Ngunnawal elders are expressing disappointment over Telstra's apparent backtracking on its initial plans for the Black Mountain tower. The tower, once a prominent landmark in Canberra, has been closed to visitors since 2020, leading to concerns about the loss of a cultural tourism venue for the city's First Peoples. The story began with a vision to transform the tower into a 'Ngunnawal cultural tourism venue', complete with digital enhancements, cultural dining, and educational programs. This ambitious project, supported by the ACT Chief Minister and Telstra's commitment to invest tens of millions of dollars, aimed to celebrate Ngunnawal history and connection to the land. However, recent developments have raised questions about the inclusion of these cultural elements. In June 2024, a letter of intent was signed between Telstra and the ACT Government, followed by a media release announcing government funding. This led to discussions about various 'adventure experiences', including zip lines and climbing courses, which seemed to overshadow the original cultural vision. This shift has not gone unnoticed by Ngunnawal leaders, who are now advocating for the original plan to be restored. Uncle Richie Allan and Aunty Violet Sheridan, along with David Pocock and Thomas Emerson, have raised concerns about the potential loss of the tower's cultural significance. They argue that the initial plan, which emphasized the tower's role as a cultural center, was a promise made to the Ngunnawal community. The ACT Government, in response, acknowledges the importance of cultural engagement and states that conversations with Ngunnawal elders will continue. They are working on an 'engagement approach' with local Indigenous consultancy Lyrebird Dreaming to ensure the tower's reopening includes meaningful cultural opportunities. However, the government also emphasizes that Telstra, as the facility owner, has the ultimate responsibility for the tower's design and final form. Telstra, in turn, has acknowledged the cultural significance of the site and expressed a commitment to involving the Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians in the planning process. The project's timeline remains uncertain, with construction set to start in late 2027, pending commercial negotiations and the procurement of a construction partner.
