A tale of a tower's transformation and the fight for cultural recognition: Canberra's Black Mountain Tower, a once-proud landmark, now stands derelict, its future uncertain. Ngunnawal elders, Uncle Richie Allan and Aunty Violet Sheridan, envisioned a grand revival, a cultural hub celebrating the First Peoples of Canberra. But here's where it gets controversial: Telstra's plans seem to have shifted, leaving the Ngunnawal community in the dark.
The Telstra Tower, an iconic structure, has been a source of embarrassment since its closure in 2020. The once-vibrant entrance now lies barricaded, a stark contrast to its former glory. Behind the scenes, conversations have been ongoing since 2022 to revive this landmark, but it appears that Ngunnawal leaders are being excluded from these discussions.
Aunty Sheridan shared her vision, a vision that aimed to restore the tower's identity and honor the Traditional Owners. Uncle Richie Allan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to showcase Ngunnawal culture and history. Together, they worked with Deloitte Indigenous Services to develop a plan that would transform the tower into a Ngunnawal cultural tourism venue, complete with immersive experiences and educational programs.
The plan was ambitious and had the support of key stakeholders, including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Telstra committed to investing millions to bring this vision to life. However, as time passed, the focus seemed to shift, and the Ngunnawal components of the project appeared to be overlooked.
In 2024, Telstra and the ACT Government signed an agreement to reopen the tower, but a year later, the emphasis seemed to be on adventure experiences rather than cultural significance. This shift sparked concern among Ngunnawal elders and advocates, including Independent MLA Thomas Emerson and ACT senator David Pocock, who demanded that Telstra and the government honor their commitments.
The ACT Government responded by stating that they are working with Traditional Owners to ensure cultural opportunities are incorporated into the tower's reopening. They highlighted their collaboration with Lyrebird Dreaming, an Indigenous consultancy, to engage with the Ngunnawal community. However, they also emphasized that the final decision rests with Telstra as the facility owner.
Telstra acknowledged the cultural significance of the site and their commitment to including the Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians in the planning process. Construction is scheduled for 2027, but the government's involvement is subject to various conditions.
The story of the Telstra Tower's revival is a complex one, with differing perspectives and a potential shift in focus. It raises questions about the importance of cultural preservation and the role of corporations and governments in honoring their commitments. What do you think? Should the original plan be reinstated, or is there room for a new vision that incorporates both adventure and cultural significance? Share your thoughts in the comments!
