View source for Lake Burley Griffin

{{short description|Artificial lake in Canberra, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2011}}
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Lake Burley Griffin
| image = Lake Burley Griffin From Black Mountain Tower (cropped).jpg
| caption = Lake Burley Griffin <br />viewed from [[Black Mountain Tower]]
| alt = Panorama of Lake Burley Griffin from high elevation
| image_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| location = [[Canberra]], [[Australian Capital Territory]] ({{maplink|type=shape-inverse|icon=no}})
| coords = {{coord|35|17|36|S|149|06|50|E|region:AU-ACT_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}}
| lake_type = [[Reservoir|Artificial lake]]
| inflow = [[Molonglo River]], [[Sullivans Creek]], [[Jerrabomberra Creek]]
| outflow = [[Molonglo River]]
| catchment = {{convert|183.5|km2|abbr=on}}<ref>Maher, Norris et al (1992). ''Zinc in the sediments, water and biota of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra'', in ''The Science of the Total Environment'', {{ISSN|0048-9697}}, p. 238.</ref>
| basin_countries = Australia
| length = {{convert|11|km|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1.2|km|abbr=on}}
| area = {{convert|6.64|km2|sqmi acre|abbr=on}}
| depth = {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| max-depth = {{convert|18|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| volume = {{convert|33000000|m3|cuft GL|abbr=on}}
| residence_time =
| pushpin_map = Australia Australian Capital Territory#Australia
| pushpin_map_alt = Location on map
| elevation = {{convert|556|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| islands = 6 ([[Queen Elizabeth II Island|Queen Elizabeth II]], [[Springbank Island|Springbank]], [[Spinnaker Island (Lake Burley Griffin)|Spinnaker]], others unnamed)
| cities = [[Canberra]]
| dam_name= [[Scrivener Dam]]
| sections = East Basin, Central Basin, West Basin, West Lake and Tarcoola Reach, [[Yarramundi Reach, Canberra|Yarramundi Reach]]}}
{{featured article}}

'''Lake Burley Griffin''' is an [[Reservoir (water)|artificial lake]] in the centre of [[Canberra]], the capital of [[Australia]]. It was created in 1963 by the damming of the [[Molonglo River]], which formerly ran between the [[Civic, Australian Capital Territory|city centre]] and [[Parliamentary Triangle]]. The lake is named after [[Walter Burley Griffin]], the architect who won the competition to design the city of Canberra.<ref name=ncafacts>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=248&Itemid=220 |publisher=[[National Capital Authority]] |title= Lake Burley Griffin and Surrounding Parklands |access-date=1 June 2009}}</ref>

Griffin designed the lake with many geometric motifs, so that the axes of his design lined up with natural geographical landmarks in the area. However, government authorities changed his original plans, and no substantial work was completed on the lake before he left the project in 1920. Griffin's proposal was further delayed by the [[Great Depression]] and [[World War II]], and it was not until the 1950s that planning resumed. After political disputes and consideration of other proposed variations, excavation work began in 1960 with the energetic backing of [[Australian Prime Minister]] [[Robert Menzies]]. After the completion of the bridges and dams, the dams were locked in September 1963. However, because of a drought, the lake's target water level was not reached until April 1964. The lake was formally inaugurated on 17 October 1964.

The lake is located in the approximate geographic centre of the city, and it is the centrepiece of the capital in accordance with Griffin's original designs. Numerous important institutions, such as the [[National Gallery of Australia|National Gallery]], [[National Museum of Australia|National Museum]], [[National Library of Australia|National Library]], [[Australian National University]] and the [[High Court of Australia|High Court]] were built on its shores, and [[Parliament House, Canberra|Parliament House]] is a short distance away. Its surrounds, consisting mainly of parklands, are popular with recreational users, particularly in the warmer months. Though swimming in the lake is uncommon, it is used for a wide variety of other activities, such as rowing, fishing, and sailing.

The lake is an ornamental body with a length of {{convert|11|km|mi}} and a width, at its widest, of {{convert|1.2|km|mi}}. It has an average depth of {{convert|4|m|ft}} and a maximum depth of about {{convert|18|m|ft}} near the [[Scrivener Dam]]. Its flow is regulated by the {{convert|33|m|ft|adj=mid|-tall}} Scrivener Dam, designed to handle floods that occur once in 5,000 years. In times of drought, water levels can be maintained through the release of water from [[Googong Dam]], located on an upstream tributary of the Molonglo River.

==Design history==
{{Main|History of Lake Burley Griffin}}
[[File:Walterburleygriffin.jpg|thumb|[[Walter Burley Griffin]], the architect who designed Canberra, and after whom the lake is named. With him is his wife and fellow architect [[Marion Mahony Griffin]].]]
[[Charles Scrivener|Charles Robert Scrivener]] (1855–1923) recommended the site for Canberra in 1909, which was to be a planned capital city for the country. One of the reasons for the location's selection was its ability to store water "for ornamental purposes at reasonable cost";<ref name=pp3>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 3.</ref> Scrivener's work had demonstrated that the topography could be used to create a lake through flooding.<ref name=p88/>

In 1911, a competition for the design of Canberra was launched, and Scrivener's detailed survey of the area was supplied to the competing architects.<ref name=pp3/> The [[Molonglo River]] flowed through the site, which was a flood plain<ref>Sparke, pp. 4–7.</ref> and Scrivener's survey showed in grey an area clearly representing an artificial lake—similar to the lake later created—and four possible locations for a dam to create it.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canberra contour survey |year= 1909 |publisher=[[National Library of Australia]] | url=http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.map-rm3095-9-v|access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Griffin Legacy|publisher=[[National Capital Authority]]|location=Canberra|year=2004|isbn=0-9579550-2-2|page=51}}</ref> Most of the proposals took the hint and included artificial bodies of water.<ref name=pp3/>

