the australian institute of landscape architects   
     
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AILA public statements - media releases - policy directions

 

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Letter to National Trust ACT

Survey on Lake Burley Griffin - February 2009

 

Members of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) have been
asked to complete the National Trust’s survey relating to Lake Burley Griffin.

The feedback is that the survey is generally biased toward maintaining the
existing landscape and current facilities around the lake. The survey was very
limited in the answers respondents could provide beyond the individuals
perceptions and enjoyment of the amenity as it now presents. The questions did
not allow other answers than the ones offered and the answers offered were
restrictive and benign. They were leading questions and answers.

A major flaw in the survey is that it does not allow for far more general comments.

This was a missed opportunity.

The survey is very limited to those few who presently use the lake's edge rather
than trying to capture the opinions of the many who may wish to do so but stay
away or rarely use it.

Landscape architects have for years been asking the National Capital Authority to
produce and work to a masterplan for sites under its care. The National Trust's
survey repeats the mistake of only examining the lake foreshores in small
sections rather than taking a holistic overview of the total amenity.

If properly managed and guided by a full masterplan, the lake could offer a lot
more to the people of Canberra and its visitors.

While there would always be mixed responses from members to such surveys,
Landscape architects generally endorse more developments around the lake that
embraced environmentally sound landscape use principles while also allowing for
more facilities and public attractions around the lake so more people will use the
lake edge.

I commend the Trust for the initiative but ask that the results be used in the
limited context in which it was conducted.

The AILA looks forward to more discussions about the broader planning of the
whole amenity and to improvements to the lake's edges that will lead to its use
and enjoyment by wider cross sections of our communities here in Canberra and
by more of the visitors to the nation's capital.

Executive Director
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects

 

For more information or to send additional feedback , contact

The National Office, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects