Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408:front:0:p265
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 818706–821567

relationship to each other in the overall conception of the city;  and
     * recognising these design elements as part of the symbolism of Canberra—as national capital, and such symbols are regarded with pride by Canberra residents.  For example, Lake Burley Griffin was noted as the 'primary focus and feature of Canberra equal to the War Memorial and Parliament House' by one respondent (GML 2009b, p. 127).

The lake itself is an important viewing point within the city,

    'It is amazing that you can sit on the water in the Central Basin and have a view from the War Memorial through to Parliament House.  It is very special.  The whole foreshore is superb particularly as it is not cluttered with buildings and you get such a feeling of space.'  (Questionnaire ID 2714, GML 2009b, p. 132)

The formality and symmetry of the Central Basin and Land/Water Axes were strongly recognised aesthetic attributes by Canberrans, with the lake and its enclosing parklands bringing a sense of visual unity (GML 2009b, p. 137).

The plan concludes that Lake Burley Griffin is a valued aesthetic resource to the communities outside of Canberra, offering a valued setting to national institutions and reflecting the visual qualities of surrounding landscapes in its waters (GML 2009b, p. 181).  It plays an important role in representing the image of Canberra to the nation – and potentially internationally.  Its symbolic and landmark value as part of the national capital's landscape is well recognised and widely valued.  For Australians, especially those who have visited Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is a well-recognised symbol of Canberra, forming the centre point of the national capital designed landscape (GML 2009b, pp. 184-5).

For Canberra residents, 'the integrity of the Griffin land/water axis and associated lands (Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain, Parliament House Vista etc)' is vitally important and strongly recognised (GML 2009b, p. 182).

Perceptions research on Lake Burley Griffin
The ACT National Trust (Pipitone 2009) undertook a study of the social value of Lake Burley Griffin, using a detailed on-line survey.  The study was designed to understand how the Canberra community use and value Lake Burley Griffin.  A detailed analysis of the results enabled conclusions to be drawn about the importance of different parts of the lake, including views and vistas.

The survey was open to the Canberra community and there was no targeted sampling involved – 758 people responded to the survey.  The survey sample was slightly older than the Canberra population, with people under 34 significantly under-represented and those over 55 significantly over-represented.  This may reflect the age of the membership base of the initiating organisation.  Pipitone (2009, p. 6) concluded that the sample size is sufficient to interpret the results for all