13 July 2016

Have your say on National Arboretum

| Michael Reid
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arboretum-logo

Canberrans can have their say on the future of the National Arboretum by completing a short survey on the ACT government’s consultation website, Time to Talk.

The arboretum celebrated its third birthday this year and since its official opening in February 2013, 1.8 million visitors have passed through its gates.

It has become an important part of the city’s identity, with thousands of Canberra families and visitors enjoying the venue on a regular basis.

Given the broad interest in the site, the ACT government is seeking input from the community to help inform future development of the arboretum.

The government has already started discussions with a number of the arboretum’s stakeholders, including foundation members, Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra, staff and volunteers, who are all providing valuable insights on the creation, purpose, function and future of the space.

A number of ideas have already been brought forward to enhance the arboretum, including an interactive smartphone app to help interpret the forests, additional trails and picnic areas in the forests, horse holding yards and even accommodation options.

The government is keen to explore all options to ensure the arboretum continues to be a popular attraction.

To complete the survey visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au.

The survey will close on Monday 27 June.

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In the news today (why not before the election) – the Voices in the Forest scheduled for next month will be instead a “Whimper in the Seats” at Llewellyn Hall.
The reasons given for the change of venue are “DUE TO THE LIKELIHOOD OF UNSUITABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS”.
Is this climate change again, so, why this year and not previous years?
More likely it is because the arboretum is looking a bit shabby and the costs are not justified but I am sure there are other reasons that will not be generally promulgated.
At least the people who previously paid to see good performers sabotaged by out of control children will benefit as I can’t see any children wanting to sit through the concert in a place like Llewellyn Hall.
We need an enquiry into the finances of this folly.

I am surprised there has been no comment about the report in the Canberra Times last week that a boutique hotel/conference centre (with tree houses!) has been mooted for the arboretum.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/national-arboretum-pinpoints-site-for-boutique-hotel-and-conference-centre-20160601-gp94zf.html
It appears to be one of those unsolicited proposals that Canberrans have already become inured to but it has hit a snag with the NCA.
I am sure a few discussions laced with fine wine and truffles will clear the path.
I haven’t been able to find anything in the budget papers indicating how much more money has been earmarked for this bottomless pit which is fast becoming the exclusive playground for some well heeled Canberrans.
A letter in the Canberra Times today suggests space be allocated at the arboretum for a caravan park. I think this idea has merit; it would attract a lot of big spending grey nomads.
I see two problems, one being the road gradient in and out not conducive to large caravans and the “gatekeepers” who would oppose any hint of their hallowed place being infested with “trailer trash”.

Masquara said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

A rather ironic comment considering the news story in the CT today (assuming the CT story is accurate):

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/car-rolls-at-national-capital-rally-in-canberra-20160527-gp54tu.html

Other than having a really cool photo, the article seems to demonstrate that the Arboretum is fine for really noisy, and arguably destructive sports when the government wants it to be.

It’s a very exclusive club; for some it is an extension of their lavish publicly funded lifestyle.
No doubt the traffic police are investigating.
Arboretum public liability covers injuries to third parties through hooning?
No wonder a lot of the saplings are dying.

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

A rather ironic comment considering the news story in the CT today (assuming the CT story is accurate):

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/car-rolls-at-national-capital-rally-in-canberra-20160527-gp54tu.html

Other than having a really cool photo, the article seems to demonstrate that the Arboretum is fine for really noisy, and arguably destructive sports when the government wants it to be.

wildturkeycanoe12:02 pm 27 May 16

wildturkeycanoe said :

gooterz said :

HenryBG said :

What about a giant slide like the one at Tidbinbilla then?

A truly excellent idea

I think you mean the the slide at Corin Forest?

Yup, that’s the one.

gooterz said :

HenryBG said :

What about a giant slide like the one at Tidbinbilla then?

A truly excellent idea

I think you mean the the slide at Corin Forest?

rommeldog56 said :

gooterz said :

HenryBG said :

What about a giant slide like the one at Tidbinbilla then?

A truly excellent idea

How about a Luge track as per the one in Rotorua NZ? These are great.

http://www.skylineluge.com/luge-new-zealand/skyline-luge-rotorua/

That looks really great and why not add a gondola to Black Mountain and the Botanical Gardens as well?
It really doesn’t matter what is “added” to the site now as it will never going to look like a traditional arboretum with already too many non-relevant other things included so let’s make it a general leisure space so ratepayers can get some value out of the money spent on it.

gooterz said :

HenryBG said :

What about a giant slide like the one at Tidbinbilla then?

