Anzac Oval: Chief Minister ‘confident’ gallery and oval and coexist, South of the Gap sets deadline
One group is still fighting an art gallery proposed for an iconic Red Centre oval – despite the government saying it is ‘confident’ it will be built. Find out why.
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A group has vowed to “shift into a new phase” if they aren’t consulted about an art gallery proposed for an iconic oval in Alice Springs – but the Chief Minister says she’s “very confident” the gallery and oval can exist on the same site.
On Monday, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro gave more details on the future of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery proposed for Anzac Oval, while South of the Gap said they wanted more input.
Ms Finocchiaro said the existing grandstand will stay, the fence line may be potentially altered to fit on the site, and “people needn’t be concerned about the new site for the gallery”.
“We’re very, very aware of the sacred sites around that facility and all of that of course is being taken into consideration,” she said.
“We are certainly very, very confident we can have an iconic Aboriginal art gallery and Anzac Oval in place and have those facilities ready to go for this community.”
Community consultation and a more detailed plan would come out in “a couple of weeks”, Ms Finocchiaro said – putting Treasurer Bill Yan on notice.
Mr Yan said the government had saved $25 million by not building a sporting ground at Kilgariff, and Braitling MLA Josh Burgoyne said “we have committed to building that art gallery down on that Anzac Oval site whilst preserving Anzac Oval”.
“That has been something that I’ve heard so loud and clear throughout the last four years,” Mr Burgoyne said.
“When I was out door knocking, it was so important to listen to the community and today it’s wonderful to be here having listened to the community.”
In September, Ms Finocchiaro halted construction of the gallery on Anzac Oval.
The location has long been opposed by South of the Gap, a group that wants the gallery built in the Desert Knowledge Precinct, south of Alice Springs and Heavitree Gap.
Now, South of the Gap has set an November 11 deadline for the government to consult with it about the gallery location, group members Faron Peckham and Edan Baxter said.
“If we don’t hear any further reply then we will shift the focus of our activities and community engagement into a new phase,” they said.
Mr Peckham, a Central Arrernte Traditional Custodian, previously started a petition to relocate the gallery.
His petition now has more than 4000 signatures.
“Obviously there is a long standing point of difference concerning the site, the cultural process and protocol, but we are hopeful yet that the government will at least meet with us and see if there is some common ground,” Mr Peckham and Mr Baxter said.
“The community group has requested and is awaiting insights into the details concerning the budget expended thus far and the implications of the various contractual arrangements and subsequent CLP Government decisions.
“We have repeatedly indicated a willingness to meet in good faith, and to work intelligently within the community to reinvigorate enthusiasm about the potential of this project for our town and Australia.”
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