OK, class, today we're gonna talk about NCA plans to turn Lake Burley
Griffin into Luna(tic) Park-on-the-Molonglo. For those of you who didn't do your
prerequisite reading, take a smack on the nose with a rolled-up Canberra
Times and check the following which ran in Letters to the editor
today:
In support of a call by the National Capital Authority for commercial ideas
to increase the use of Lake Burley Griffin, Australian Capital Tourism chief
executive, Ross MacDiarmid, advises, "Everyone who comes here says what a great
lake it is and wonders why it isn’t utilised more than it is." (Seaplanes,
restaurants floated for lake, CT, April 11, p.1).
In deference to Ross, that seems a variation of the old politicians’ ploy:
"As Australians, we all agree."
Many visitors to Canberra find our lake enchanting just the way it is, and
add a proviso to their bouquets along the lines, "Don’t spoil your wonderful
lake right on the CBD doorstep." Such sentiments are increasingly pertinent in
the light of ever-increasing urban infill coupled with its handmaiden, medium
density housing.
And I’m not convinced the lake is under utilised. I believe sailors, wind
surfers, rowers and anglers would agree. Further support would be forthcoming
from joggers, birdwatchers, cyclists, artists and dog walkers, as well as those
who enjoy a barbecue or just an interlude surrounded by the therapeutic ambience
of Lake Burley Griffin.
No less importantly, the lake is a sanctuary for a myriad of wildlife.
Native waterfowl and bushland birds live and breed on its waters and
shorelines.
In more secluded areas water rats prey upon fish and crustaceans, alongside
the territories of long-necked tortoises, platypuses and red-bellied black
snakes
Accordingly, I advise the NCA and Australian Capital Tourism not to be
influenced by those who view the lake through covetous corporate lenses etched
with a near opaque dollar-sign design. Lake Burley Griffin is a wonderful
environmental and recreational jewel in Canberra’s crown.
We must ensure it remains so.
John Layton. Holt.
PS. Attention: Byrnsie: You wanna do a birdwalk this weekend
or next? Maybe we can go to the lion's paddock at feeding time, check off a few
Maribou Storks. JKL.
