Authority participated in Comcover's 2008 Benchmarking Program. The Authority achieved an overall score of 6.2 out of 10 and as such is considered to be at a level of comprehensive risk management capabilities.

The Authority will be reviewing its Risk Management Framework based on the results from Comcover's Benchmarking Program.

Customer service

The Authority's Customer Service Charter sets out the standards of service stakeholders can expect, including their rights, responsibilities and avenues for feedback. The charter aims to facilitate a strong and genuine relationship between the Authority and its stakeholders. Information contained in the charter includes:

• the role and functions of the Authority
• commitment to service\
• the rights and responsibilities of stakeholders
• how to provide feedback on Authority performance.

Performance against Service Charter

The Authority undertakes to finalise most works approvals and respond to written requests for advice within 15 working days.

During 2007-08 the Authority assessed 266 works approval applications - 233 (87.6%) were finalised within 15 working days. The Authority also responded to 309 requests for advice on other planning related matters - 198 (64.1%) were finalised within 15 working days.

Sponsorship and partnerships

The Partnership Policy, Strategy and Plan continued to guide the Authority's approach to working in collaboration with the Australian and ACT governments and their agencies, the diplomatic and corporate sectors and the wider Australian community.

Funds raised for event partnerships with the private sector in 2007-08 reached $141,900 (including GST). In-kind support, particularly through media partners, amounted to $278,850. These sponsorships enabled the Authority to deliver and enhance major events including Tropfest, Summer in the Capital, Australia Day Live, and Winter in the Capital, piloted in July-August 2007 (see Chapter 3).

The Authority supported a range of initiatives in 2007-08, such as the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship program and the John Gale Drama Production commemorating events leading to the selection of the site of Canberra as the national capital. Sponsorship was also provided for NSW/ACT Superstudio 2007, a concurrent Australia-wide design competition that fosters networking between students, conceptual thinking, critique and analysis of societal issues and interaction between the architectural profession and the community. The Authority continued its support of the ACT Government's Live in Canberra campaign, promoting the unique aspects of the national capital to a national audience.

In partnership with the University of Canberra and the ACT Planning and Land Authority, the Authority supported the planning and implementation of the Canberra Biennial: city of architecture and design. Conceived as an international cultural event, the biennial enhances the role of the capital in Australian national life, profiles Australian leadership in planning, architecture and urban design, focuses international attention on the history of design of Canberra and helps to reinforce it as a city of ideas.

Continued maintenance of the Old Parliament House Gardens was supported by the Authority's ongoing partnership with South Australian fertiliser manufacturer, Neutrog Australia Pty Ltd.
The 2007-08 outgoing sponsorship program is included in the Authority's partnership plan, and took the form of funding and other support (see Table 14).

Marketing and visual communications

The marketing and visual communications team provides strategic direction, advice and services for the Authority in the areas of marketing, and print and web design.

Marketing campaigns have been developed for Authority-managed events such as Australia Day Live, Summer in the Capital, Winter in the Capital and Tropfest. The Destination Marketing Strategy was developed to encourage Australians to visit and explore the Parliamentary Zone.
It was proposed that the Parliamentary Zone would be marketed as a single entity, promoting
the national icons and Authority-managed facilities within the precinct.

Promotional collateral, such as advertising, on-air promotions, brochures, posters, websites, direct mail campaigns, signage and giveaways, was also produced. These include:

• the Authority's quarterly online newsletter, Your Capital, providing information, listings and reports about what is happening in the national capital
• the Authority's monthly newsletter, Capital 21, an online snapshot of Authority activities and events
• Reconciliation Place interpretive brochure
• Old Parliament House Gardens Rose Guide
• Lake Burley Griffin and Surrounding Parklands brochure
• The National Carillon Virtual Tour
• The National Capital Exhibition Virtual Tour.

The marketing and visual communications team is also responsible for managing the Authority's Internet and intranet sites. During 2007-08 websites for the Summer in the Capital, Australia Day Live and Tropfest were redesigned and a new section of the Authority website was developed as an interactive companion to the Lake Burley Griffin and Surrounding Parklands brochure.

Print and web design materials were produced for the Rotary Adventure in Citizenship, World War I and World War II Memorials Competition and Showcase Canberra.

Virtual Canberra website

The Virtual Canberra website www.virtualcanberra.gov.au educates and informs Australians about the role and significance of the national capital. It features over 50 cultural attractions and venues of national significance such as Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, Anzac Parade, Reconciliation Place and the National Capital Exhibition.

Information and communications technology

In 2007-08 the Authority's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strategic Plan was updated and:

• a number of key performance indicators were developed to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the plan
• a major hardware and software rationalisation was undertaken
• comprehensive security documentation was completed for key business systems, including financial management information systems and asset management systems
  the agency, in conjunction with the National Museum of Australia, approached the market for a new ICT managed services contract
• an independent technical, cost-benefit and risk analysis was commissioned to identify available solutions in major cost areas of ICT, such as voice communications and secure Internet gateways
• initial scoping of alternate Internet and intranet portal solutions was undertaken to address removal of in-house application development resources.

Information technology security

The Authority has commissioned development of a comprehensive ICT security documentation framework to ensure it is compliant with Commonwealth security policies and guidelines. Security document templates for risk management plans, system security plans and security standard operating procedures are included in the new framework. Investigation of documentation publishing and update mechanisms has commenced, with an emphasis on
portal-based solutions to encourage input from stakeholders and application owners.