A truly excellent idea

How about a Luge track as per the one in Rotorua NZ? These are great.

http://www.skylineluge.com/luge-new-zealand/skyline-luge-rotorua/

HenryBG said :

What about a giant slide like the one at Tidbinbilla then?

A truly excellent idea

ungruntled said :

I am a Rabbit™ said :

I am a Rabbit™ said :

london said :

Ryoma said :

gooterz said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

Amazing. I was wondering how long it would be until the standard wildturkeycanoe disapproval of cyclists would pop up. I take my interstate visitors to the arboretum. No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill. It’s a brilliant place for them to get their bearings of our amazing non-boring city and also appreciate how lucky we are to have the Brindabellas on our doorstep. The visitors consistently gush over our peaceful city with clean air and open spaces.

Your view of the world really puzzles me. my veins. I don’t need a high powered motor sitting in between my legs to let me know that I am alive.

“No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill………..”
Err, did you know there is an observation deck on Telstra Tower (or whatever it is called these days)?
That’s the large spire on top of Black Mountain to the North of dairy farmers hill.

1. You have to pay to get to that deck.

2. If you are on the south side of the viewing platform you can’t simply turn yourself around to view the north side – you have to walk around.

You have to pay to park at the arboretum – it’s free at Telstra Tower. A little walk never killed anyone.

Nope, parking is free at the top of Dairy Farmers hill – and also at the Himalayan Cedar Forest.

… and the hill overlooking the Mundi Mundi plains!

Plenty of cheap real estate as well!

wildturkeycanoe5:34 pm 26 May 16

360 degree views can be found atop Mt. Ainslie and if you are adventurous, Mt Coree has stunning views. If the arboretum is simply a lookout with a heap of foreign trees around it, you can’t really add much else. There already is an amphitheater type area, used mainly for people trying to get fit. What about a giant slide like the one at Tidbinbilla then?

I am a Rabbit™ said :

I am a Rabbit™ said :

london said :

Ryoma said :

gooterz said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

Amazing. I was wondering how long it would be until the standard wildturkeycanoe disapproval of cyclists would pop up. I take my interstate visitors to the arboretum. No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill. It’s a brilliant place for them to get their bearings of our amazing non-boring city and also appreciate how lucky we are to have the Brindabellas on our doorstep. The visitors consistently gush over our peaceful city with clean air and open spaces.

Your view of the world really puzzles me. my veins. I don’t need a high powered motor sitting in between my legs to let me know that I am alive.

“No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill………..”
Err, did you know there is an observation deck on Telstra Tower (or whatever it is called these days)?
That’s the large spire on top of Black Mountain to the North of dairy farmers hill.

1. You have to pay to get to that deck.

2. If you are on the south side of the viewing platform you can’t simply turn yourself around to view the north side – you have to walk around.

You have to pay to park at the arboretum – it’s free at Telstra Tower. A little walk never killed anyone.

Nope, parking is free at the top of Dairy Farmers hill – and also at the Himalayan Cedar Forest.

I am a Rabbit™ said :

london said :

Ryoma said :

gooterz said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

Amazing. I was wondering how long it would be until the standard wildturkeycanoe disapproval of cyclists would pop up. I take my interstate visitors to the arboretum. No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill. It’s a brilliant place for them to get their bearings of our amazing non-boring city and also appreciate how lucky we are to have the Brindabellas on our doorstep. The visitors consistently gush over our peaceful city with clean air and open spaces.

Your view of the world really puzzles me. my veins. I don’t need a high powered motor sitting in between my legs to let me know that I am alive.

“No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill………..”
Err, did you know there is an observation deck on Telstra Tower (or whatever it is called these days)?
That’s the large spire on top of Black Mountain to the North of dairy farmers hill.

1. You have to pay to get to that deck.

2. If you are on the south side of the viewing platform you can’t simply turn yourself around to view the north side – you have to walk around.

You have to pay to park at the arboretum – it’s free at Telstra Tower. A little walk never killed anyone.

london said :

Ryoma said :

gooterz said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

Amazing. I was wondering how long it would be until the standard wildturkeycanoe disapproval of cyclists would pop up. I take my interstate visitors to the arboretum. No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill. It’s a brilliant place for them to get their bearings of our amazing non-boring city and also appreciate how lucky we are to have the Brindabellas on our doorstep. The visitors consistently gush over our peaceful city with clean air and open spaces.

