Shores of Lake Burley Griffin

Why is it Signinficant?

The lake and foreshore possess historic, scientific, social and aesthetic importance.  The lake was an integral part of the early design for Canberra being an essential landscape element.  It provides the centre-piece for the National Capital and also forms the immediate background of the national and parliamentary areas.

Why is it at Risk?

There is no clear plan for future use of much of the shoreline areas of the Lake.  The National Capital Commission, the Commonwealth Government controlling authority for the Lake, commissioned a Heritage Assessment of the Lake and foreshores which was finalised in 2009.  In October 2007, a master plan study to enhance tourist and recreation opportunities and improve lake water quality was commissioned, but this has been restricted to the Yarralumla Bay region.  Other regions, such as the Eastern shore of the West Basin, not covered by the master plan, are now suffering from inappropriate use.  A further draft Master Plan for Weston Park has been commissioned by the ACT Government and is under review. 

What needs to be done?

There should be no development which impacts on the heritage and visual significance of the Lake and its shoreline until a comprehensive management plan taking into consideration the assessed heritage values has been fully developed.