Electronic document and records management system

Following agency-wide implementation in early 2007, the electronic document and records management system (TRIM) has been used as the principal corporate document repository. Customised training for new and current staff continues; including dedicated segments in induction and orientation for all levels of staff. A back-capture process for both corporate and individual records migrated 13,849 records to TRIM in 2007-08.

The Authority focused on ensuring that new employees were trained in contemporary electronic document management procedures as part of an overall shift from paper-based records. As part of this convergence strategy, files have been consolidated from email, personal hard drives and paper files.

Occupational health and safety

The Occupational Health and Safety Committee was established under the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 to help the Authority:

• develop, implement and monitor measures to protect the health and safety of employees
• facilitate cooperation and joint discussion between the Authority and its employees on occupational health and safety matters
• disseminate topical information about health and safety in the workplace.

The Occupational Health and Safety Committee met twice to establish new health and safety representatives and to oversee consolidation of Authority accommodation. A trial fire evacuation was conducted.

The Authority provided free influenza vaccinations for employees and volunteers in May 2008. Consultation also occurred with estate maintenance staff about safe work practices and provision of protective clothing and footwear. Confined space training was provided to maintenance staff. Selected employees undertook first aid training.

As part of the Authority's Occupational Health and Safety Policy, all employees and their family members have access to an employee assistance program that provides confidential and free counselling. The Authority receives quarterly reports on use of the program.

During 2007-08 there were no incidents that required reporting under section 68 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.

Human resources

Australia Day Achievement Medallions

In February 2008, four staff members were presented with Australia Day Achievement Medallions. The recipients were Lisa Robb, Maria Donahue, Marcia Di Iulio and Kerrie Hall. The medallions are part of an Australia Day program for recognising significant achievement and contribution by Australian Public Service employees. They are a central part of the Authority's recognition and reward arrangements.

Disability Action Plan

The Authority's Disability Action Plan 2006-08 sets out its approach to addressing awareness, access and opportunities for people with disabilities. The plan represents the Authority's commitment to the objectives of the Commonwealth Disability Strategy and builds on the principles of workplace diversity and equality of access by ensuring that discrimination on the grounds of disability is eliminated from workplace practices, employment and communications with our stakeholders.

Employee consultation and communication

The Consultative Committee provides a forum for consultation with employees and their representatives on workplace issues within the Authority. One of the committee's primary responsibilities is to monitor implementation of the collective agreement.

The Authority holds weekly home base unit meetings to provide a regular forum through which employees are informed of current issues relevant to the Authority and to receive feedback from the weekly Executive meetings.

During 2007-08 the Authority conducted four Chief Executive Presentations to provide an opportunity to outline major issues, events and developments affecting the Authority's work. In January 2008 the Chief Executive advised all staff of the impact of the budget consolidation requirements on Authority staffing levels.

The Authority met with the Community and Public Sector Union three times to discuss the impact of budget consolidation on staffing levels and to consider arrangements for a replacement collective agreement that reaches its nominal expiry date on 31 July 2008.

Learning and development

The Authority's Learning and Development Plan identifies and coordinates mandatory and priority corporate and individual training, and manages learning and development activities. Individual development plans are incorporated into the performance management system to ensure learning and development activities are aligned to organisational outcomes. More efficient and strategic use of the learning and development budget is achieved with Authority staff conducting some training and delivering economies of scale through group training.

Key corporate learning and development activities conducted in-house during 2007-08 included:

• Electronic document management
• APS Values and Code of Conduct
• Streamlined recruitment procedures
• Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.

External training providers conducted courses on:

• Contracts and tendering
• Microsoft Excel
• Harassment contact officer
• First aid
• Freedom of Information
• Goods and Services Tax
• Risk management
• Insurance
• Security and fraud awareness.

Other learning and development opportunities individual employees participated in during 2007-08 included:

• SES breakfast series
• Australian Public Service Commission Human Resources Directors Forum
• Advanced digital photography
• Management essentials
• Water management issues conference/workshop.

Performance management

The Authority performance management system links individual performance agreements to specific projects in the annual Business Plan. This ensures performance expectations are clearly identified and aligned with business outcomes.

Salary increases and bonus payments under the Collective Agreement and Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) are conditional upon employee participation in the performance management system. The Authority provided total payments of $172,217 to employees in 2007-08 (see Tables 15 and 16). In addition to performance pay, selected employees also received annual leave and professional development opportunities as recognition of performance.

Key: SES - Senior Executive Service; EL - Executive Level; APS - Australian Public Service

Key: SES - Senior Executive Service; EL - Executive Level; APS - Australian Public Service

Personnel services and salary processing

The United Group, through an outsourced arrangement, provides payroll processing and related services. These contracted services commenced in March 2005 for three years and has been further extended pending market testing.

Recruitment

During 2007-08, the Authority continued to use new streamlined recruitment policy and guidelines to help managers achieve quality recruitment and selection decisions. The time taken to conduct recruitment selection exercises has significantly reduced, while concurrently observing merit. This has enabled early surety to be provided to potential employees in a competitive labour market.

