My media release:

This is a copy of the Public statement made by the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories following the Committee receiving a complaint from a resident of the area.

Wednesday 23rd June

Committee supports Duffy memorial for bushfire victims

Federal Parliament’s National Capital Committee supports preserving the large open space in Duffy bordered by Eucumbene Drive, Cotter Road, Warragamba Avenue, Dixon Drive and Streeton Drive, as a parkland memorial to victims of the January 2003 bushfires.

The Committee shares the concerns of local residents (see attached letter from Mr John Flannery) that the area in question, Commonwealth Land, may be sold by the Department of Finance and Administration for future development.

The Committee believes that this land would be suitable as a natural memorial to the victims of the bushfires, especially those who lost their lives and is calling on both the Federal and ACT Governments to cooperate in creating such a memorial. 

The Committee believes that this parkland memorial should be identified by a commemorative plaque so that visitors will understand and appreciate the significance of the site.

For media comment, contact Committee Chairman, Senator Ross Lightfoot, on tel: (02) 6277 3626

For further information, contact the Inquiry Secretary, Mr Quinton Clements, in the Committee secretariat, on tel: (02) 6277 2135