Archive for month: February, 2013

The National Capital Authority (NCA) will begin installing replacement anchor bolts at Scrivener Dam at the beginning of March.

The replacement anchor bolts will ensure that the dam’s five flap gates will remain secured to the concrete dam wall. The flap gates are typically lowered during flood events to regulate the water level of Lake Burley Griffin.

NCA chief executive, Gary Rake said the works were identified during an annual safety audit and surveillance inspection of the dam in late 2011.

‘The NCA became aware of corrosion issues related to the original anchor bolts in late 2011. During 2012 we conducted further engineering investigations, developed and documented a design, obtained the necessary statutory approvals and appointed a head contractor to undertake the works,’ Mr Rake said.

‘Replacing the 120 existing anchor bolts with 60 new bolts has required careful consideration to ensure the work is completed efficiently and with minimal impact on dam operations.

‘The anchor system has been substantially redesigned to meet current design standards.

‘Completion of the works will ensure public safety is maintained and provide continued effective function of the anchor bolts for the next 100 years,’ he said.

Lake Burley Griffin was lowered in late 2011 to assist in managing risks associated with both the day-to-day operation of the dam and the completion of these engineering works. It is anticipated the lake will remain at the current lower level throughout construction.

Minimal impact is expected on road users, pedestrians and cyclists, and nearby residents during the construction phase. Short-term temporary traffic and shared path management arrangements will occur infrequently, however these will typically occur outside peak periods. Careful attention is being given to minimise opportunities for potential environmental impacts.

The engineering works will commence on Friday 1 March 2013 and are anticipated to conclude in March 2014.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melanie Skinner
Director, National Engagement
National Capital Authority
02 6271 2893

On 11th March 2013 Lake Burley Griffin will be the Centre of activities for Canberra’s Centenary celebration, and rowers can participate with your crew at this amazing event. The organisers are looking for volunteer crews to row a loop of Central basin during the afternoon’s entertainment and view the
“Raising of Country” ceremony near the Carillon at 3:45pm. We have agreed that the rowers will be dressed in fancy dress, and that the best fancy dressed crew will win a prize. All participants will receive a Centenary volunteer t-shirt. The row is planned to take about one hour around the Central Basin.
Please contact James Hammond to register your crew for this event. Please note 11th March is a public holiday, and all of the crew will need to decide that participating will be more fun than going away for the long weekend.
The press release for the event indicates what will be surrounding the lake.
“Starting from midday on the south side of the lake there will be Canberra… in So Many Words – you can help build and come and play in the words all around the lake. There’s stuff for kids at Regatta Point, you’ll encounter weird and wonderful characters and happenings all along the south side of the lake, and at Rond Terrace multicultural Canberra will have word-building, music and food.
“At the same time, close-to-shore boats with fantastic musical acts will float by, and those on the shore won’t be able to resist joining in and having a dance. You can also sign up to join Graeme Leak’s Noise Orchestra.
“There’ll be four other live music platforms, so I think many people will want to take up early positions at their favourites. The raising of a huge word near Aspen Island at 4pm will be the signal for these music stages to begin, with the Noise Orchestra marching off and the folk music program starting up on Aspen Island.
“At the Regatta Point stage MC Paul McDermott will introduce The Church, the Gadflys, the Falling Joys and more.
“Over on the other side there’s a welcome to country on Reconciliation Mound, featuring performances by local Indigenous artists alongside national stars such as William Barton and Djukkapurra Munyarrun.
“From 3pm on the classical stage in front of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, there is a great program put together by Michael Sollis – all music about Canberra – culminating at 8pm with the premiere of Andrew Schultz’s Centenary-commissioned Symphony No 3: Century.
“And all of this is completely free!
“The Longest Bubbly Bars in the world open in the late afternoon, and with a third of the tickets sold in 24 hours you need to book now for a taste of the Centenary sparkling wine and delicious tapas from local produce. Nearby there will be displays and sales of local produce, as well as plenty of other food and watering holes.
“So if you like the church, take up a position at Regatta Point, where there is plenty to do for the kids including music-making on the stage. There’s funny stuff going on everywhere … very funny stuff floating past you on the lake… opportunities to help build and play in among the BIG WORDS … and plenty of food and drink nearby.
“Then from 4pm the re-formed bands, from 8pm the new symphony on a big screen, and finally the Griffin-inspired fireworks finale. After the finale there are Canberra Indy bands till 11pm.

The 2013–2016 National Selection Policy and the 2013 Event Requirements have now been signed off by the Rowing Australia Board.

RA are calling for all athletes and coaches, to submit their nominations by filling in the forms available here.

Closing dates for nominations for 2013 National Team selection are:

Senior A, U23 – 17:00 AEDST 8th February 2013
Summer Universiade – 17:00 AEDST 8th February 2013
Para-Rowing – 17:00 AEDST 8th February 2013
U21 – 17:00 AEDST 25th February 2013
Junior – 17:00 AEDST 31st March 2013