Remuneration

The Minister, as the employing body under the Remuneration Tribunal Principle Executive Office structure, determines the remuneration and other conditions of employment for the Authority's Chief Executive in accordance with Remuneration Tribunal Determination 2005-19.

The Authority's Collective Agreement 2006-08 was approved on 31 August 2006. The comprehensive agreement made under section 328 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 covers 17 APS 1-6 employees (see Table 17) and nominally expires on 31 July 2008. The Collective Agreement features annual salary increases whereas AWAs and section 24(1) determinations also include provision for an annual performance bonus.

Employees remunerated by way of AWAs and section 24(1) determinations do not have access to flexitime or overtime. Non-salary benefits provided to employees through such arrangements cover a range of possible options including access to performance bonuses, annual leave cash out options, provision of additional annual leave, study leave, reimbursement for professional development, and access to executive lease vehicles.

Key: SES - Senior Executive Service; EL - Executive Level; APS - Australian Public Service

Senior Executive Service remuneration

The remuneration and other conditions of employment for the Authority's five SES employees are contained in AWAs and are negotiated with the Chief Executive (see Table 18).

Key: SES - Senior Executive Service; EL - Executive Level; APS - Australian Public Service

Staffing summary and profile

At 30 June 2008, of the Authority's 55 employees (see Table 19), 54 were employed under the Public Service Act 1999 with the Chief Executive employed under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988.

All employees are located in Canberra.

Note: These figures do not include employees on long-term leave including leave without pay and maternity leave.

Table 20 shows all employees in the Authority as at 30 June 2007 by classification, employment category and gender. Table 21 is the updated table for 2007-08.

Key: SES - Senior Executive Service; EL - Executive Level; APS - Australian Public Service

Key: SES - Senior Executive Service; EL - Executive Level; APS - Australian Public Service

Table 22 shows all employees in the Authority as at 30 June 2007 and 30 June 2008 by classification and gender.

Note: These figures do not include employees on long-term leave including leave without pay and maternity leave.

Key: SES - Senior Executive Service; EL - Executive Level; APS - Australian Public Service

Staff retention and turnover

Twenty-seven employees (10 ongoing and 17 non-ongoing) commenced with the Authority during 2007-08. Of the 70 employees who separated from the Authority during 2007-08, 32 were attached to positions declared excess (see Table 23).

Workforce planning/redeployment

The Executive conducted a workforce planning session in August 2007. Four positions were identified as excess and redeployment action was commenced in respect of displaced staff. A post-election workforce planning session was conducted in November 2007.

In January 2008, when the Authority's budget position was confirmed it commenced a major downsizing and redeployment exercise; 38 positions were declared excess. A distinction was drawn between mandatory and discretionary functions in identifying excess positions and associated potentially excess staff. The Authority consulted with the Community and Public Sector Union and agreed on a protocol to enable ongoing communication and consultation with and career progression for displaced staff. The Authority focused entirely on redeploying staff declared excess across the APS and ACT Government agencies. Specifically:

• Individual employees met with the Chief Executive and Human Resources Manager to advise of their potentially excess status and gauge their redeployment preferences.
• The Chief Executive wrote to heads of selected APS agencies advising them of the situation and seeking their favourable consideration and facilitation of job applications submitted by excess Authority employees.
• Human Resources provided an application cover letter to enable excess staff to highlight their status and to seek favourable consideration when applying for positions in other agencies.
• Job vacancies, according to employee preference, were actively monitored in the electronic media and brought to the attention of excess staff.
• A separate workstation was made available for excess staff for preparation of applications and resumes.
• Workplace supervisors were actively encouraged to allow dedicated time for preparation of applications and resumes.
• Employee applications were followed up with letters to the head of Corporate seeking their cooperation in the redeployment process.
• The Human Resources Manager, in conjunction with key senior agency staff, visited other APS agencies where excess Authority staff had applied to facilitate their job claims.
• The Authority funded resume and application preparation services to reduce the burden on displaced staff.
• The Authority engaged the services of an accredited mentor and mediator to provide specific job assistance, interview preparation and general career advice to displaced staff.
• In May 2008 the government announced creation of the Career Transition and Support Centre for displaced APS employees; in June 2008, three remaining redeployees were referred to the centre.
• No grievances or reviews of actions were received in relation to the redeployment process.

Security

During 2007-08, the Security function was placed under Governance to provide greater focus on implementing recommendations arising from the Auditor-General's follow-up audit, Management of Personnel Security. The Protective Security Policy and Guidelines were reviewed and updated.

Workplace diversity plan

The Authority's Workplace Diversity Plan 2006-08 was reviewed as a forerunner to preparing the 2008-10 plan. The Authority continues to reflect a diverse workforce with 48 per cent female employees, 12 per cent from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, 1.7 per cent having a disability, and 3.4 per cent identify as being Indigenous.

The Authority's Workplace Diversity Plan 2006-08 provides a framework to support its goals and principles of equity and diversity in the workplace. The plan's key objectives are to:

• promote awareness of workplace diversity within the Authority
• develop and maintain a highly skilled, diverse and effective workforce, where all employees are valued, encouraged and provided with opportunities to develop their potential
• develop a supportive workplace culture that allows staff members to balance their work and personal life
• provide a discrimination and harassment free workplace
• embrace workplace diversity principles in recruitment and selection processes.