=== Walter Burley Griffin's design ===
[[File:Canberra plan view-WBG.jpg|thumb|Canberra plan, watercolor cover likely by Marion Mahony Griffin]]
The American architect [[Walter Burley Griffin]] won the contest and was invited to Australia to oversee the construction of the nation's new capital after the judges' decision was ratified by [[King O'Malley]], the Minister for Home Affairs.<ref name=p88/><ref name=pp4>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 4.</ref> Griffin's proposal, which had an abundance of geometric patterns, incorporated concentric hexagonal and octagonal streets emanating from several radii.<ref name=w67>Wigmore, p. 67.</ref>

His lake design was at the heart of the city and consisted of a Central Basin in the shape of a circular segment, a West and East Basin, which were both approximately circular, and a West and East Lake, which were much larger and irregularly shaped, at either side of the system.<ref name=pp6-7>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', pp. 6–7.</ref> The East Lake was supposed to be {{convert|6|m|ft}} higher than the remaining components.<ref name=p89>Andrews, p. 89.</ref> Griffin's proposal was "the grandest scheme submitted, yet it had an appealing simplicity and clarity.<ref name=p88/>

[[File:Griffins triangle.jpg|thumb|left|A model of Griffin's Parliamentary Triangle. The lakes shown represent the actual design, not Griffin's original.|alt=A small model made of either clay or plastic. Green lasers are used to demarcate the triangle.]]

The lakes were deliberately designed so that their orientation was related to various topographical landmarks in Canberra.<ref name=pp3/><ref name=w64/> The lakes stretched from east to west and divided the city in two; a land axis perpendicular to the central basin stretched from [[Capital Hill, Australian Capital Territory|Capital Hill]]—the future location of the new [[Parliament House, Canberra|Parliament House]] on a mound on the southern side—north northeast across the central basin to the northern banks along [[Anzac Parade, Canberra|Anzac Parade]] to the [[Australian War Memorial]] (although a casino was originally planned in its place).<ref name=s1_3/> This was designed so that looking from Capital Hill, the War Memorial stood directly at the foot of [[Mount Ainslie]]. At the southwestern end of the land axis was [[Bimberi Peak]].<ref name=w64>Wigmore, p. 64.</ref>

The straight edge of the circular segment that formed the central basin was designated the water axis, and it extended northwest towards [[Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory)|Black Mountain]].<ref name=w64/> A line parallel to the water axis, on the northern side of the city, was designated the municipal axis.<ref name=pp17>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 17.</ref> The municipal axis became the location of [[Constitution Avenue, Canberra|Constitution Avenue]], which linked [[City Hill, Canberra|City Hill]] in [[Civic, Australian Capital Territory|Civic Centre]] and Market Centre. [[Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra|Commonwealth Avenue]] and [[Kings Avenue, Canberra|Kings Avenue]] were to run from the southern side from Capital Hill to City Hill and Market Centre on the north respectively, and they formed the western and eastern edges of the central basin. The area enclosed by the three avenues was known as the [[Parliamentary Triangle]], and was to form the centrepiece of Griffin's work.<ref name=pp17/>
[[File:Canberra Prelim Plan by WB Griffin 1913.jpg|thumb|Griffin's award-winning design|alt=Official map of Griffin's award-winning design, showing the concentric circles and hexagonal rings in the streets and geometric lakes.]]
Later, Scrivener, as part of a government design committee, was responsible for modifying Griffin's winning design.<ref name=p88/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canberrahouse.com/houses/short-history/ |title=Short history |publisher=Canberra House |access-date=9 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722111716/http://www.canberrahouse.com/houses/short-history/ |archive-date=22 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Australian Dictionary of Biography
|last=Hoyle
|first=Arthur
|year=1988
|id=A110093b
|title= O'Malley, King (1858–1953)
|access-date=1 June 2009 }}</ref> He recommended changing the shape of the lake from Griffin's very geometric shapes to a much more organic one using a single dam, unlike Griffin's series of [[weir]]s.<ref name=p88/><ref name=wig5257/> Griffin lobbied for the retention of the pure geometry, saying that they were "one of the reasons d'etre of the ornamental waters", but he was overruled.<ref>Andrews, pp. 88–89.</ref> The new design included elements from several of the best design submissions and was widely criticised as being ugly. The new plan for the lake retained Griffin's three formal basins: east, central, and west, though in a more relaxed form.<ref name=ncafacts/><ref name=wig5257>Wigmore, pp. 52–57.</ref>

Griffin entered into correspondence with the government over the plan and its alternatives, and he was invited to Canberra to discuss the matter.<ref>Wigmore, pp. 61–63.</ref> Griffin arrived in August 1913 and was appointed Federal Capital Director of Design and Construction for three years.<ref name=p88/><ref name=w63>Wigmore, p. 63.</ref>

The plans were varied again in the following years, but the design of Lake Burley Griffin remained based largely on the original committee's plan.<ref name=wbg/> It was later gazetted and legally protected by the federal parliament in 1926,<ref name=s2>Sparke, p. 2.</ref> based on a 1918 plan.<ref name=p89/> However, Griffin had a strained working relationship with the Australian authorities and a lack of federal government funding meant that by the time he left in 1920, little significant work had been done on the city.<ref name=pp4/><ref name=wbg>Wigmore, pp. 69–79.</ref> A 1920s proposal to reduce West Lake into a ribbon of water was made on the basis of flood safety. However, the Owen and Peake report of 1929 ruled that the original design was hydrologically sound.<ref name=p89/>

===Political disputes and modifications===

With the onset of the [[Great Depression]], followed by [[World War II]], development of the new capital was slow,<ref name=s6>Sparke, p. 6.</ref> and in the decade after the end of the war, Canberra was criticised for resembling a village,<ref name=s1_3>Sparke, pp. 1–3.</ref><ref name=s6/> and its disorganised collection of buildings was deemed ugly.<ref>Sparke, pp. 7–9.</ref> Canberra was often derisively described as "several suburbs in search of a city".<ref name=m804>Minty, p. 804.</ref>

