Chief Minister Gallagher has announced the ribbon cutting at the Federation Rocks display.
Sadly not a memorial to Cold Chisel, Powderfinger and The Angels, instead we have a large rock representing each state and territory as part of what is hoped will one day be a larger geological reference.
The display, at the entrance to the six-hectare site, consists of a set of large rocks selected for their significance to their home state or territory.
“In May this year I wrote to the State Premiers and the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory inviting them to supply a significant rock for inclusion in the Federation Rocks Display.
“My counterparts were unanimous in their support for the project, all eager to make a contribution to the National Rock Garden and to Canberra’s centenary year,” the Chief Minister said.
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Members of the Geological Society of Australia first discussed the concept of a National Rock Garden in 2008, and the following year the National Capital Authority agreed to allocate a six-hectare site for its development. The National Rock Garden was launched in July 2010 and gazetted as a National Monument in 2011.
“There were some challenges involved in sending the rock contributions to Canberra, as they had to be large – they weigh around 10 tonnes and are about two metres high. Seven of the rocks are in place for the official opening, but unfortunately the contribution from Western Australia has been delayed,” the Chief Minister said.
Victoria’s contribution is reef quartz from Bendigo, a symbolic link to the gold rush of the 1850s and 1860s. The NSW boulder of Hawkesbury sandstone is instantly recognisable in the cliffs of Sydney and surrounding national parks, and as an iconic building stone for many of Sydney’s historic buildings.
“One of the great things about the centenary celebrations is being able to build lasting legacies for the community. The Federation Rocks will be a must see for visitors and school groups for many generations to come,” the Chief Minister concluded.
One hopes the school groups won’t be coming from too far afield as it lacks a bit on the wow factor right now.
The ACT’s limestone contribution is a particularly interesting rock which is nice.
It’s a lovely part of Canberra down by Lake Burley Griffin and the old Linsday Pryor Arboretum.
Well worth a picnic!
