The creation of a new capital city for Australia was the result of several historical events and considerations that took place after the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901. Here are the key events leading to the decision:
1. Formation of the Commonwealth of Australia:
- In 1901, the six separate British colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania united to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
2. Dispute over the Location of the Capital:
- After federation, there was significant disagreement among the states about where the permanent capital of the newly formed nation should be located.
- Sydney and Melbourne, the largest cities at the time, were both vying to become the capital due to their economic and political prominence.
3. Compromise and the Choice of Canberra:
- To resolve the dispute, a compromise was reached to create a new capital in a neutral territory that did not belong to any existing state.
- In 1908, Canberra, a rural area in New South Wales, was selected as the site for the new capital city.
4. Design Competition and Walter Burley Griffin:
- An international design competition was held to determine the layout and design of the new capital.
- American architect Walter Burley Griffin won the competition with his design for Canberra featuring the use of geometric shapes and radial avenues.
5. Development of Canberra:
- Construction of Canberra began in 1913, and it was officially declared the capital of Australia on May 9, 1913.
- The Parliament House, designed by John Smith Murdoch, was completed in 1927, while other significant buildings and infrastructure were gradually constructed over the years.
6. Inauguration of Canberra as the Official Capital:
- On May 9, 1927, Canberra was officially inaugurated as the capital of Australia, replacing Melbourne, which had served as the temporary capital since 1901.
It's important to note that the decision to create Canberra as a new capital involved various political, geographical, and practical considerations to establish a neutral and purpose-built seat of government for the newly federated nation of Australia.