During this time, the Molonglo River flowed through the flood basin, with only a small fraction of the water envisaged in Griffin's plan.<ref name=s14>Sparke, p. 14.</ref> The centre of his capital city consisted of mostly farmland, with small settlements—mostly wooden, temporary and ad hoc—on either side.<ref>Sparke, pp. 6–7.</ref> There was little evidence that Canberra was planned,<ref name=s1_3/> and the lake and Parliamentary Triangle at the heart of Griffin's plan was but a paddock.<ref name=s1_3/> Royal Canberra Golf Course, and Acton Racecourse and a sports ground were located on the pastoral land that was to become the West Lake, and people had to disperse the livestock before playing sport.<ref name=s1_3/> A rubbish dump stood on the northern banks of the location of the central basin,<ref name=s5>Sparke, p. 5.</ref> and no earth had been moved since Griffin's departure three decades earlier.<ref name="s131">Sparke, p. 131.</ref>

In 1950, the East Lake—the largest component—was eliminated upon the advice of the [[National Capital Planning and Development Committee]] (NCPDC).<ref name=w151>Wigmore, p. 151.</ref> Today, what would have been the East Lake corresponds to the suburb of [[Fyshwick]]. The rationale given was that around {{convert|1700|acres|ha}} of farmland would be submerged and that the Molonglo would have insufficient water to keep the lake filled.<ref name=w151/>

In 1953, the NCPDC excised the West Lake from its plans and replaced it with a winding stream,<ref name=w152>Wigmore, p. 152.</ref> which was {{convert|110|m|ft}} wide and covered around a fifth of the original area.<ref name=s13/> As the NCPDC had only advisory powers, this change was attributed to the influence of senior officials in the Department of the Interior who felt that Griffin's plan was too grandiose.<ref name=s11>Sparke, p. 11.</ref> Advocates of watered-down scheme thought it was more economical and saved {{convert|350|ha|acre}} of land for development.<ref name=s13/> However, according to engineering reports that were ignored, the smaller plan would actually cost more money and require a more complicated structure of dams that would in any case be less able to prevent flooding.<ref>Sparke, pp. 13–14.</ref><ref name=p90>Andrews, p. 90.</ref>

Initially, there was little opposition during the consultation period before the alterations were made.<ref name=s13>Sparke, p. 13.</ref> However, opposition to the reduction of the water area grew.<ref name=w152/> The process that resulted in the alteration was criticised for being non-transparent and sneaky.<ref>Sparke, pp. 13–15.</ref> Some organisations complained that they were not given an opportunity to express their opinion before the change was gazetted,<ref name=s16>Sparke, p. 16.</ref> and many politicians and the chief town planner were not informed.<ref>Sparke, pp. 16–17.</ref> Critics bitterly insinuated that politically influential members of the [[Royal Canberra Golf Club]], whose course was situated on the location of the proposed West Lake, were responsible for the change in policy.<ref>Sparke, pp. 15–16.</ref>

The Parliamentary Public Works Committee advised the Parliament to restore the West Lake.<ref name=w152/> After an inquiry in late 1954, it concluded that:

[[File:Portrait Menzies 1950s.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Robert Menzies championed the development of Lake Burley Griffin.|alt=Menzies was thickset elderly Anglo-Saxon man, cleanshaven and wearing a suit.]]

{{quote|The West Lake is desirable and practicable. It was eliminated from the Canberra plan by the Department of the Interior without adequate investigation by the National Capital Planning and Development Committee and replaced by a ribbon of water scheme involving a capitalised cost or nearly 3 million more. The lake should be restored to the plan, and the necessary Ministerial action is recommended as soon as possible.<ref name=s17/>}}

The [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]], [[Robert Menzies]],<ref>Sparke, p. 30.</ref> regarded the state of the national capital as an embarrassment. Over time his attitude changed from one of contempt to that of championing its development. He fired two ministers charged with the development of the city, feeling that their performance lacked intensity.<ref>Sparke, pp. 31–32.</ref>

In 1958, the newly created [[National Capital Development Commission]] (NCDC), which had been created and given more power by Menzies following a 1955 Senate inquiry,<ref name=p90/> restored the West Lake to its plans,<ref name=w153>Wigmore, p. 153.</ref> and it was formally gazetted in October 1959.<ref name=s17>Sparke, p. 17.</ref> The NCDC also blocked a plan by the Department of Works to build a bridge across the lake along the land axis between Parliament House and the War Memorial contrary to Griffin's plans.<ref>Sparke, pp. 19–21.</ref>

A powerful Senate Select Committee oversaw the NCDC and renowned British architect Sir [[William Holford]] was brought in to fine-tune Griffin's original plans.<ref>Sparke, pp. 56–57.</ref> He changed the central basin's geometry so that it was no longer a segment of circle; he converted the southern straight edge into a polygonal shape with three edges and inserted a gulf on the northern shore.<ref>Sparke, pp. 60–61.</ref> The result was closer to Scrivener's modified design some decades earlier.<ref name="s132">Sparke, p. 132.</ref>

== Final layout ==
[[File:Lake Burley Griffin map-01MJC.png|thumb|right|300px|Map of Lake Burley Griffin|alt=A map of the ACT with an inset into the centre of Canberra and the lake, with the various portions of the lake and islands labelled.]]
The lake contains {{convert|33000000|m3|acre.ft}} of water with a surface area of {{convert|6.64|km2}}. It is {{convert|11|km}} long, {{convert|1.2|km}} wide at its widest point, has a shoreline of {{convert|40.5|km}}<ref name="pp1">''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 1.</ref><ref name=s141/> and a water level of {{convert|555.93|m}} above sea level.<ref name="pp8"/>

