Minister Barr: West Basin renewal continues with funding for second stage
- Written by ACT Government
Released 23/05/2017
Joint media release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA and Mick Gentleman MLA
The renewal of the West Basin precinct to make it a better place for Canberrans will continue with the ACT Government investing in stage 2 of the boardwalk and parkland upgrades as part of the upcoming ACT Budget 2017-18.
The continuation of stage two of the West Basin boardwalk project confirms the ACT Government’s commitment to connecting the city to the lake. With stage one of the boardwalk complete and work about to begin on the new Point Park, the area is set to become one of the best places for Canberrans to enjoy Lake Burley Griffin close to the CBD.
The construction of the boardwalk and the park will provide better accessibility to the waters edge as part of a significant new public space. It will allow Canberrans to better enjoy the area and will improve accessibility around West Basin. Connecting the City to the Lake through a high quality public waterfront is a key government priority and the completion of the first two stages will be one of the first projects for the new City Renewal Authority.
Minister Gentleman said the investment will continue the transformation of West Basin into a vibrant and lively waterfront precinct.
“The West Basin waterfront is part of the government’s ambition to renew the city, creating better places for the community to enjoy,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Community feedback showed that creation of public areas, before any building development occurred, was preferred for this area. We listened to this feedback and are continuing to progress the development of public areas in West Basin as a high priority.”
“As you can see today, the first 150 metres of this high-quality pre-cast boardwalk is attractive, durable and will be easy for people of all abilities to access and use. The 8.1 metre wide boardwalk accommodates a wide range of users from pedestrians and recreational cyclists through to water craft users,” Minister Gentleman said.
Work on stage two is scheduled to begin in early 2018, and includes:
- Completion of the final 500 metres of concrete boardwalk and lake wall.
- Reclamation of land at the lake’s edge to allow for continuous public access along the waterfront promenade.
- Construction of two jetties.
Over the coming months a public park will be created on the southern headland of West Basin. Both the new public parkland and the first 150 metres of boardwalk will be open to the community in early 2018.
The 2017-18 ACT Budget will see the Government delivering on the commitments we took to the 2016 election on the areas that matter most to Canberrans. We will invest in better health care through our 10-year health plan, better schools for our children and better services for our suburbs, while making the right investments to renew our city and maintain a strong local economy.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