At 30 June 2008, the Authority's 55 employees included a number of identified members from diverse backgrounds (see Table 24).

Finance Unit achievements

During 2007-08 the Finance Unit focused on updating and improving a number of key internal control and systems. Significant examples include:

• updating the Chief Executive Instructions
• conducting training on the Chief Executive Instructions, financial delegations, Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines
• introducing a new documented contract management system
  introducing new streamlined procurement methodologies for small and low risk procurements
• selecting new Financial Management Information System and Asset Management System for implementation during 2008-09.

7. Competitive tendering and contracting

The Authority is committed to achieving the best value for money in its procurement practices. To this end, it has developed guidelines and procedures for selecting contractors and consultants and for determining the most desirable procurement arrangement for a range of projects based on the size, complexity and special needs of a project.

The Authority has established a Tender Board to consider high value procurements, which operates within the procurement policy framework established under the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines. The procurement procedures for tendering further require that comprehensive evaluation criteria, based on the special requirements of a project be developed before tendering. These criteria address capability, experience and price to ensure the Authority is able to strike the right balance in selection.

The procurement policy framework addresses:

• value for money
• competition
• efficient, effective and ethical use of resources
• accountability and transparency.

Consultants engaged

During 2007-08, 59 new consultancy contracts were entered into with total expenditure of $2,512,385 (including GST). In addition, 15 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during 2007-08, with total expenditure of $1,213,488 (including GST).

A list of all consultancy contracts let to the value of $10,000 or more (including GST) is available on the Authority website.

Contracts and tenders

The Authority currently contracts out, on a competitive basis, delivery of estate management, asset maintenance, restoration and replacement programs and new capital works.

Quality assurance certification

Quality assurance certification to ISO 9002 for the horticultural industry is preferred for provision of services under estate management contracts.

The contractor must provide evidence of an existing quality assurance system or that there is active progress toward having in place a quality assurance system based on ISO 9002 for urban open space maintenance under the contract.

Quality management plan

As part of the conditions of contract for estate management and asset maintenance, contractors prepare and maintain quality management plans that ensure services are delivered in accordance with the specification. The plan must demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in service delivery.

Programming and exception reporting

For estate management and asset maintenance contracts, the contractor is required to provide an Annual Maintenance Program, which addresses the requisite activities under each section of the specification.

In addition, the contractor provides the superintendent with a monthly exception report against the activities of the Annual Maintenance Program.

Contract performance monitoring

The Authority has strengthened the maintenance and performance of estate management and asset maintenance contracts in various ways including compliance with the specifications in both quality and timeliness. The contractor ensures the level of compliance, as specified and measured by the Contract Performance Monitoring System, is met.

Should the specified level of compliance not be met and the contractor fails to show reasonable cause through the monthly exception report, a more detailed assessment may be carried out and the Authority may implement procedures for addressing non-performance under the provisions of the general conditions of contract.

8. Other reporting

This chapter includes reporting on social justice and equity, the Authority's involvement with courts and tribunals, Ombudsman and Privacy Acts, regulation review and legislative instruments. As well, it outlines the consultancy services the Authority undertook, it's purchasing, subsidiaries and discretionary grants.

Social justice and equity

The Authority's vision is a national capital that symbolises Australia's heritage, values and aspirations, is internationally recognised, and worthy of pride by Australians. This vision statement is built into the Portfolio Budget Statements as the Authority's Outcome.

The Authority promotes social justice and equity by integrating planning and policy making with economic, social and environmental considerations. It aims to achieve fair distribution of resources to develop the national capital thereby providing a quality environment, appropriate environmental standards, sustainability and an efficient structure and transportation network.

The Authority incorporates views of stakeholders and the Australian community through the Consultation Protocol. The protocol sets out the minimum consultation required when the National Capital Plan is being amended, when a development control plan is being made or amended and on works applications. It also identifies that the Authority hold an annual public forum about previous years work and future directions. Implementation of the protocol allows stakeholders and the Australian community to be involved in the decision-making process.

The Authority aims to provide equal access for Australians to information about their national capital through its public awareness and educational activities and the Authority website.

Complaints to the Commonwealth Ombudsman

The Commonwealth Ombudsman referred one complaint to the Authority for its consideration during the year. The Ombudsman had not completed his investigation of the matter as at the end of the year.

Complaints to the Privacy Commissioner

The Authority did not receive any complaints or requests from the Privacy Commissioner during the year.

Regulation review

The Office of Best Practice Regulation, which is part of the Department of Finance and Deregulation, vets and reviews regulations to ensure they are properly formulated and do not impose undue costs on business and the community. A regulation may include any laws or other government ‘rules' that influence the way people behave. Regulation is not limited to primary or delegated legislation.

Government policy requires that a Regulation Impact Analysis Compliance Return be prepared for regulatory proposals that may affect business, individuals or the economy. Amendments to the National Capital Plan are regulatory proposals.

During 2007-08, the Authority submitted two reports to the Office of Best Practice Regulation outlining four matters. The Office of Best Practice Regulation assessed both as not requiring preparation of a Business Cost Calculator report or Regulation Impact Statement.

