The Canberra Times: Tuesday 17 February 1931

The Canberra Times: Tuesday 17 February 1931 (link to the National Library archive)

TOO COSTLY

Ginninderra Falls

AS TOURIST RESORT  

The utilisation of Ginninderra Falls to attract tourists was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the Canberra Advisory Council, but owing to the large cost it would entail, it is not likely that anything will be done in the matter.  

Cr. R. Rowe moved: "That it be a recommendation to the Honourable the Minister that the Federal Government submit offers to landholders for the resumption of land necessary to provide public access to Ginninderra Falls and, failing any agreement being arrived at with the landholders concerned, that the cooperation of the New South Wales Government be invited with a view to the appointment of an arbitrator to determine terms of settlement."  

He said that Ginninderra Falls was one of the finest spots that could be seen within a reasonable distance from Canberra. He understood that negotiations had taken place in the past, but that there was some difficulty about compensation. Naturally, if there were any resumption of land, the landholder was anxious to get the most that he could. But, subject to a reasonable attitude on the part of the land owners, he thought that the Government should approach these people with a definite offer. The Government should be in a position lo assess the amount of compensation that would be necessary.

Cr. T. M. Shakespeare suggested altering the motion so that the Advisory Land Board might take part in the negotiations. He thought that the trouble would be in regard to the Federal Territory rather than New South Wales.

The Chairman (Mr. Daley): With both.

Cr. Shakespeare: I understand that the lessees refused to give access.

Mr. Daley: The trouble is that in the past the people visiting there used to leave the gates open.

Cr. P. E. Deane said that the land- holders had been approached in the   past but their proposals were outrageous. It was not a question of the right of way through the lands, but the risk of bush fires that such access would cause, also broken fences, etc. They saw the chance of putting obstacles in the way of the Government. It would cost very much more than it was worth. These falls were, not very wonderful, and there were falls in their own Territory. With the, present unfinancial condition of the Commonwealth, if they put forward such a proposition to spend money on a picnic ground, there would be a howl of laughter before which they would quail.    

Cr. Shakespeare: Would you ask that a report be called for.

Cr. Gell: I would like to see the re- ports.  

Cr. Gourgaud: I suggest that the motion be withdrawn.    

Cr. Rowe: I would like to defer that until I have seen the reports.  

Cr. Gourgaud: The road would cost £20,000 or £30,000 for a start.    

The motion was deferred.