This evening, I would like to speak about an important event which is unfolding in my electorate of Calwell. A few weeks ago I wrote to the mayor of the city of Hume, which falls within my electorate of Calwell, proposing that we bid for the acquisition of Melbourne's Centenary of Federation Arch.
A subsequent Hume City Council meeting approved a motion by Councillor Gary Jungwirth proposing that Hume indeed bid for the federation arch, which is looking for a permanent home as its temporary position on Melbourne's St Kilda Road is about to come to an end.
It has now become a bit of a contentious issue amongst residents with many expressing disapproval for the council's bid on the basis that they are deeply concerned about the costs associated with removing and reassembling the structure if Hume were to become its permanent new home. The council has estimated that it may cost up to $200,000. Naturally, residents are right to feel concerned. I support the council's bid for the federation arch but only on the basis that ratepayers' money is not used to foot the bill. I also believe that the council has a similar view and they will attempt to raise the money from other sources, such as corporate sponsorship and donations.
Indeed, there is quite a bit of competition for a $200,000 bill. For those who have not seen the Centenary of Federation Arch, it is a visually stunning piece of art, innovative in design, which has straddled Melbourne's Princes Bridge—right in the heart of our arts precinct—as a commemoration of our Federation and continues a fine tradition of arches in this country. Centenary of Federation arches were constructed across the country to help celebrate the Federation of the Australian Commonwealth. The idea that arches were to be the symbol of our federation is based on the fact that arches were a popular form of architecture at the beginning of the 20th century, which was of course around the time of the birth of our nation.
Melbourne City Council is seeking proposals from towns or organisations interested in inheriting the 30-tonne structure. It is a controversial structure, akin to another controversial Melbourne icon, colloquially known as the `Yellow Peril'. Given the city of Melbourne wants to relocate the arch, it must also bear some responsibility towards the costs of moving and reconstructing it. It is a bit cute for the city of Melbourne to take an economic rationalist view of the future of the arch by calling for competitive tendering when in fact the arch was donated to Melbourne City Council in the first place. The council has had the benefit of the arch and should now, together with its corporate partners, bear the cost of relocating it. It may have to give this proposal some serious thinking because the estimated costs of removal will serve as a deterrent for those councils who are interested in offering it a new home.
Tattersall, who described the arch as `a gift to the people of Australia', donated the $500,000 for Melbourne's Centenary of Federation Arch. Its design was based on images of 1901 arches and reflects the diversity of cultures working together in our first century. It featured lighting that ran from dusk to dawn to highlight the construction of coloured metal rods with semitransparent cloth covering it. This arch is probably the most innovative arch the world has ever seen, even though some people describe it as a gargantuan game of pick up sticks. It is affectionately known as `pick up sticks' in Melbourne. The city of Hume is big and appropriate enough for the Centenary of Federation Arch. I am pleased that the idea has received support from a majority of our councillors. I would like to reassure our ratepayers that not one cent of their money will be used for the relocation costs if Hume is successful in its bid.
As the member for the area, I come into regular contact with local residents who are committed to preserving and enhancing our area's historical sites and values. The acquisition of the Centenary of Federation Arch would enhance the history of the area. The area bordered by the city of Hume is an important part of the nation's pre and post Federation history, ranging from the Kulin nation of Aboriginal people's history in the area, the exploration of European explorers Hume and Hovell, and John Fawkner's development of the region to the use of local land, known as the Maygar Barracks, for military purposes in World Wars I and II.
There are numerous open spaces in the municipality which would be suitable for the structure. Naturally, there will be people who will find the idea peculiar or even shocking, but I am sure that in due time they will warm to the proposal. Bold structures such as the arch will give the city of Hume a much needed boost of constructive controversy, but more importantly will put Broadmeadows on the map as a city that can be a serious part of Melbourne's cultural and artistic life. We are, after all, the gateway to the city of Melbourne. Tullamarine airport is at the centre of our city and we are a perfect home for this extraordinary piece of art and history.
