The National Trust wants your views on the Lake

Thanks for the comment Trevar. We left the hometown in 1988 when illegal self government came into being. I figured it would only deteriorate run by a bunch of amateur politicians, but that’s another story.

That seems a little…I dunno, extreme? I’m no fan of self government either, but leaving town?? If anything, Canberra has come along in leaps & bounds since self government..I’m not sure if it’s actually due to self government, but the fact remains.

By way of explanation Justbands, the arrival of self government which we didn’t want, also brought about the demise of the organization I was working for 18 years so there was really nothing to keep me there any more. It was sad to leave but I don’t regret it one little bit. I still have a big soft spot for my birthplace however.

I just tried to do the survey and like most surveys it’s designed to give them the answer they want so I didn’t finish it.

poptop said :

Having glanced over the site, I think the National Trust wants us to provide evidence to support their views rather than to hear our views.

That survey instrument is a shocker!

couldn’t agree more. would have been easier to say we think the following things are true – agree or leave.

deeza – our thoughts exactly. No-one expects a free for all – but responsible boat use in specific areas would be great.

I sat there all day yesterday and thought – geez I’d like to see more happening out there…

Does anyone know what ever happened to the trial of boat use in East Basin?

Nah Peter, there is no way that Canberrans (especially those that live around the lakes) are going to allow noisy things on their lakes. No way – never going to happen.

Having glanced over the site, I think the National Trust wants us to provide evidence to support their views rather than to hear our views.

That survey instrument is a shocker!

deezagood said :

AG Canberra said :

I sat beside the lake all day yesterday – and think the place should be used more – not less!

How about this – let a restricted number of powerboats on it each day. Stay with me here. They pay a fee of say $100-$200 to use the lake for that day. This money is then spent on upgrades around the lake – like paths, the water spout, lighting at night etc.

I’ve always thought a body of water looks better when something is actually happening on it.

Yeeesss; as a waterskiing family, we wistfully look at the big, unused lakes (on our way to Yass) every weekend in Summer wishing that we could stay right here in Canberra and ski. But it is never going happen.

it may do, if the govt decides it is a cheaper way to keep the BG algae down…

AG Canberra said :

I sat beside the lake all day yesterday – and think the place should be used more – not less!

How about this – let a restricted number of powerboats on it each day. Stay with me here. They pay a fee of say $100-$200 to use the lake for that day. This money is then spent on upgrades around the lake – like paths, the water spout, lighting at night etc.

I’ve always thought a body of water looks better when something is actually happening on it.

Yeeesss; as a waterskiing family, we wistfully look at the big, unused lakes (on our way to Yass) every weekend in Summer wishing that we could stay right here in Canberra and ski. But it is never going happen.

> Thanks for the comment Trevar. We left the hometown in 1988 when illegal self government came into being. I figured it would only deteriorate run by a bunch of amateur politicians, but that’s another story.

That seems a little…I dunno, extreme? I’m no fan of self government either, but leaving town?? If anything, Canberra has come along in leaps & bounds since self government..I’m not sure if it’s actually due to self government, but the fact remains.

Anyway…I’d love to see the water itself used more than it is. A limited number of powered boats would be great in my opinion….& I like the idea someone else posted of a number of pickup/dropoff points for paddle boats, bikes, etc. I also think that the city should grow closer to the lake & help create a waterfront city zone ala South Bank. There would still be plenty of shoreline left more open, with parks, walkways, running tracks, etc. I train running around the lake every other day…it’s beatiful. The lake itself, the surrounding parklands, the mountain background, the buildings…very scenic. As an added bonus, many of the other people jogging around the lake are quite scenic also. 🙂

trevar said :

old canberran said :

I’m a bit out of date with happenings in the ACT but has the lake been heritage listed at some time past? If not, why is the National Trust involved in it’s future?

I’m surprised to learn that Old Canberran is no longer in Canberra, but I still love your posts, OC.

I believe that, like most of the ‘National…’ buildings in the Parliamentary Triangle, Scrivener Dam and the lake were made added to the National Heritage List in the 80s or early 90s. I’m pretty sure the policy now is to put any significant structure in the Triangle on the list the moment it is finished.

Not sure whether that undermines the concept of a ‘heritage’ list, but it isn’t entirely silly.

Thanks for the comment Trevar. We left the hometown in 1988 when illegal self government came into being. I figured it would only deteriorate run by a bunch of amateur politicians, but that’s another story.

Probably no one on this forum can remember what the place looked like before the lake went in. It turned the city from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan overnight and I agree with the comment that it is under utilised but at the same time I am pretty disgusted with what has happened at Kingston behind the old bus depot. If I happen to find a spare 30 minutes I might take a look at the survey.

I’d love to see more activity oriented areas around the lake, such as upgraded walking/bike paths, bicycles for hire at different areas around the park (so you could ride from place to place and not have to go around the whole thing), same for hiring water craft such as the paddle boat things – have various hire/drop off points so you can paddle from place to place and not have to just paddle around then return the craft to the same place. Imagine being able to leave from in front of the national gallery, then get at the end of Anzac Pde, walk up and see the memorials, then go to the War Memorial (ok, you’d have to be a bit fit for that, but it’s an idea!). I would also support some commercial enterprises/amenities such as cafes in some spots. On the whole though, I’d just like all areas around the lake to be maintained and kept lovely :o)