Public pressure has finally killed off a proposal to build memorials to the two world wars on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
After revising down the height of their proposed twin monoliths from 20m to 15m in December, the Memorial(s) Development Committee announced yesterday it would abandon the Rond Terrace location altogether and instead try to build them on two vacant sites at the War Memorial end of Anzac Parade.
Committee chairman Mike Buick said the amendments were the outcome of extensive consultation with the community and the National Capital Authority.
''We have always been open to the possibility of moving,'' he said. ''Just after Christmas we started talking seriously to the NCA about it.''
However the fallback plan for the $21 million project is set to meet similar opposition from community groups.
Walter Burley Griffin Society spokesman Brett Odgers said the abandonment of the Rond Terraces site was welcome news.
''It is a relief that the proposal for the Rond Terraces is at an end,'' he said. ''That would have been an appalling planning mistake.''
But Mr Odgers said plans to put the ''monolithic monuments'' along Anzac Parade were also concerning.
The design of the memorials is also expected to change, although the Memorial(s) Development Committee will continue working with the original architect, Richard Kirk and Associates.
The committee has also withdrawn its referral to the government for a heritage assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
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