A series of plans designed by university students have highlighted the uniqueness of the city’s river systems and contain imaginative possibilities to reinvigorate them.
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A constructed beach, viewing platforms over the river and geocaching hotspots are just some of the innovative ideas the students have devised to bring people back to the river areas as well as link the river areas more to the city.
The innovative design concepts, centering around the Wollondilly River Walking Track, are the work of five University of Canberra architecture students: Michelle Anderson, Rhys Probert, Reiland Hipolito, Jack Simpson and Ben Wang.
They have presented their plans for Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s consideration.
The students’ ideas incorporate technology such the use of mobile phones to provide geocaching (a treasure hunt using GPS technology).
This would lead people to various points along the river and explain historical elements in the landscape.
The development of LED screens at the Waterworks to tell locals and visitors about events and other information was also in the plans.
Large and small resting spaces would also be built along the track, finishing at a constructed beach and community space at the Old Boathouse within the Kenmore Pleasure Grounds.
The masterplan also included the use of Leggett Park (near McDermott Drive) as an event space with a plaza, landscaping and viewing platforms over the Wollondilly River.
Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk says the plans “look fantastic”.
“The ideas the students have come up with are nothing short of inspiring,” he said.
“I encourage people to have a look at these plans.
“We are keen to investigate some of them and would like the community’s input.”
The plans to revitalise the river areas also include the landscaped feature at the Old Boathouse and the development of a tiered amphitheatre at the ‘Grafton Street Flood Park’.
Another amphitheatre is planned for a revamped Waterworks to create a vast event space. The plans also have a strategy based on the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and history of the area.
Cr Kirk said the project so far had been a great success. “The exciting ideas presented by the students offer some great opportunities that will we investigate in detail in the coming years,” he said.
The next stage of the council’s Wollondilly Walking Track development incorporated an elevated walkway around the rock face at Joshua Street. “We will also soon begin work on a footbridge that will link the walking track with Gibson Street,” he said.
The students’ design concepts are on display in the Council Chambers foyer in Bourke Street.
David Cole
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
