In October 2021, the ACT Government announced Stage 3 of the Acton Waterfront project, which included $2.8 million for the design of a new 30,000 square metre public park on the land reclaimed from Lake Burley Griffin.

This is a significant city-shaping project for the national capital. The new park will provide a tourism and recreation destination, catering to everyday activities, events and community gatherings in a high-quality design setting.

The park design is likely to include several key improvements, including event lawns, a new play space, barbecue areas, terraces overlooking the lake, and pavilions for cafes, food, and other commercial offerings.

Design of the new park will be developed in close consultation with the community and stakeholders, building on the extensive community input already received. We’ll let you know how you can have your say by posting updates on this portal and social media. You can also sign up to join our project emailing list.

Construction on 516 metres of new boardwalk begun in September 2020. Developed in consultation with the community and key stakeholders, the final design will support a more accessible, connected, people-focused waterfront precinct. Local, civil infrastructure specialist firm, Chincivil has been engaged to undertake the work. The boardwalk is constructed of high quality, pre-cast concrete panels, with a ‘cooler’ coloured bluestone exposed aggregate finish with saw cuts that allow light to penetrate the structure from the water below.

Henry Rolland Park is a fantastic new public space in the heart of the city for people to connect with each other, while enjoying one of Canberra's best views. The park, which is connected to the lake by a 150m long boardwalk, is the first stage of development in this area. It has lawn areas, picnic and barbeque facilities, exercise equipment and more than 23,000 plants.

The park was officially opened on 28 April 2018. Thousands of people attended an opening day event that featured music, games, children’s activities, fitness classes and boat rides.

The ACT Government is committed to creating an active, vibrant waterfront at Acton with a focus on connecting people to the lake through large open space promenade supported by residential and commercial development.

In 2019, the City Renewal Authority reviewed the previous planning and work around Acton Waterfront. The review included the preparation of a place proposition and place plan for the site. Considered alongside the National Capital Plan, which firmly establishes the guidelines for “what” can be built “where”, the place plan describes the look and feel of Acton Waterfront and how the area will be experienced by people.

We will continue to consult with the community to make sure the Acton Waterfront is a place for everyone to use and enjoy.