Legislative instruments

The main provisions of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 commenced on 1 January 2005. As a result, registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments website is now the official form of notification for all legislative instruments, which includes amendments to the National Capital Plan. Under section 57 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 the tabling and disallowance provisions of this Act (section 42) supersede provisions set out in section 22 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. While this does not change the time within which an amendment must be tabled, the time within which a notice of motion to disallow an amendment can be made is now 15 sitting days after tabling, rather than the six sitting days previously allowed under section 22(2) of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988.

During 2007-08 two amendments to the National Capital Plan came into effect, they were:

• Amendment 66 Diplomatic Mission Yarralumla
• Amendment 67 Provisions for Mobile Home Park Blocks 6 and 8 Section 97 and Block 17 Section 102 Symonston.

Details of these amendments are provided in Chapter 2.

Consultancy services undertaken

Section 6 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 sets out the Authority's functions. Section 6(f) provides that:

6. with the approval of the Minister, perform planning services for any person or body, whether within Australia or overseas.

In 2007-08 the Authority undertook consultancy services for the Attorney-General's Department and the Department of Defence.

Diplomatic Security Project

In 2007-08 the Attorney-General's Department (Protective Services Coordination Centre) engaged the Authority to prepare designs for various facilities as part of the diplomatic estate. Construction of these facilities is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

Russell Urban Design Guidelines and Master Planning

The Department of Defence engaged the Authority to provide planning and urban design services for the Russell Precinct.

Subsidiaries

The Authority has no subsidiaries.

Discretionary grants

The Authority does not administer any discretionary grants.

Purchasing

The Authority's policy and Chief Executive Instructions on purchasing goods and services are consistent with Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines, including international obligations, and other policy advice issued by the Department of Finance and Deregulation, maximising competitive opportunities on the basis of value for money. Wherever possible and appropriate, recycled and recyclable produces are purchased. Attention is paid to the energy efficiency of equipment and to guidelines on energy efficiency. Contracts and standing offers with a value of $80,000 (including GST) or more are advertised on AusTender. The Authority has no contracts that were exempt from AusTender.

The Authority revised its Chief Executive Instructions in July 2007 on purchasing goods and services. Additional amendments were made to the Chief Executive Instructions during the year to reflect changes in internal practices and procedures and amendments to the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines.

The Authority published its Annual Procurement Plan on the AusTender website in accordance with Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines. The Annual Procurement Plan is a strategic procurement outlook, providing details of planned procurement and the estimated date of publishing the request for tender.

Certificate of Compliance

The Authority provided its 2006-07 Certificate of Compliance return to the relevant Ministers by the due date in October 2007. None of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 breaches detected and reported in the 2006-07 Certificate of Compliance return were of a nature or size to materially affect the signing of the 2006-07 financial statements.

The Authority's 2006-07 Certificate of Compliance return when commenting on the financial sustainability of the Authority advised the Minister that due to the fact that the Authority has had approved operating losses in each of the past two financial years ($0.696 million in 2006-07 and $0.460 million in 2005-06) it now faces very real liquidity issues. The response added that these issues have been formally disclosed in the Authority's Portfolio Budget Statements in 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2007-08 and that the forward estimates depict serious erosion in the Authority's working capital. The response finished by stating that the Authority is actively addressing these liquidity issues and considering options to address the situation, which may include seeking an equity injection from government.

The Authority's Audit Committee continues to have a major role in the development and endorsement of the Assurance Framework and supporting Guidance Material to manage the Certificate of Compliance processes in the Authority.

The Assurance Framework provides details on the broad scope of coverage for the Authority, a process map outlining the hierarchy of controls and sign-offs required by Senior Management, the Chief Finance Officer and other key staff with financial delegations and the role of the Audit Committee prior to sign-off by the Chief Executive.

As at 30 June 2008 the Authority is not aware of any Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 breaches that would materially affect the signing of the 2007-08 financial statements.

Courts and tribunals

Proceedings by Gloss Landscaping in the ACT Supreme Court arising out of the National Police Memorial project were discontinued in February 2008.

Appendix 1: Financial statements and independent audit report

Click here to download the Appendix 1 in PDF Format

Appendix 2: Mandatory reporting

Freedom of Information

Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 requires all government agencies to publish a statement setting out the organisation's role, its structure and functions, details of documents available for public inspection and facilities to access documents. Details of the Authority's structure and functions is available for public inspection through the Authority's library and website at www.nationalcapital.gov.au.

Documents the Authority holds which may be available for inspection under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 include records and files on administration, correspondence, contracts, financial statements, plans and project details and decisions of the Authority.

The Authority received three requests for information during the year. As at 30 June 2008, the Authority had two outstanding requests for documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

Enquiries and requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 should be made to:

The FOI Officer
National Capital Authority
GPO Box 373
Canberra ACT 2601

Telephone: +61 2 6271 2888
Facsimile: +61 2 6273 4427
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Advertising and market research

In accordance with amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, all Australian Government departments and authorities are required to set out, in their annual reports, details of amounts paid by or on behalf of them during the year to advertising agencies as well as market research, media advertising and direct mail organisations. This information is presented in Table 25.

Commonwealth Disability Strategy

Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance

The Authority is responsible for planning Canberra's future development through planning and approval processes that preserve the special character of the national capital for all current and future Australians. Section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) requires government agencies to publish a report on their environmental and ecologically sustainable development (ESD) performance.

