Western Australian Sites
Champion Lakes International Rowing Course
introduction / overview / presentation / location
Landscape Architects: Plan (E)
location: Champion Lakes, near Armadale - Perth
Champion Lakes International Rowing facility is a 136 hectare site approximately 4kms north-west of the Armadale city centre. The development area is a long and narrow site, bordered by Tonkin Highway to the north-west, Lake View Terrace to the north-east, Lake Road to the south-east and extension of Champion Drive to the south-west. Proposed and existing complimentary developments adjacent the site include an Aboriginal Interpretive and Enterprise Centre, high quality residential development, conference facilities and small-scale business and commercial activities.
The development was initiated as a response to a major highway extension adjacent to the site. The denuded wetland area now known as Champion Lakes was identified as a source for the significant volumes of fill required for the highway development.
The major excavation works and the area’s natural features combined to create an opportunity to develop an international standard rowing facility. Given the nature of the site’s development there have been a number of challenges to address, including soil quality and salinity. In recognition of the original wetland site, there has also been a strong emphasis on environmental rehabilitation and improvements.
Champion Lakes provides international standard competitive sporting facilities with passive and active public water activities. Conservation and wetland habitats supporting local fauna and flora is an essential part of the development to encourage a self-sustaining ecosystem.
A detailed environmental management plan was developed to ensure that Champion Lakes does not simply meet the strict environmental development conditions, but exceeds them and contributes to the ecology of the region.
In addition to the recreation and social opportunities, the development adds significant value to the local environment creating a 54.3 Ha Conservation Category wetland area, including 32.7 Ha of permanent open water. A total area of 21.07 Hectares is purposely set aside for conservation including protected islands, wading bird habitat, and revegetated bush sites. An extensive revegetation program including weed eradication, extensive planting of fringing reeds in the riparian zone, and rehabilitation of the Conservation Category wetland vegetation adjacent Wungong Brook has been undertaken to restore the site to an endemic ecosystem.
A total area of approximately 40 Hectares has been planted following the construction of the Lake, including public open space, Lake banks and fringing vegetation.
Stormwater harvesting from the surrounding catchments is a fundamental component of the Champion Lakes water balance strategy, and will reduce the dependence on ground water resources. Through a series of purpose built retention swales and reed beds, excess nutrients are stripped from stormwater prior to entering the Lake. These principles have been an integral part of the development planning of the residential area.
The key to the success of this project has been the ongoing review and assessment of the changing needs of the site as it continues to evolve.
introduction / overview / presentation / location
2010