The lake is relatively shallow; the maximum depth is {{convert|17.6|m|ft}} near the Scrivener Dam, and the average depth is {{convert|4.0|m|ft|sigfig=2}}. The shallowest part of the complex in the East Basin, which has an average depth of {{convert|1.9|m|ft}}. The minimum depth of the water at the walls is around {{convert|0.5|m|ft}} and rock is placed at the toe of the wall to inhibit aquatic plant growth.<ref name=p88>Andrews, p. 88.</ref><ref name="pp8">''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 8.</ref>

Lake Burley Griffin initially contained six islands, three unnamed small islands and three larger named islands.<ref name="pp9">''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 9.</ref> Of the larger islands, [[Queen Elizabeth II Island]] is located in Central Basin while [[Springbank Island|Springbank]] and [[Spinnaker Island (Lake Burley Griffin)|Spinnaker]] Island are located in the West Lake.<ref name="pp9"/> Queen Elizabeth II Island is connected to dry land by a footbridge,<ref name=map>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/enjoythelake/map.asp |title=Lake Burley Griffin Interactive Map |access-date=1 June 2009 |publisher=[[National Capital Authority]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522024956/http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/enjoythelake/map.asp |archive-date=22 May 2009}}</ref> and is the site of the [[Australian National Carillon]].<ref name="s174">Sparke, p. 174.</ref> A seventh island was created as part of the Kingston Foreshore development in the East Basin, where a wide channel was excavated creating an island out of the northern most part of the Kingston Foreshore.

==Construction==
In 1958, engineers conducted studies into the hydrology and structural requirements needed for the building of the dam.<ref name="s131"/> Further studies were done to model water quality, siltation, climate effects and change in land quality.<ref name=p91>Andrews, p. 91.</ref> Modelling based on the data collection suggested that the water level could be kept within a metre of the intended level of {{convert|556|m|ft}} above sea level in the case of a flood.<ref name=s136>Sparke, p. 136.</ref><ref name=p92>Andrews, p. 92.</ref>

In February 1959, formal authority for beginning construction was granted.<ref name="s132"/> However, while Menzies was on holiday, some officials from the Department of Treasury convinced ministers to withhold money needed for the lake, so the start of the construction was delayed.<ref name=s132/> Once it started, progress was fast.<ref name=s132/> At its peak, the number of people physically working on the construction in the lakes was between 400 and 500.<ref name=s136/> [[John Overall (architect)|John Overall]], the Commissioner of the NCDC, promised Menzies that the work would be finished within four years, and he succeeded, despite the Prime Minister's scepticism. Equipment was quickly requisitioned.<ref name=s135>Sparke, p. 135.</ref>

After the lengthy political wrangling over the design had passed, the criticism of the scheme died down. Menzies strongly denounced the "moaning" by opponents of the lake.<ref name=s135/> Most critics decried the project as a waste of money that should have been spent on essential services across Australia.<ref name=s135/> Less strident concerns centred on the potentially negative effects of the lake, such as mosquitoes, ecological degeneration,<ref name=s135/> siltation and the possibility that the lake would create fog.<ref name=p92/> The latter of these concerns has proven to be unfounded.<ref name=m808/>

===Lakes, islands and foreshore===
[[File:Kings ave bridge.jpg|thumb|right|Southern end of Kings Avenue Bridge under construction with Australian War Memorial at far left ''c''. 1961|alt=Kings Avenue Bridge under construction. The bridge is incomplete and only the pylons and platform on the southern side are in place. The site is surrounded by dust and the lakebed is dried out.]]

The excavation of Lake Burley Griffin began in 1960 with the clearing of vegetation from the floodplain of the Molonglo River. The trees on the golf course and along the river were pulled up, along with the various sports grounds and houses.<ref>Sparke, pp. 136–138.</ref>

During major earthworks, at least {{convert|382000|m3|yd3}} of topsoil was excavated.<ref name=s138>Sparke, p. 138.</ref> It was collected for use at several public parks and gardens,<ref name=s138/> including the future Commonwealth Park on the northern shore. It was also used to create the six artificial islands including Springbank Island. The island was named after the former Springbank Farm that was situated there.<ref name=s138/> Land excavated to create a sailing course at [[Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory|Yarralumla]] was used for the thematically named Spinnaker Island to its north, while excavated stone was moved beside the Kings Avenue Bridge at the eastern edge of the central basin from Queen Elizabeth II Island.<ref name=map/><ref name=s138/><ref name=p94>Andrews, p. 94.</ref>

Care was taken to excavate the entire lake floor to a depth of at least {{convert|2|m|ft}} to provide sufficient clearance for boat keels. Another reason given for this was that mosquitoes would not breed nor would weeds grow at such a depth.<ref name=s138/> A soil conservation program was launched in the catchment and bed load traps were installed to minimise loss of earth.<ref name=p92/> The traps have been used as a source of sand and gravel for building sites.<ref name=m806/> Drainage blankets were used to prevent the loss of [[groundwater]] beneath the lake.<ref name=m809/>

During the following phase of work, four types of lake margin were constructed.<ref name=p93/> On the southern side of the Central Basin, low reinforced concrete retaining walls were used,<ref name="pp9"/><ref name=p93/> while on the eastern side, grouted rock wall can be seen near Commonwealth Park, as well as much of the East Basin.<ref name=pp9/><ref name=p93/> Sand and gravel beaches were built to cater for lakeside recreational pursuits. These are mostly prevalent on the western half of the lake complex.<ref name=pp9/><ref name=p93/> Rocky outcrops, steeply sloping stable shores with water vegetation such as bullrushes were also used. This treatment is evident in the West Lake in Yarralumla.<ref name=pp9/><ref name=p93/> William Holford and Partners were responsible for the foreshore landscaping, and over 55,000 trees were planted in accordance with a detailed scheme.<ref name=p88/><ref name=m809>Minty, p. 809.</ref> [[Eucalypt]]s were preferred so as to maintain the natural colour of the city landscape.<ref name=m809/>

