Commencement Column Monument Heritage Management Plan

The Commencement Column Monument comprises of the three foundation stones for the intended column which were laid down at a ceremony on 12 March 1913 to designate the official foundation of the national capital and its naming as Canberra.

It is located on Federation Mall, near Parliament Drive, Capital Hill, Canberra. Heritage Values The foundation stones of the Commencement Column are of symbolic significant to the Australian community for their association with the official foundation and naming of Canberra in March 1913 as the national capital.

The foundation stones are significant for their association with important figures in the foundation of Canberra, including John Smith Murdoch, designer of the intended Commencement Column and of Old Parliament House.

To read more about the Commencement Column monument heritage values and to view the statutory listing please visit the Australian Heritage Database

Preparation of a Heritage Management plan

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), all Commonwealth agencies are required to prepare management plans for Commonwealth Heritage listed and nominated places under their management. The purpose of this management plan is to identify, protect and manage the heritage values of the Commencement Column Monuments. This management plan was prepared in accordance with the Commonwealth Heritage management principles and the requirements under the EPBC Act.

This management plan was reviewed by the Australian Heritage Council.

For further information, please contact the NCA on heritage@nca.gov.au or 02 6271 2888.