The Australian and NSW Governments have announced a joint initiative to recognise and commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s landing at Botany Bay in 1770.
The two Governments are to commit $50 million to upgrade visitor, transport, educational and commemorative infrastructure at Sydney’s suburb of Kurnell, including a new aquatic monument that takes in the original mooring site and foreshore.
Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull announced the initiative, saying it was time the historical and nationally significant precinct received the genuine attention it deserved.
“This is the place where our ancient Australian story began a new chapter that has led us to the free, peaceful and prosperous nation we are today,” Mr Turnbull said.
“The meeting place precinct at Kurnell will play a major role in events to recognise the 250th anniversary of Cook’s arrival.”
He said the milestone provided the perfect opportunity to ensure the important occasion was marked and to provide a legacy for future generations to reflect on and hear the stories of the important place.
“A panel will be appointed, comprising local community and Indigenous representatives, to oversee commissioning, consultation and installation of the new monument,” Mr Turnbull said.
“The consultation process will include the public display of monument options for direct feedback from the community with the panel to recommend a preferred option to the State and Commonwealth Governments.”
He said work on the new monument would be completed in time for the 250th anniversary in 2020.
The 13-page Master Plan for the commemorative project can be accessed at this PS News link.