Your view of the world really puzzles me. my veins. I don’t need a high powered motor sitting in between my legs to let me know that I am alive.

“No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill………..”
Err, did you know there is an observation deck on Telstra Tower (or whatever it is called these days)?
That’s the large spire on top of Black Mountain to the North of dairy farmers hill.

1. You have to pay to get to that deck.

2. If you are on the south side of the viewing platform you can’t simply turn yourself around to view the north side – you have to walk around.

Ryoma said :

gooterz said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

Amazing. I was wondering how long it would be until the standard wildturkeycanoe disapproval of cyclists would pop up. I take my interstate visitors to the arboretum. No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill. It’s a brilliant place for them to get their bearings of our amazing non-boring city and also appreciate how lucky we are to have the Brindabellas on our doorstep. The visitors consistently gush over our peaceful city with clean air and open spaces.

Your view of the world really puzzles me. my veins. I don’t need a high powered motor sitting in between my legs to let me know that I am alive.

“No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill………..”
Err, did you know there is an observation deck on Telstra Tower (or whatever it is called these days)?
That’s the large spire on top of Black Mountain to the North of dairy farmers hill.

gooterz said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

Moving the SIEV X “memorial” from Weston Park to the arboretum would liven the place up.
If that doesn’t work, why not another edgy container village?

gooterz said :

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

Amazing. I was wondering how long it would be until the standard wildturkeycanoe disapproval of cyclists would pop up. I take my interstate visitors to the arboretum. No where else in Canberra can you get 360 degree uninterrupted views than those found on top of dairy farmers hill. It’s a brilliant place for them to get their bearings of our amazing non-boring city and also appreciate how lucky we are to have the Brindabellas on our doorstep. The visitors consistently gush over our peaceful city with clean air and open spaces.

Your view of the world really puzzles me. my veins. I don’t need a high powered motor sitting in between my legs to let me know that I am alive.

HenryBG said :

How about a track for motorcross bikes, seeing there are no other places to ride unregistered bikes? It’d provide an alternative to the drongos who race along the powerline reserves.
Yes, I am being serious, if they even contemplate allowing horses to trot around, why not motorbikes?

A motocross trail sounds like an awesome idea but the arboretum is not the appropriate venue. Little old ladies, small children and high powered, loud, dirtbikes can’t really co-exist.

rosscoact said :

”I wonder how many of the visitors go for the trees?

The people I know go for the views and the playground.”

Agreed re views and playground. But the trees are one of the reasons the views are so good, surely?

The long view from the highest point is the best and it is exactly the same as it was before the arboretum was invented.
There were mature trees before the Coppins Crossing bushfire.
The access is better but at a huge cost.

rosscoact said :

”I wonder how many of the visitors go for the trees?

The people I know go for the views and the playground.”

Agreed re views and playground. But the trees are one of the reasons the views are so good, surely?

Not really.

The views are great because it is high and there are no trees in the way.

Visitors I have taken up there love the views … of the Lake, Woden, Molonglo etc. I can see my house from there and have been up a few times to take photos.

The tree part of the Arboretum generally elicits a lukewarm response (at best).

A bit ironic in that the best feature of the Aboretum for many people is that there is a lack of trees.

Sure the trees do contribute a bit and are a better way to frame the views than suburbs or empty fields, but really they are just a slightly attractive frame around the main attraction.

If my visitors or family want to go and look at interesting trees we will go to the botanic gardens.

wildturkeycanoe6:37 am 26 May 16

switch said :

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

Just what Canberra needs, more artsy fartsy things. Only small country towns like Mogo, Nimbin and Byron Bay need this kind of industry to survive, Canberra doesn’t. There are already plenty of places to get peace and quite with the Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks right on our doortstep with thousands of hectares of peace and quiet, but we still aren’t allowed to ride unregistered bikes out there. Not everybody wants to sit and stare at trees, some of us want to get some thrill out of exploring astride a high powered machine. Even the mountain bikers are catered for in Canberra, not forgetting how much is being spent on the road variety and their love of the “sport”.
The arboretum really does show the world how dull and boring this capital really is, neglecting the needs of anyone under the age of fifty who has real true blue blood flowing in their veins. Where’s the action, where’s the excitement, the thrill of being alive? Sitting in silent contemplation can be done in front of a TV screen at home so why bring that dull existence into everyone else’ lives?

