Strategic Review of Recreational Facilities

You can now download the “*Strategic Review of Recreational Facilities*”:http://www.rowingact.org.au/files/Strategic_Review_of_Recreational_Facilites_around_Lake_Burley_Griffin.pdf

The report was prepared by CBRE on behalf of Rowing ACT with funding provided by Sport and Recreation Services.

The report focuses on those recreational user groups directly using Lake Burley Griffin and its foreshore as a recreational resource.

Consultation was directed at identified peak organisations and the general public. Whilst a number of individual clubs were consulted in order to gain a broader appreciation of the issues being faced by recreational users, the scope of the brief did not facilitate consultation with all clubs known to use the Lake and its surrounds. Its conclusions in respect of structured recreational facilities are presented on an activity by activity, rather than club by club basis. However, in some instances commentary has been provided in respect of individual clubs, in order to highlight specific issues or concerns.

The report finds that recreational facilities around Lake Burley Griffin are generally considered acceptable and are coping with existing pressures. However, it finds some key areas of deficiency requiring immediate attention to alleviate pressure and to improve recreational use of the Lake. These include:-

– Recreational paths, which require attention having regard to existing traffic volumes and their dual role as a recreational resource and as part of the transport network. TAMS is currently undertaking a review of design standards, which will provide the necessary platform from which to move forward on this matter.

– The relocation of the rowing regatta staging area.
– Facilities for rowing, dragon boat and triathlon.

The study identifies opportunities for the provision of new facilities to meet these needs; specifically in Grevillea Park, Weston Park, Yarralumla Bay, Molonglo Reach and on Black Mountain Peninsula. It suggests that the release of land in these locations would provide some interim relief to the issues faced by identified structured recreational users on an activity level but may not be sufficient to meet ongoing demand associated with a growing population.

Consultation responses indicate significant pressure for facilities and land at a club level, which has not been specifically explored in this study. Existing pressures on club facilities are likely to exacerbate as the population of the ACT increases.
Within this context there is a need for continual appraisal of recreational facilities at both an activity and club level to ensure that they meet existing and anticipated future requirements. It is recommended that in addition to further exploration of the opportunities identified above, that a more comprehensive strategy addressing the delivery of land surrounding Lake Burley Griffin be prepared to ensure that land is released in a structured manner reflecting both the needs of lake users and the significance and values associated with Lake Burley Griffin.

December 1, 2010/323 Comments/by vmcmahon