===Bridges===
Lake Burley Griffin is crossed by [[Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra|Commonwealth Avenue]] Bridge ({{convert|310|m|disp=or}}),<ref name=s138/> [[Kings Avenue, Canberra|Kings Avenue]] Bridge<ref name=s138/> ({{convert|270|m|disp=or}}<ref name="NCA_ Scrivener" />) and a roadway over [[Scrivener Dam]]. The two bridges were constructed before the lake was filled, and replaced wooden structures.<ref name=s138/> <!-- They are designed to allow the passage of recreational sailing boats with tall masts.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} -->

[[File:Kings Avenue Bridge on Lake Burley Griffin.jpg|left|thumb|Kings Avenue Bridge|alt=Aerial view of Kings Avenue Bridge]]

Site testing for both the Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges took place during late 1959 to early 1960.<ref name=s136/> The construction of the Kings Avenue Bridge began in 1960, followed by Commonwealth Avenue Bridge the year after.<ref name=s138/> Fortunately for the builders, Canberra was in a drought and the ground remained dry during construction.<ref name=s136/> Both bridges use [[Prestressed concrete#Post-tensioned concrete|post-tensioned concrete]],<ref name=m809/> reinforced with rustproof steel cables.<ref>Andrews, p. 34.</ref>

Both bridges are made of concrete and steel and are dual-carriageway;<ref name="s1389">Sparke, pp. 138–139.</ref><ref name=w189>Wigmore, p. 189.</ref> Commonwealth Avenue has three lanes in each direction while Kings Avenue has two.<ref name=w189/><ref>Andrews, pp. 30–31.</ref> Instead of traditional lamp post lighting, Kings Avenue Bridge was illuminated by a series of fluorescent tubes on the handrails, a concept known as "integral lighting".<ref name=p141>Andrews, p. 141.</ref> The design was deemed a success, so it was introduced to the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge also. Both structures won awards from the [[Illuminating Engineering Society]].<ref>Andrews, pp. 141–142.</ref>

Kings Avenue Bridge opened on 10 March 1962. Prime Minister Menzies unlocked a ceremonial chain before the motorcade and pageant crossed the lake in front of a large crowd.<ref name=s138/> Commonwealth Avenue Bridge opened in 1963 without an official ceremony. Menzies called it "the finest building in the national capital".<ref name=s138/>

===Dam===
[[File:Scrivener Dam - Lightened.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Scrivener Dam|alt=The dam is surrounded by grass and a road runs on top of it. A forest is in the background and there is no human activity in the range of visibility.]]
The dam that holds back the waters of Lake Burley Griffin was named [[Scrivener Dam]] after [[Charles Scrivener|Charles Robert Scrivener]].<ref name="s132"/> The dam was designed and built by Rheinstahl Union Bruckenbau in [[West Germany]],<ref name=s138/><ref name=p93/> and used state-of-the-art post-tensioning techniques to cope with any problems or movements in the riverbed.<ref name=s136/> This was required because of the quartz porphyry and geological faulting upon which the dam sits.<ref name=p93/> About {{convert|55000|m3|yd3}} of concrete was used in its construction. The dam is {{convert|33|m}} high and {{convert|319|m}} long with a maximum wall thickness of {{convert|19.7|m}}. The dam is designed to handle a once in 5,000-year flood event.<ref name="NCA_ Scrivener">{{cite book|title=Scrivener Dam |publisher=[[National Capital Authority]] |pages=1–2 |url=http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/downloads/education_and_understanding/factsheets/20ScrivenerDam.pdf |access-date=2 June 2009|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501233910/http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/downloads/education_and_understanding/factsheets/20ScrivenerDam.pdf |archive-date=1 May 2013 }}</ref> Construction began in September 1960 and the dam was locked in September 1963.<ref name=p93/>

The dam has a five bay [[spillway]] controlled by {{convert|30.5|m|adj=on}} wide,<ref name="NCA_ Scrivener" /> [[Hydraulic machinery|hydraulically]] operated [[floodgates|fish-belly flap gates]].<ref name=s136/> The fish-belly gates allow for a precise control of water level, reducing the dead area on the banks between high and low water levels. The five gates have only been opened simultaneously once in the dam's history, during heavy flooding in 1976.<ref name="NCA_ Scrivener" /> The gates hold two-thirds of the lake's volume.<ref name=m809/> They were designed to allow easy flow of debris out of the lake.<ref name=p93/>

The dam has the capacity to allow a flow of {{convert|5600|m3/s}} but can withstand up to {{convert|8600|m3/s}} before "catastrophic damage" results;<ref name=m806>Minty, p. 806.</ref><ref name=p93>Andrews, p. 93.</ref> A flow of {{convert|2830|m3/s|abbr=on}} can be dealt with without any substantial change in the water level.<ref name=m806/> The highest recorded flow in the Molonglo was {{convert|3400|m3/s}} during an earlier flood.<ref name=m806/>

Lady Denman Drive, a roadway atop the dam wall, provides a third road crossing for the lake. It consists of a roadway and a bicycle path,<ref name=pp9/> and allows residents in western Canberra to cross the lake.<ref name=p93/> This was possible because the dam gates are closed by pushing up from below, unlike most previous designs that wherein the gates were lifted from above.<ref name=s140>Sparke, p. 140.</ref>

