What we're doing
My Cotter, My Place - community consultation on the Cotter Precinct 2008/2009
From July to October 2008 ACTEW Corporation sought community feedback on what attracts you and so many other residents and visitors to the Cotter recreation area.
As a means of gathering the communities' views, ACTEW undertook a range of communication activities, including:
- telephone surveys
- an online survey open to all website visitors
- public workshops
- feedback forms returned by post
- formation of a group, Friends of the Cotter, to keep interested members of the community informed of progress on the construction activities affecting the Cotter Precinct.
Outcomes of the community consultation
More than 932 people participated in the My Cotter, My Place consultation activities.
Broadly there was a consensus across the community on the following aspects:
- an appreciation of the existing natural environment around the Cotter recreation areas;
- a strong desire for the area to be maintained to a similar standard by avoiding over development;
- improvements to current facilities and the addition of new facilities such as toilets, barbeques, shade options and seating.
More than half the people who contributed opinions wanted to stay informed about the progress of ACTEW's work in and around the Cotter Precinct, with a preference to receive information via:
- the internet
- newspaper articles
- displays in public centres such as libraries and shopping centres.
My Cotter, My Place community consultation report (pdf)
How have we responded to the community's input?
Guided by the outcomes of the community consultation, ACTEW has made great progress towards enhancing the Cotter recreation areas, including:
- submitting a Development Application (DA) to build a viewing platform and trail which will provide for the community to observe the new dam, the water and the Cotter Catchment. If approved, this long term tourist attraction will be in place by mid 2010 while construction is still underway.
- facilities at Casuarina Sands have been upgraded to provide an alternative recreation area when Cotter Avenue is temporarily closed due to construction works.
- improving facilities in Cotter recreation areas including toilets and barbeques.
The consultation program has been undertaken in partnership with Parks, Conservation and Lands (within Territory and Municipal Services).
Community consultation is important to ACTEW therefore proposed works have been tailored to be both sympathetic of the values and aspirations expressed by the community and to ensure visitor experience at the Cotter is enhanced.
ACTEW has submitted development applications to the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) for any proposed works. We will provide updates on the ACTEW website regarding the lodgement of development applications, therefore allowing you the opportunity to submit your comments to ACTEW.