Input from the community has played a vital role in the ACT Healthy Waterways Project since it commenced in 2014.
The project team initially identified over 500 potential sites across six priority catchments. A panel (including technical experts and community representatives) evaluated the list and the sites were prioritised according to cost and feasibility as well as the potential for improved water quality and increased amenity.
As a result, the list was reduced to 188 (178 infrastructure and 10 in-lake projects) and the design team developed concept plans for each site ahead of the first round of community consultation in July 2015.
Comments were received from a range of different sources, including experts in the field, community groups and people who attended the six catchment-based drop-in sessions.
The feedback received helped shape the next steps in the process: the development of preliminary plans for 24 priority projects, 12 reserve project and research.
At drop-in sessions during September 2016, visitors viewed the preliminary sketch plans, talked with the design team and provided feedback. The plans were also available online on the Your Say website (from 22 August 2016) and the community invited to comment.
More than 3000 people either attended one of the six drop-in session or visited the ACT Government’s YourSay website to view the plans released in 2016. We know from feedback received, the infrastructure projects were well supported. More information on the outcomes of the 2016 consultation can be found in the ACT Healthy Waterways Consultation Report [1.9 MB].