How the activities of the Authority accord with the principles of ESD (section 516A(6)(a))

The Authority's purpose is to manage the Australian Government's continuing interest in Canberra's planning and development as the national capital. ESD considerations are incorporated into the Authority policy framework, such as the National Capital Plan and the Authority Environment Policy 2002.

The Authority Corporate Plan 2005-10 Vision is ‘a national capital which symbolises Australia's heritage, values and aspirations, is internationally recognised, and worthy of pride by Australians'. While ESD principles are not explicitly stated in the Corporate Plan they are aligned to the goals the Authority has set to achieve its vision and, through these goals, are integrated into all business operations.

The following Corporate Plan goals reflect the intentions of the ESD Integration Principle and the Intergenerational Principle:

• to realise the promise of the city plan and the ideals of the founders we will work towards:
  • a capital that is relevant to Australians, reflecting Australia's rich and diverse heritage, its people and their aspirations
  • a robust and sustainable planning framework that supports the needs of the capital now and in the future, and establishes a dynamic relationship between the capital's cultural and natural settings
• to foster Canberra as the national capital we will work towards:
  • a capital that broadens the experience of all Australian citizens and stimulates their understanding of country and culture
• to develop the special character of the national capital we will work towards:
  • retention and enhancement of Canberra's unique landscape character and recognition of Australia's diverse cultural heritage
  • management and enhancement of the value of National Land and assets for current and future generations - managing heritage places to protect and conserve their heritage values in accordance with our heritage strategy.

The Authority has in place other formal guidelines to facilitate staff consideration of ESD and the principles of ESD when undertaking the diverse activities of the Authority. These guidelines are the Risk Management Framework and the Guidelines for Events in the National Capital.

The Risk Management Framework the Authority has adopted strengthens decision-making in the public interest and places more emphasis on consultation and communication. It respects core APS Values such as honesty, integrity and probity at all levels, and contributes to improved results by managing risk proactively. Integrated risk management also supports a whole-of-government view based on rational priority setting and principles of responsible spending.

The Events in the National Capital Guidelines include environmental impact as one of the assessment criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of a proposed event.

How the administration of legislation by the Authority accorded with the principles of ESD (section 516A(6)(a)) Planning the Capital

The Authority is established by and operates under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. The Authority functions, established under the Act, include preparing, administering and constantly reviewing the National Capital Plan.

Under the National Capital Plan, matters of national significance include ‘development of a city which both respects environmental values and reflects national concerns with the sustainability of Australia's urban areas'. One of the key objectives of the National Capital Plan is to ‘support and promote environmentally responsible urban development practices'.

Works Approval forms part of the Authority's role under section 12 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. The Authority approves works within the Designated Areas of the National Capital Plan. During 2007-08 the Authority approved 56 development approval applications relating to a place within the Commonwealth Heritage List and/or the Register of the National Estate.

During 2007-08 the Authority made three referrals to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts under section 28 of the EPBC Act for Block 9 Section 67 Deakin; Blocks 2 and 3 Section 44 Yarralumla; and Stage 1 of the Humanities and Science Campus Square.

One internal heritage impact assessment was prepared for the Reconciliation Place Artwork Stage 5 project.

As well, during 2007-08 the Authority:

• attended monthly liaison meetings with the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts to discuss matters of mutual interest to ensure protection and conservation of heritage places managed by the Authority
• provided ongoing briefings to the department
• commented on 17 EPBC Act referrals for the department.

During 2007-08 the Authority prepared heritage management plans for Lake Burley Griffin and Adjacent Lands (Stirling Ridge, Yarramundi Grasslands, Commonwealth and Kings Avenue Bridges and Scrivener Dam), the Parliament House Vista, York Park North Oak Plantation and Old Parliament House Gardens.

During 2007-08 the Authority sought comment from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on the final draft heritage management plan for York Park North Oak Plantation and initial drafts of the heritage management plans for Lake Burley Griffin and Adjacent Lands and the Parliament House Vista. Consultancies are also underway for Parkes Place and the National Rose Gardens and the Canberra Central Parklands. The Authority has progressed documentation to prepare heritage management plans for Changi Chapel and General Bridges Grave.

On the Minister's behalf the Authority administers the National Land Ordinance 1989 and applied provisions, including the Lakes Ordinance 1976 which is considered to have ESD relevance. In administering the Lakes Ordinance 1976, one of the Authority's statutory responsibilities is to manage the inland water resource of Lake Burley Griffin in a sustainable manner to protect its ecology and national significance. In so doing, the Authority undertakes a range of measures to manage Lake Burley Griffin for a variety of functions and in accordance with management objectives that reflect community, economic and ecological values.

How the outcomes specified in a relevant Appropriations Act contribute to ESD (section 516A(6)(b))

The Authority's vision, which is reflected in its Portfolio Budget Statements, is to achieve ‘a national capital which symbolises Australia's heritage, values and aspirations, is internationally recognised, and worthy of pride by Australians'. While not explicitly specifying an ESD contribution, the outcome broadly reflects the intentions of ESD.

Effect of the Authority's activities on the environment (section 516A(6)(c))

The Authority uses 8 per cent Green Energy on all of its contestable sites managed under the Whole-of-Government Energy Contract.

