Caution urged over foreshore development at Lake Ginninderra

A former water police station on Lake Ginninderra is set for demolition in preparation for a new foreshore development at a time when community sensitivity to waterfront projects is higher than ever.

That 1000 square metres of space along Lake Ginninderra near the Belconnen Town Centre could be transformed into a boutique entertainment precinct, subject to a future development application.

It is understood any future development of the former water police headquarters site at Evelyn Parker Place, near the Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts Hall, would exclude existing mature trees south of the road, a retaining wall, jetty and boat ramp.

The 2016-2017 land release program has sparked fresh interest in foreshore developments at the ACT’s major lakes.

Further south, more than 400 residential dwellings will become available along Lake Tuggeranong in Greenway as part of two new blocks; one with access from Drakeford Drive and the other from Mortimer Lewis Drive.

Closer to the city, foreshore development around Lake Burley Griffin remains a vexed issue.

A recent Canberra Times editorial called for improved community consultation on the ACT government’s City to the Lake project that seeks to bring Lake Burley Griffin and the city closer together.

A number of community groups including the Lake Burley Griffin Guardians, the local chapter of the Walter Burley Griffin Society and the National Trust have objected over perceptions that current proposals favour developers over community interest.

There is also strong scepticism over the accuracy of costs associated with options including a land bridge connection.

One of the building industry’s peak bodies has urged a cautious approach, given strong community attitudes toward all foreshore development.

Master Builders Association ACT deputy executive director Michael Hopkins said any new foreshore developments should be sensitive to the significance of specific lakes to the overall design of Canberra.

“As Canberra grows and matures as a city, we would expect to see increasing demand for development close to our lakes so that more Canberrans can appreciate the territory’s greatest assets,” Mr Hopkins said.

“Experience from around Australia shows that, where designed appropriately, developments around water can contribute significant economic value to the city.”