2 million punters, how about some casinos.

I wonderful how many of the visitors go for the trees?

The people I know go for the views and the playground.

Charlotte Harper6:46 am 26 May 16

”I wonder how many of the visitors go for the trees?

The people I know go for the views and the playground.”

Agreed re views and playground. But the trees are one of the reasons the views are so good, surely?

HiddenDragon5:25 pm 25 May 16

If the smartphone apps are really, really cool, people won’t notice when work starts on the hotel and convention centre.

wildturkeycanoe4:59 pm 25 May 16

wildturkeycanoe said :

madelini said :

pajs said :

HenryBG said :

How about a track for motorcross bikes, seeing there are no other places to ride unregistered bikes? It’d provide an alternative to the drongos who race along the powerline reserves.
Yes, I am being serious, if they even contemplate allowing horses to trot around, why not motorbikes?

As well as “Tuned Pipes in The Forrest” as suggested, it would also be a great venue for paintball combat and plinking rabbits with low calibre firearms.
Let’s make it something for ALL Canberrans.

Ha, this reminded me of when I used to ride mountain bikes at Stromlo before the fires ripped through. There was a paintball field along Uriarra Road which backed on to the forrest where there was a section of open trail to ride through – it was always a motivator to ride fast as you could hear the paintballs whizzing past your head by the cheeky combatants.

…..to the tune of Duelling Banjos.

Ha, ha, ha…that is beautiful, I can see it so clearly in my mind.

Isn’t the Arboretum supposed to be a peaceful place (once the trees have matured, somewhat) where people can sit and contemplate their navels?

I can’t see that motorcross bikes, galloping horses, paintball combat or anything else (other than kite flying) would be acceptable.

Maybe something along the lines of Oil Painting Classes, or a venue for Bell Shakespeare performances … or other outdoor artistic things?

madelini said :

pajs said :

HenryBG said :

How about a track for motorcross bikes, seeing there are no other places to ride unregistered bikes? It’d provide an alternative to the drongos who race along the powerline reserves.
Yes, I am being serious, if they even contemplate allowing horses to trot around, why not motorbikes?

As well as “Tuned Pipes in The Forrest” as suggested, it would also be a great venue for paintball combat and plinking rabbits with low calibre firearms.
Let’s make it something for ALL Canberrans.

Ha, this reminded me of when I used to ride mountain bikes at Stromlo before the fires ripped through. There was a paintball field along Uriarra Road which backed on to the forrest where there was a section of open trail to ride through – it was always a motivator to ride fast as you could hear the paintballs whizzing past your head by the cheeky combatants.

…..to the tune of Duelling Banjos.

pajs said :

HenryBG said :

How about a track for motorcross bikes, seeing there are no other places to ride unregistered bikes? It’d provide an alternative to the drongos who race along the powerline reserves.
Yes, I am being serious, if they even contemplate allowing horses to trot around, why not motorbikes?

As well as “Tuned Pipes in The Forrest” as suggested, it would also be a great venue for paintball combat and plinking rabbits with low calibre firearms.
Let’s make it something for ALL Canberrans.

Ha, this reminded me of when I used to ride mountain bikes at Stromlo before the fires ripped through. There was a paintball field along Uriarra Road which backed on to the forrest where there was a section of open trail to ride through – it was always a motivator to ride fast as you could hear the paintballs whizzing past your head by the cheeky combatants.

HenryBG said :

How about a track for motorcross bikes, seeing there are no other places to ride unregistered bikes? It’d provide an alternative to the drongos who race along the powerline reserves.
Yes, I am being serious, if they even contemplate allowing horses to trot around, why not motorbikes?

As well as “Tuned Pipes in The Forrest” as suggested, it would also be a great venue for paintball combat and plinking rabbits with low calibre firearms.
Let’s make it something for ALL Canberrans.

wildturkeycanoe7:56 pm 23 May 16

How about a track for motorcross bikes, seeing there are no other places to ride unregistered bikes? It’d provide an alternative to the drongos who race along the powerline reserves.
Yes, I am being serious, if they even contemplate allowing horses to trot around, why not motorbikes?

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