In addition to the formal arrangements in the above plans, procedures, programs and guidelines, the Authority has established a number of other initiatives intended to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment. They include:

• recycling all rubbish at the National Capital Exhibition
• using paper bags instead of plastic bags at the National Capital Exhibition shop
• placing notices in the Authority kitchens about use of dishwashers to reduce water use
  placing recycling bins in the Authority kitchens.

The Authority runs National Capital events and issues permits to others to run events. One of the most significant environmental effects of these activities is waste generation. In late 2003 the Authority introduced recycling bins at its own events and requires other events operators to do likewise.

For all major Capital Works projects, the Authority undertakes environmental assessments in accordance with the requirements of the EPBC Act to determine whether referral to the Environment Minister is necessary.

A number of National Land sites the Authority manages contain species that are on the list of nationally threatened species and threatened ecological communities declared under the EPBC Act. Ongoing management of these sites is guided by action plans prepared by Environment ACT in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1980.

Measures being taken by the Authority to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment (section 516A(6)(d))

The Authority has undertaken a range of measures that will minimise the impact of its activities on the environment. They included:

• The Authority carried out a number of Water Resource Management measures in 2007-08 to manage the water resources under its control.
• The Water Resource Management Policy that meets the Authority's key objectives ‘to support and promote environmentally responsible urban development and management practices'.
• The purpose of the Water Resource Management Strategy is to address key water resources issues for the national capital and establish the Authority's objectives for managing water resources under its control.
• The Lake Burley Griffin Water Quality Management Plan specifies actions required for effective management of the lake's water quality. It outlines roles and responsibilities, monitoring regimes, response protocols and communication with regulatory agencies, stakeholders and the public.
• The Lake Burley Griffin Abstraction Plan establishes sustainable water consumption and water level targets for Lake Burley Griffin.
• Through the Aquatic Plants Control Program the Authority monitors and controls excessive plant growth in the lake to minimise nuisance and potential safety risks to recreational and other lake users. The harvested weed is gathered and removed to avoid decayed material affecting water quality.

In February-March 2007, the Authority harvested aquatic submerged plants in excess of 10 hectares of the lake at a cost of $29,136 (including GST). Cutting was undertaken in January-February 2007, in mooring areas, designated swimming areas and boat launching areas. In excess of 45 tonnes (wet weight) of aquatic plants was cut and removed from the lake.

The Authority has an ongoing comprehensive water quality monitoring program for the lake. Information is reported on the Authority website.

The purpose of the Lake Burley Griffin Recreation Policy is to address key recreational management issues for the lake and establish the Authority's objectives for managing water-based recreation and enable it to effectively manage use of the lake in a way that promotes its national significance.

The Authority undertook a number of measures in 2007-08 to minimise the impact of its land management activities on the environment. They included:

• The Authority has a program for regularly undertaking weed control activities on sites containing species that are on the list of nationally threatened species and ecological communities declared under the EPBC Act. This program includes removal of woody weeds. The Authority is also a member of the Weeds Working Group that comprises most of the Territory's land managers.
• During the year the Authority continued negotiating with the ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services to conduct prescribed burns within Stirling Ridge to reduce fuel hazard levels. Understorey clearing of vegetation was also undertaken in this area.
• The Authority has an ongoing procedure to prohibit hot air balloons landing on sites containing threatened species and threatened ecological communities.
• The Authority has undertaken a number of measures to minimise the impact event activities have on the environment. They include:
  • establishing guidelines for events on National Land; environmental impact is included as an assessment criteria for determining whether the event is appropriate
  • the Authority's Events Risk Management Package is provided to organisers planning an event on Authority-managed land; they include risks to the environment
  • the Waste Management Plans for Events are prepared in consultation with experienced waste contractors. The Authority provides recycling bins at Authority-organised events and encourages other event managers to do likewise.

Appendix 3: Resources for outcomes

Note: *Portfolio Budget Statements 2008–09, Attorney-General’s Portfolio p. 325

Glossary

ACT Government
The body politic established under the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) ACT 1988. Includes the Executive of that body, and agencies established by it, whether by enactment or otherwise.

Amendment of the National Capital Plan
A function of the Authority is to keep the National Capital Plan under constant review and to propose amendments to it as necessary. The statutory provisions for amending the Plan are set out in sections 14 to 22 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. The amendment process includes public consultation. After approval by the Minister, amendments are subject to disallowance by either House of the Australian Parliament.

APS
Australian Public Service

Arterial Road System
Forms the principal access between town centres, industrial centres, major retail centres and residential areas; or provide access between the separate towns of the urban area.

Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
Commonwealth legislation that provides the overarching legal framework for planning and land management in the Australian Capital Territory.

AWA
Australian Workplace Agreement

Central National Area
Includes the Parliamentary Zone and its setting, Lake Burley Griffin and foreshores, Government House, the Australian National University, the Australian Defence Force Academy, Duntroon, Campbell Park, Canberra Airport and RAAF Base Fairbairn. Also included are the diplomatic areas of Yarralumla, O’Malley and West Deakin and individual diplomatic sites in the suburbs of Red Hill, Forrest and Deakin.

Designated Area
An area of land specified as having the special characteristics of the National Capital as provided for by section 10(1) of the PALM Act. All ‘works’ in Designated Areas are subject to approval by the Authority (see also Works).

