Lake Burley Griffin Scheme - National Engineering Landmark #24 Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
By Team MavEtJu on 29-Oct-15. Waypoint GA7700

Lake Burley Griffin Scheme - National Engineering Landmark #24

The Lake Burley Griffin Scheme is an engineering work which implements the aesthetic concepts central to Australia's national capital's functions and symbolism. The Lake unites the city and creates a setting for one of the most beautiful national capitals in the world.

This nomination examines the three main components, namely:

• Scrivener Dam - the impounding and flood control structure • Lake Burley Griffin and foreshores - visual focus of landscaped setting for national buildings and public social and recreational uses
• Bridges at Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue - major crossing points in the central city precincts and transport linkages uniting the city

It is a major engineering contribution to the city's plan and a visually dramatic feature of the national capital which can "excite the imagination and raise the vision of its people".

Contents of the plaque:

First identified in 1908 as potential "ornamental water" for the new Federation's capital, the scheme was constructed in 1957-63 by National Capital Development Commission.
Formed by Scrivener Dam and bridged at Commonwealth and Kings Avenues, the lake covers 634 hectares with 33 kilometers of shoreline.
This major engineering contribution to the Australian Constitution's "mat of government" is all outstanding aesthetic setting for national buildings and public social/recreation activities.
Dedicated during Centenary of Federation 2001 by the Institution of Engineers, Australia and the National Capital Authority.

When logging this virtual, please add a photo of yourself or your GPSr at the plaque.

For more information, please see the nomination PDF at the Heritage Register at the Engineers Australia website: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/heritage/lake-burley-griffin-scheme-molonglo-river-1964