"In the pages of Melbourne's print media and talkback radio there is
     an ongoing debate about the proposed design and location of the State
     Museum to be built in the Carlton Gardens adjacent to the historic
     Royal Exhibition Buildings.

     Opponents to the development believe that the design will
     detrimentally impact on the historic building and would better serve
     Melbourne if it was relocated to a more strategically located site
     within the cultural heart of the city..."

     This previous message neglected to mention that this is the 8th
     proposed location for the Museum and many of the "ideal" locations
     mentioned by the opponents to the placement of the Museum within the
     Exhibition gardens have been put forward and then dismissed for
     various reasons.  The last location for the Museum is where the new
     Exhibition Centre is now located, at one end of the so-called
     "Cultural Spine".

     The opponents to the site have also indicated that this is still a
     "proposed site".  This is not the case as works have already begun.
     Should the construction of the Museum be halted in any way, it would
     be detrimental to the collections held by the State.  It is imperative
     that the building be finished on time as the site where the Museum is
     currently located is having major works done in order to facilitate
     the State Library taking over the site for its own purposes.

     Further to the "controversial 'Blade'"; it will be very similar,
     according to all accounts to the one that is above the new Exhibition
     Centre.  To my knowledge, no-one has objected to this.  It is not my
     wishes that the new Museum site should be seen copying any other
     building, but the architectural firm involved is the same.  Also the
     thought that this "Blade" will completely obscure the dome is
     embellishment on behalf of the opposition to the Museum site.  It has
     been established that approximately 3-4 houses on the north side of
     the park will have their view obscured by the clear blade.

     As part of the new Museum construction the Exhibition buildings are
     being brought back to their original state as they have had modern
     additions placed on them with little to no intervention by a heritage
     or historical council until now.  There is to be a large mall-like
     area between the two structures so as to provide a walkway through as
     well as a decent space that enables a view of both buildings.

     The opposition to the new Museum indicates that there is overwhelming
     support for the construction to be halted but does not cite any
     independent surveys (all surveys completed have been of their own
     construction) or go beyond providing gross generalisations.  It
     appears that the silence from the State government and supporters is
     sufficient to surmise that the project should be halted.  It may
     simply be that first there has to be a sensible, rational and coherent
     argument placed before any comments can be made!

     As to the unaware Victorians, this particular site and design have
     been able to be viewed since 1994 and have been shown at many public
     occasions, such as the Melbourne Show, the opening of the Exhibition
     Centre, Melbourne City Council Offices and of course, the
     International Flower Show 1995.

     The above points are of course, my own opinion.  Anthony van der
     Craats is entitled to his.  An informed debate is always better than
     an uninformed one!

     Susan Meadows
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