On behalf of the National Capital Authority (NCA), I am pleased to present the 2022-23 NCA Corporate Plan, which covers the period 2022-23 to 2025-26, as required under paragraph 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
I acknowledge the traditional owners and historic custodians of Canberra and pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
On 12 March 1913, the site of Australia’s future National Capital was inaugurated by Australia’s Governor-General, Lord Denman, with Lady Denman formally announcing its name, Canberra. When proposing the toast, Lord Denman, said:
(it is) the duty of patriotic Australians to do all that lies in their power to make this capital worthy of a Commonwealth … That here a city may arise where those responsible for the government of this country may seek and find inspiration in its noble buildings, its broad avenues, its shaded parts and sheltered gardens – a city bearing perhaps some resemblance to the city beautiful of our dreams.
Almost 110 years later, the Governor-General’s toast at Canberra’s inauguration lives on in the NCA’s Mission:
To shape Canberra as a capital that all Australians can be proud of by ensuring it is well planned, managed and promoted, consistent with its enduring national significance.
For the period ahead, the NCA will continue to play its central role in the planning and development of the Nation’s Capital and the National Triangle with several important developments scheduled to take place, especially the Ngurra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct, but also continuing work at the Australian War Memorial and other important new or renewed places and spaces in and around the National Triangle. The NCA will ensure the area is developed in line with its national importance and engagement with the Australian community continues to inform the outcome.
A key focus for the NCA over the next few years will be the successful renewal of key assets, in particular the structural strengthening and widening of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, and the consolidation of the safety and stability of Scrivener Dam. Both are major infrastructure assets that require work to ensure they continue their pivotal role in a safe and effective way in the National Capital.
The NCA invites all Australians to celebrate and visit the Nation’s Capital through events, activations, partnerships and by making accessibility and wayfinding improvements throughout the National Triangle.
We will of course continue to work to ensure the best possible presentation, condition and amenity of National Land with a focus on highlighting the area’s Indigenous and National heritage.
Terry Weber Chair, National Capital Authority, 24 August 2022
