Senator David Pocock and Thomas Emerson MLA are backing calls from Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violent Sheridan and Ngunnawal custodian Richie Allan for the ACT Government and Telstra to honour Telstra’s prior commitment to transform Telstra Tower into a Ngunnawal cultural tourism venue, which was welcomed at the time by the ACT Chief Minister.

This comes after the ACT Government revealed new plans in 2025 to redevelop the tower in partnership with Telstra, with no mention of the previously announced plans that had been developed with Traditional Owners. 

Quotes attributable to Thomas Emerson MLA

“It’s incredibly disappointing that Telstra and the ACT Government are baulking at earlier commitments made to the Ngunnawal community regarding the future of Telstra Tower.

“Extensive work went into developing a Ngunnawal-led vision for transforming Telstra Tower into a world-class cultural icon. Telstra invested in plans, and put significant capital on the table, to bring that vision to life.

“Turfing all that work would be both wasteful and deeply disrespectful to the Traditional Owners who’ve been driving this process.

“Genuine shared decision-making means actually working together from start to finish, not looping in Traditional Owners after the key decisions have already been made.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Telstra Tower back on the map as an iconic cultural landmark. 

“There’s still time for the ACT Government to salvage these plans and relationships.”

Quotes attributable to Senator David Pocock

“Respect for Traditional Owners needs to extend beyond words to real action. Ngunnawal people engaged in good faith and that should be respected not ignored. 

“A lot of work has gone into ensuring Telstra Tower becomes an even more iconic feature in Canberra and is a celebration of Ngunnawal culture. This is a huge opportunity for Canberra and the ACT Government needs to ensure the original vision is what guides the redevelopment and reopening of the tower.

“It's been years that Telstra Tower has been closed to the public and the site has sat vacant. Let’s not allow this to become yet another missed opportunity to celebrate Ngunnawal culture and enliven tourism in the nation’s capital.”

Background

Black Mountain’s Telstra Tower closed as a tourism venue in 2020.

Following extensive advocacy led by Ngunnawal leaders Richie Allan and Aunty Violet Sheridan, Telstra engaged Deloitte Indigenous Services in mid-2022 to develop plans for the site in close consultation with Traditional Owners. 

In March 2023, ABC reported that Telstra Tower would be restored as a Ngunnawal cultural tourism venue, including digitally enhanced viewing platforms to celebrate First Nations history, culturally inspired dining facilities, and education programs on the Ngunnawal people’s ties to the land. This vision was reflected in a feasibility study, concept video and report, with Telstra being prepared to commit tens of millions of dollars to the project. Telstra’s announcement was welcomed at the time by the Chief Minister.

In June 2024, Telstra and the ACT Government signed a letter of intent committing to work together to redevelop Telstra Tower as a visitor destination.

In June 2025, the ACT Government announced $233,000 in budget funding to progress the partnership with Telstra to reopen Telstra Tower, issuing a joint media release that made no mention of Traditional Owners or Ngunnawal cultural tourism. During Estimate hearings in August 2025, the Chief Minister indicated that discussions with Telstra had included adventure tourism experiences, but again did not mention any involvement of the Ngunnawal community.

In September 2025, Mr Emerson wrote to the Chief Minister calling for the ACT Government to incorporate the significant preexisting body of work on a Ngunnawal cultural showcase into its plans for Telstra Tower, and Senator Pocock wrote to the Chief Minister expressing concerns and wrote to Telstra requesting that they follow through on their prior commitments to Ngunnawal Elders. Senator Pocock met with representatives from Telstra and Ngunnawal Elders and emerging leaders in early December 2025.

During Annual Reports hearings in November 2025, Mr Emerson asked the Chief Minister whether the ACT Government had seen the design work that had previously been developed in partnership with Traditional Owners. An official confirmed the ACT Government had seen the final Deloitte feasibility report, but Mr Barr described it as “a matter between [Telstra] and the community.”