Plans are on display for the upgrade of Cotter Avenue recreation area, which has been closed to the public since January 2010 when the enlargement of Cotter Dam commenced.
ACTEW Managing Director Mark Sullivan said the popular recreation area was required to be closed to allow for construction works, and ACTEW looks forward to its reopening in 2012 once the Enlarged Cotter Dam project is complete.
Mr Sullivan said: “This area holds so many memories for Canberrans – and early on the community told us how important it was for them to have this area returned to them when the dam has been completed. The upgrade we have planned will include improved facilities while keeping the natural, heritage and recreation experiences the community has always enjoyed at the Cotter.”
ACTEW has already constructed the
Cotter Dam Discovery Trail to ensure Canberrans could enjoy the Cotter during construction of the region’s new dam. Since its opening in September 2010, the 1.4km walking trail along the Cotter River has provided visitors with a unique experience of the Cotter. It includes a 16m-wide amphitheatre style platform where people can view the Enlarged Cotter Dam worksite.
An important aspect of the Cotter Avenue experience in the past was the original swing bridge that was destroyed in the 2003 Bushfires. As part of the Cotter Avenue upgrade, ACTEW recently submitted a Development Application to the ACT Planning and Land Authority to build a new footbridge over the Cotter River.
Mr Sullivan said: “The construction of a new footbridge will be an important part in the reinstatement of Cotter Avenue. The new bridge will link the upgraded Cotter Avenue with the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail on the other side of Cotter River, providing an incredible recreation experience. We look forward to reopening this area for the community and future generations to enjoy.”
Upgrade works will start later this year, and will form a key part of ACTEW’s rehabilitation of the Cotter Precinct as part of the Enlarged Cotter Dam project. The area will be reopened after the Enlarged Cotter Dam is completed in 2012.
SEE THE UPGRADE PLANS:
Information session: A Community Information Session is being held to give Canberrans the opportunity to hear about the upgrade, ask questions and give feedback.
Monday 4 July 2011, 6.00pm to 7.30pm at Quality Hotel, Woden (corner of Launceston St and Melrose Drive, Phillip, ACT).
Online: View some of the designs plans
here and send comments to watersecurity@actew.com.au
To RSVP for the information session, provide comments on the plans, or for more information contact the Water Security Information Line on (02) 6248 3563 or email
watersecurity@actew.com.au
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