Continuing opposition to proposals to construct Victoria's State Museum in the
Carlton Gardens.

The Victorian State opposition published into today's Herald Sun Newspaper has
called for the proposed new State Museum of Victoria to be deferred and that
the proposed development be subject to proper independent assessment.  The
Opposition supported the proposed nomination of Melbourne's Royal Exhibition
Buildings for World Heritage ( The Royal Exhibition building situated within
Melbourne Carlton Gardens is an outstanding and extremely rare example of a
type of building which illustrates a significant stage in human history, - the
great international exhibitions of the late 19th century.)

The design and construction of the State Museum has widely criticised for its
adverse impact on the Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building.

The scale and height of the proposed development will dominate and obscure the
view of the Exhibition Building's 'Florentine dome which has been the main
dominate architectural feature in the area.

The Melbourne City Council, the State Opposition and members of the community
have called on the State Government to consider alternative sites that would
better serve the interests of Melbourne and the Museum.

The proposed development has not been subject to proper architectural
assessments and planning reviews.    There is ongoing concern and lack of
confidence in the design and process undertaken with a considerable number of
Museum staff and academics questioning the administration of the project.