===Lake filling===
A prolonged drought coincided with and eased work on the lake's construction. The valves on the Scrivener Dam were closed on 20 September 1963 by Minister for the Interior, [[Gordon Freeth]]; Menzies was absent due to ill health.<ref name=s140/> Several months on, with no rain in sight, mosquito-infested pools of water were the only visible sign of the lake filling.<ref name=s140/> With the eventual breaking of the drought, the lake reached the planned level on 29 April 1964.<ref name=s141>Sparke, p. 141.</ref> On 17 October 1964, Menzies (by now Sir Robert) commemorated the filling of the lake and the completion of stage one with an opening ceremony amid the backdrop of sailing craft.<ref name=s141/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.menziesvirtualmuseum.org.au/1960s/1964.html |title=Menzies Virtual Museum – 1964 |publisher=Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation |access-date=1 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119074739/http://www.menziesvirtualmuseum.org.au/1960s/1964.html |archive-date=19 January 2009 }}</ref> The ceremony was accompanied by fireworks display, and Griffin's lake had finally come to fruition after five decades, at the cost of [[Australian dollar|A$]]5,039,050 ({{inflation|AU|5039050|1964|fmt=eq|r=-4}}).<ref name=s141/><ref name=m809/> Freeth suggested that Menzies had "been in a material sense the father of the lake" and that the lake should be named after him.<ref>Sparke, pp. 97, 132.</ref> Menzies insisted that the lake should be named after Griffin.<ref name="s132"/>

In times of severe drought, Lake Burley Griffin's water level can fall unacceptably low. When this happens, a release of water from Googong Dam located upstream can be scheduled to top up and restore the lake water level.<ref>Sparke, pp. 220–221.</ref> The Googong Dam is on the [[Queanbeyan River]] which is a tributary of the Molonglo River.<ref name=fy42/> The dam whose construction was finished in 1979 is one of three dams—the Cotter and Corin Dams are the others—that meet the water supply needs of the Canberra and [[Queanbeyan]] region.<ref>''ACT Infrastructure Five-yearly report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG)'', pp. 40–41.</ref> The Googong Dam's water carrying capacity is {{convert|124500000|m3|acre.ft}}.<ref name=fy42>''ACT Infrastructure Five-yearly report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG)'', p. 42.</ref>

== Later history and development==
{{See also|Captain James Cook Memorial|Kingston Foreshores Redevelopment}}
[[File:Autumn on Lake Burley Griffin.jpg|thumb|The National Library as seen from the lake in [[autumn]]|alt=The national library is a rectangular building with tall pillars similar to a Roman/Greek style building. It stands on the shores of a landscaped lake surrounded by deciduous trees with red leaves.]]
Griffin's design made the lake a focal point of the city. In the four decades since the initial construction of the lake, various buildings of national importance were added. According to the policy plan of the government, "The lake is not only one of the centrepieces of Canberra's plan in its own right, but forms the immediate foreground of the National Parliamentary Area."<ref name=pp1/>

The creation of the lake also gave a water frontage to many prominent institutions that were previously landlocked. The [[Canberra Hospital|Royal Canberra Hospital]] was located on the [[Acton Peninsula]] between the West Lake and the West Basin on the north shore until its demolition.<ref name=pp18>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 18.</ref> [[Government House, Canberra|Government House]], the historic [[Blundell's Cottage]]—which was built over 50 years before construction of Canberra began—and the newly built [[Australian National University]], on the southern and northern shores of the West Lake, both gained a waterfront.<ref name=pp18/>

In 1970, two tourist attractions were added to the middle of Central Basin. The [[Captain James Cook Memorial]] was built by the government to commemorate the Bicentenary of (then Lieutenant) [[James Cook]]'s first sighting of the east coast of Australia. It includes a water jet fountain located in the central basin (based on the [[Jet d'eau]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/downloads/education_and_understanding/factsheets/15CaptainCookMemorial.pdf |title=Captain Cook Memorial |access-date=2010-03-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611215539/http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/downloads/education_and_understanding/factsheets/15CaptainCookMemorial.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2009}}</ref> in Geneva) and a skeleton globe sculpture at Regatta Point showing the paths of Cook's expeditions. On 25 April 1970, [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]] officially inaugurated the memorial.<ref>Sparke, pp. 173–174.</ref> As part of the same ceremony, Queen Elizabeth also opened the [[Australian National Carillon|National Carillon]] on Queen Elizabeth II Island, a set of 53 bronze bells donated by the British Government to commemorate the city's 50th anniversary.<ref name=s174/>
[[File:Captain Cook Memorial.jpg|thumb|left|Memorial to Captain Cook|alt=A large metal wire globe depicting the travels of Captain Cook stands on a concrete platform on the shore of the lake, amidst landscaped parks.]]

The completion of the central basin placed a waterway between Parliament House and the War Memorial and a landscaped boulevard was built along the land axis.<ref>Sparke, pp. 113–116.</ref> Later, various buildings of national importance were built along the land axis in the late-1960s through to the early 1980s. The [[National Library of Australia|National Library]] was opened on the western side of the axis in April 1968.<ref>Sparke, pp. 170–171.</ref> Building of the [[high Court of Australia|High Court]] and [[National Gallery of Australia|National Gallery]] occurred in the late-1970s and the buildings were opened in May 1980 and October 1982 respectively.<ref>Sparke, pp. 307–310.</ref> The latter two buildings lie on the eastern side of the axis and are connected by an aerial bridge.<ref name=map/><ref>Sparke, p. 311.</ref> In 1988, the new Parliament House was built on Capital Hill, thereby completing the most important structure in the Parliamentary Triangle.<ref name=map/>

The current home of the [[National Museum of Australia|National Museum]] was built on the former site of the Royal Canberra Hospital in 2001.<ref name=pp17/><ref name=map/> This occurred after the public were encouraged to watch the [[Royal Canberra Hospital implosion|controlled demolition of the hospital]] in 1997, but a girl was killed by flying debris, leading to criticism of the ACT Government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/stories/s64319.htm|title=Increasing pressure on ACT Chief Minister|date=5 November 1999|work=A.M.|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=2 June 2009}}</ref>