Detailed conditions of planning design and development
Section 10(2)(c) of the PALM Act states that the National Capital Plan may specify areas of land that have the special characteristics of the National Capital to be Designated Areas. The PALM Act provides for the Plan to set out detailed conditions of planning, design and development in Designated Areas and to specify the priorities in carrying out planning, design, and development in Designated Areas.

Development Approval
An approval for works, as defined in the PALM Act.

Development Control Plan
A plan prepared for the guidance and control of development including design, siting, scale, purpose, timing and phasing, construction, landscaping and other relevant matters. Development Control Plans may be required in areas where ‘special requirements’ apply and may include maps, drawings, photographs, specifications and written statements (section 10(2)(d) of the PALM Act). A Development Control Plan may apply to National Land or Territory Land sites (or areas) provided they are not included in Designated Areas.

Diplomatic precincts
Those areas of Yarralumla, West Deakin and O’Malley that have diplomatic uses permissible under the National Capital Plan.

EPBC Act
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

ESD
ecologically sustainable development

General Policy Plan – Australian Capital Territory
Figure 2 of the National Capital Plan, describes the National Capital open space system beyond the metropolitan areas. It is supported by principles and policies in the National Capital Plan.

General Policy Plan – Metropolitan Canberra
Figure 1 of the National Capital Plan being a part of the strategic plan for the ACT. It describes areas planned for urban development, non urban, rural, the open space system and the primary road and public transport system indicative routes. It is supported by principles and policies in the National Capital Plan.

GST
goods and services tax

ICT
information and communications technology

Lease and development conditions
Are prepared for vacant land sites by the relevant planning authority before the sites are leased and developed. These conditions form the basis for considering development applications for approval.

Master Plans
Comprise area-specific policies intended to guide the planning design and development of a large site area. Some Master Plans, once approved by the Authority, are given statutory effect by inclusion in the National Capital Plan through an Amendment to the Plan.

National and Arterial Road Systems
Two separate road networks, as defined in the National Capital Plan.

National Capital Open Space System
The system of open space in the ACT comprising the hills ridges and buffer spaces that surround and frame the urban areas, Lake Burley Griffin, the river corridors, and the distant mountains and bushlands to the west of the Murrumbidgee River.

National Capital Plan
The Commonwealth’s plan for the Capital prepared and administered by the Authority in accordance with Part III of the PALM Act.

National Land
Is used by, or on behalf of, the Commonwealth. Some of that land is designated in writing by the Minister (under section 6(g) of the PALM Act) as land required for the special purposes of Canberra as the National Capital; this Land is managed by the Authority.

National Road System
Provides the principal means of access between the National Capital and the state capitals, and between Canberra and the major national highways; or is designed for symbolic, formal, or National Capital purposes; or provides access to National Capital facilities and vantage points within the Territory; or is located on National Land declared under the PALM Act. National Roads include the Federal, Barton and Monaro Highways; Canberra, Commonwealth and Northbourne Avenues; and State and Capital Circles.

National significance
Section 9 of the PALM Act sets out the object of the Plan, that is to ensure that Canberra and the Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance. The National Capital Plan sets out Matters of National Significance in the planning and development of Canberra and the Territory.

PALM Act
Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988.

Parliamentary approval
Parliamentary approval is required for works proposed within the Parliamentary Zone under the provisions of the Parliament Act 1974 or the Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988.

Parliamentary Precincts
An area of land specified by the Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988. The Parliamentary Precincts are part of the Parliamentary Zone and consist of all land contained within (the inner side of) Capital Circle surrounding Parliament House.

Parliamentary Zone
An area of land specified as the Parliamentary Zone by the Parliament Act 1974. It consists of the area bounded by the southern edge of Lake Burley Griffin, Kings Avenue, State Circle and Commonwealth Avenue.

Special Purpose Payments
Payments made by the Commonwealth as ongoing contributions to the states and territories. The ACT Government receives allowance for the special circumstances of the ACT, including those National Capital factors that result in additional costs.

Special requirements
Those planning requirements set out under section 10(2)(d) of the PALM Act. Developments in areas where special requirements apply, which conform to a Development Control Plan, and are approved by the Authority, unless otherwise specified in the Plan.

Temporary work
Work that is erected for a specific event and will be removed after the event has been held. Regulation 2 of the PALM Act.

Territory Land
Land administered by the Territory Government on behalf of the Commonwealth. The classification of land as either Territory Land or National Land is provided for in the PALM Act and relates entirely to land management and administration. The classification does not determine planning responsibilities, which are established separately under the PALM Act and are subsequently expressed through the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan.

Territory Plan
The plan prepared and administered by the Territory planning authority under Part IV of the PALM Act. The Territory Plan cannot be inconsistent with the National Capital Plan.

Territory planning authority
The planning body established under Part IV of the PALM Act in accordance with planning laws proclaimed under that Part by the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory.

The Griffin Legacy
The Authority’s 2004 publication that sets out the blueprint for future development of the capital’s Central National Area.

The Plan
The National Capital Plan made under Part III of the PALM Act.

Variation to the Territory Plan
Are prepared in accordance with relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT).

Works
As defined in the PALM Act include:

1. construction, alteration, extension or demolition of buildings or structures
2. landscaping
3. tree-felling, or
4. excavations,

but excludes anything done inside buildings or structures.

Works approval
see Development approval