Telstra Tower

The Telstra Tower (also known as Black Mountain Tower) is a telecommunication tower that is situated above the summit of Black Mountain in the Australian federal capital city of Canberra. Rising 195.2 metres above the mountain summit, it is not only a landmark in Canberra but also offers panoramic views of the city and its surrounding countryside from a viewing platform or from the Tower's revolving restaurant.

History

The Telstra Tower was opened as Telecom Tower on 15 May 1980 by the then Prime Minister. Prior to its construction some people felt that the Tower would dominate other aesthetic Canberra structures due to its location above the “Black Mountain” and within a nature reserve. Thus, during the earlier stages of the approval procedures there was a feeling of outrage and vigorous protests against the project. These protests were especially based on aesthetic and ecological grounds and at several hearings, which also included a lengthy Supreme Court case, different opinions were discussed.

In April 1970 started the planning of the design of the Tower when the Telecom asked the Department of Housing and Construction to carry out a feasibility study in relation to a tower on the “Black Mountain” accommodating both communication services and facilities for visitors. Although the actual building itself was the responsibility of “Concrete Constructions” the National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) held a unique responsibility for the development of Canberra and therefore, every new structure required their specific approval. The NCDC had a longstanding authority over the City development and thus their construction of the Tower was reflected to be in the beauty of the City.

After the Telstra Tower was the subject of a High Court case in the 1973 decision of Kent versus Johnson, it was decided in favour of the Government of Australia and the public clash, which had developed between Telecom and the NCDC over the Towers design, was solved. The impressive stainless steel work was designed by William H. Wilson of Sydney in 1972 and the Telstra Tower was awarded prior to its construction for its remarkable design and construction.

Prior to the construction of the tower, CTC7 (now Southern Cross Ten) had its studios located at the top of Black Mountain. Also located on the top were two guy wired masts, one for CTC7 and the other one for the local ABC station ABC3. These were subsequently demolished in 1980 just after the tower opened.

Facilities

The Telstra Tower provides vital communication facilities for Canberra along with both inside and outside viewing galleries, a telecommunications museum, a café and a gift shop as well as the revolving Alto Tower Restaurant. There are three floors of business, sales and radio communication facilities located between the 30.5 metre and 42.7 metre levels providing space for communication dishes, platforms and equipment for mobile services within the Tower.

The viewing platforms provide 360 degree views of Canberra and the surrounding city and countryside. Visitors to the Telstra Tower can see the city unfold from the enclosed viewing gallery or from the two open viewing platforms. Besides the telecommunications facilities the Tower includes also a souvenir shop, a relaxing coffee lounge, and Canberra's only revolving restaurant which rotates 360 degrees in 81 minutes to provide diners to experience a different view throughout their meal. In the lower level of the Tower's entrance foyer, there was formerly an exhibition "Making Connections" which traced the history of Australian telecommunications from the earliest days into the 21st century but this has since been removed. There is a theatre which provides a 1970's video on the Tower's remarkable design and construction.

The Telstra Tower has become one of the most symbolic landmarks in Canberra and a major tourist attraction with a total of over six million visitors. In 1989 the World Federation of Great Towers invited Telstra Tower to join such distinguished monuments as the Blackpool Tower in England and the Empire State Building in New York.

At a combined height of 120 metres, the turbines proposed for the Molonglo Ridge will be 75% of the height of the Telstra Tower at Black Mountain.

The Telstra Tower is one of the most visually imposing structures on the Canberra skyline, visible from many parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Location

The Telstra Tower is situated at the summit of the Black Mountain in the suburb Acton in Canberra. Rising 195 metres above the mountain summit, it is a landmark that offers panoramic views of the city and its surrounding countryside from inside and outside viewing platforms or from the Towers revolving restaurant.

Black Mountain is a sensitive part of the Canberra environment and also a park of significant interest in the ecological world with its unique collection of flora and fauna. Built on the summit of the Black Mountain the Telstra Tower became also known to the locals as Black Mountain Tower. Black Mountain is part of the Canberra Nature Park [http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/parks_forests_and_reserves/recreation_in_acts_parks_forests_and_bushlands/canberra_nature_park]

Visitors can reach the Tower by car from the Black mountain drive turnoff on Clunies Ross Street, near the Australian National Botanic Gardens entrance. Day Tours coach companies in Canberra also include visits to the Tower in their itineraries. ACTION Buses also provide a bus service to and from the City during Weekends and School Holidays. The Telstra Tower and its revolving restaurant is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm seven days a week. Entry is affordable with adults costing $6.00, children only $1.90 and infants under 2 years free. Its advisable to take cash as eftpos is unavailable.

External links

*
* [http://www.altotower.com.au Alto Tower Restaurant]
* [http://www.telstra.com Telstra's Official Website]
* [http://www.visitcanberra.com.au Canberra Tourist Website]
* [http://www.act.gov.au The ACT Government Website]