At the start of the 21st century, the layout of the lake was significantly altered for the first time since its construction, through the Kingston Foreshores Redevelopment on southern shore of the East Basin, which was planned in 1997.<ref name=harb/> A bidding process was enacted,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/06/23/885584.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719125530/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/06/23/885584.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2012| title=Six companies short-listed for Kingston Foreshore Project |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=23 June 2003| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> multimillion-dollar luxury apartment complexes were built in the suburb of [[Kingston, Australian Capital Territory|Kingston]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/09/25/953491.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222074754/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/09/25/953491.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2011| title=Developer buys first Kingston Foreshore land |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=25 September 2003| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> driving property values to record-breaking levels.<ref name=harb>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/04/07/1891936.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101013758/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/04/07/1891936.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 January 2013| title=ACT Govt awards Kingston harbour contract |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=7 April 2007| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> After a dispute over the environmental impact of the development, building works commenced on the previously industrial lakeside area of the suburb.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2005/03/31/1335053.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716134122/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2005/03/31/1335053.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012| title=Landscaping, waste water concerns hit Kingston development |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=31 March 2005| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.macmahon.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=108| title=Kingston Foreshore |publisher=Macmahon | access-date=25 June 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080720014616/http://www.macmahon.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=108| archive-date = 20 July 2008}}</ref> In 2007, work started to reclaim land from the lakebed to form a harbour.<ref name=harb/>
[[File:View from telstra tower at sunset.jpg|thumb|right|Lake Burley Griffin, viewed from the [[Telstra Tower]]]]
The [[Kingston Powerhouse]], which used to provide the city's power supply, was converted into the [[Canberra Glassworks]] in 2007, 50 years after the electricity generators stopped.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/23/2253949.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728201837/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/23/2253949.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 July 2012| title=Canberra Glassworks celebrates first birthday |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=23 May 2008| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> A {{convert|25|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tower of glass and light named ''Touching Lightly'' was unveiled on 21 May 2010 by Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts and Heritage Jon Stanhope. It was built by Australian artist Warren Langley.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.canberraglassworks.com/about/our-building/touching-lightly/|title=Touching Lightly ACT Government Public Art at Canberra Glassworks|publisher=[[Canberra glass works]]|access-date=4 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910054557/http://www.canberraglassworks.com/about/our-building/touching-lightly/|archive-date=10 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2007, the government unveiled a proposal to redevelop the area surrounding the historic [[Albert Hall, Canberra|Albert Hall]] into a tourist and dining precinct. This included the building of an eight-storey building and the rezoning of some waterfront land currently designated as cultural to commercial.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/downloads/planning_and_urban_design/draft_amendments/DA%2053%20Albert%20Hall_250507_Update.pdf |title=National Capital Plan Draft Amendment 53 – Albert Hall Precinct |date=February 2007 |publisher=[[National Capital Authority]] |access-date=7 June 2009 |pages=11, 19|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615175537/http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/downloads/planning_and_urban_design/draft_amendments/DA%2053%20Albert%20Hall_250507_Update.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2009 }}</ref> It was met with widespread hostility from heritage activists and the general community, which submitted more than 3,300 signatories in a petition against the scheme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/05/14/1921825.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717215849/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/05/14/1921825.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=Petitioners seek to stop hall development |date=14 May 2007|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/03/26/1881214.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217195739/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/03/26/1881214.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 February 2011|title=Historian hits out at Albert Hall development plans|date=26 March 2007|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref> One of the criticisms was that the project was tilted too heavily towards business, and neglected the arts and community events.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/04/03/1888386.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219075220/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/04/03/1888386.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 February 2011|title=Experts want Albert Hall to be used for community activities |date=3 April 2007|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref> The proposal was scrapped in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/02/22/1854648.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121092157/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/02/22/1854648.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2010|title=Facelift planned for Albert Hall precinct|date=22 February 2007|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/22/2605257.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120727232913/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/22/2605257.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 July 2012|title=Albert Hall development plans axed|date=22 June 2009|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/07/2052805.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219215016/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/07/2052805.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 February 2011|title=No news is bad news for Albert Hall: lobby group|date=7 October 2007|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref>

It was proposed that a footbridge, to be named [[Immigration Bridge]], be built between the [[National Museum of Australia]] and Lennox Gardens on the south shore, in recognition of the contributions that immigrants have made to Australia.<ref name="scuttle_bridge_proposal">{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/clamour-to-scuttle-bridge-proposal/1473959.aspx?page=3 |title=Clamour to scuttle bridge proposal |last=Doherty |first=Megan |date=31 March 2009 |work=The Canberra Times|access-date=7 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104084151/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/clamour-to-scuttle-bridge-proposal/1473959.aspx?page=3 |archive-date=4 November 2011 }}</ref> The proposal mostly received negative feedback.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/27/2528467.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330071726/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/27/2528467.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 March 2009|title=Canberrans speak out on proposed memorial bridge|date=28 March 2009|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref> An inquiry recommended that the bridge be redesigned or moved to accommodate the needs of other lake users.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/29/2584211.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612102755/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/29/2584211.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 June 2009|title=Lake users must agree to footbridge: committee|date=29 May 2009|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref> The proposal was abandoned in March 2010.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 March 2010 |title=Immigration Bridge plans collapse |website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/30/2859769.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404185349/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/30/2859769.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 April 2010}}</ref>

==Lakeside recreation==
[[File:Commonwealth Park in Canberra.jpg|thumb|Commonwealth Park|alt=An inlet of the lake, landscaped with concrete footpaths, safety rails and shady trees. Many ducks are swimming next to shore.]]
The surrounds of Lake Burley Griffin are very popular recreational areas. Public parks exist along most of the shore line, with free electric barbecue facilities, fenced-in swimming areas, picnic tables and toilets.<ref name=map/> These parklands form a large part of the area around the lake, and occupy {{convert|3.139|km2|acre|abbr=on}} in total.<ref name=pp8/> Some of the parks reserved for public recreation include [[Commonwealth Park, Canberra|Commonwealth]], [[Weston Park, Canberra|Weston]], [[Kings Park, Canberra|Kings]] and Grevillea Parks, [[Lennox Gardens, Canberra|Lennox Gardens]] and Commonwealth Place.<ref name=map/> Commonwealth and Kings Park on the northern shore of the Central Basin are among the two most popular. The former is an urban horticultural park and is the location of the Canberra Festival.<ref name=pp17/>

Commonwealth Park is the location of [[Floriade (Canberra)|Floriade]], an annual flower festival that is held for around a month in spring and attracts upwards of 300,000 visitors,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2006/10/10/1759336.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215225415/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2006/10/10/1759336.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 February 2011| title=Organisers tip record Floriade crowd|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=10 October 2006| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> a number comparable to the city population. The largest flower festival in Australia,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nsw/stories/s1203021.htm| title=Floriade herbs|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=20 September 2004| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> the event is a major tourist attraction for the city, and legal action was threatened after another festival in Australia wanted to use the same name.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2005/09/12/1458009.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719150427/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2005/09/12/1458009.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2012| title=Legal row brews over NSW Floriade event |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=25 September 2005| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> An expansion is being planned to coincide with the centenary of the national capital.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/30/2556702.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722184732/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/30/2556702.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 July 2009| title=Floriade to expand to 3 locations, says Govt |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=30 April 2009| access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> The Weston Park to the west is known for its woodland and conifers, while Black Mountain Peninsula is known as a picnicking site with eucalypts.<ref name=pp17/> Grevillea and Bowen Parks on the East Basin tend to be little used.<ref name=pp18/>

Owing to the proliferation of beaches, boat ramps and jetties, the West Lake is the area most used by swimmers and vessels.<ref name=pp17/> A bike path also surrounds the lake, and riding, walking or jogging around the lake are a popular activity on the weekends.<ref name=ncafacts/><ref name="pp18"/><ref name=pp25>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 25.</ref> Fireworks are often held over the lake on [[New Year's Eve]], and a large show called [[Skyfire (Canberra)|Skyfire]] has been held at the lake since 1989.<ref>{{cite web|title=Skyfire 09|publisher= [[Australian Federal Police]] | date=17 March 2009|url=http://www.afp.gov.au/act/on_the_beat/on_the_beat_archives/2009/17_march_2009.html|access-date=25 June 2009}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Upcoming Events|publisher= [[National Capital Authority]] |url=https://www.nca.gov.au/annual-report-2014-2015/chapter-1-national-capital-authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906182921/https://www.nca.gov.au/annual-report-2014-2015/chapter-1-national-capital-authority |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 September 2017 |access-date=25 June 2009}}</ref>

===Water sports===
[[File:Catamaran LBG.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Maricat on West Basin, Lake Burley Griffin with Black Mountain Tower in the background.|alt=Catamaran with two adults and a child aboard. It has a rainbow-coloured horizontal striped sail. The water is calm and empty and Telstra Tower is in the background.]]
[[File:Black Swans Canberra.jpg|thumb|right|[[Black swan]]s gather on East Basin, Lake Burley Griffin|alt=Large number of black swans and much smaller black ducks close to the lake shore.]]
Lake Burley Griffin, apart from being ornamental, is used for many recreational activities. [[Canoeing]], [[sailing]], paddleboating, [[windsurfing]] and [[dragon boating]] are popular.<ref name=pp18/> A rowing course is set up at the western end of the lake.<ref name=pp13/> The National Championships were held in the lake in 1964,<ref name=p94/> but high winds have deterred organisers. On one occasion, winds swept a boat into a bridge pylon.<ref>Sparke, pp. 138–144.</ref> While not particularly popular, opportunities for swimming have been limited recently because of increasingly frequent lake closures due to concerns about water quality;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/08/2564298.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301161024/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/08/2564298.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2010| title=Lake remains closed to swimmers|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=25 September 2003| access-date=8 May 2009}}</ref> another deterrent against swimming is the generally cold water temperature.<ref name=pp13>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 13.</ref><ref name=pp27>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 27.</ref> During summer, the lake is used for the swim leg of numerous triathlon and aquathlon events including the Sri Chinmoy Triathlon Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://summer.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?view=details&id=43%3Asri-chinmoy-triathlon&option=com_eventlist |title=Sri Chinmoy Triathlon |publisher=[[National Capital Authority]] |access-date=25 June 2009}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

Generally, powerboat use on the lake is not permitted. Permits are available for the use of powered boats on the lake for use in rescue, training, commercial purposes or special interest (such as historic steam-powered boats).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=229&Itemid=222 |title=Boating on Lake Burley Griffin  |publisher=[[National Capital Authority]] |access-date=1 June 2009}}</ref> Molonglo Reach, an area of the Molonglo River just before it enters the east basin is set aside for water skiing. Ten powerboats may be used in this limited area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au/Services/w/waterskiing-timeslot-booking|title=Water Skiing|publisher=Canberra Connect|access-date=24 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724004638/http://www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au/Services/w/waterskiing-timeslot-booking|archive-date=24 July 2012}}</ref>

===Safety===
[[File:National Carillon, ACT - Rectilinear projection.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[National Carillon]] on [[Queen Elizabeth II Island]]|alt=A tall modern concrete structure of three slabs, with the bells ensconced in the middle at the top, surrounded by landscaped grass and hedge.]]
The lake is patrolled by the [[Australian Federal Police]] [[water police]].<ref name=s141/> The water police give assistance to lake users, helping to right boats and towing crippled craft to shore.<ref name=s141/>

At most swimming locations around Lake Burley Griffin there are fenced-in swimming areas for safety. In the more popular areas, there are also safety lockers with life belts and emergency phones for requesting help. Between 1962 and 1991, seven people died from drowning.<ref>{{cite web|title=Casuarina Sands Weir|work=Hansard|publisher=[[Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly]]|date=21 February 1991|page=614|url=http://www.hansard.act.gov.au/hansard/1991/pdfs/19910221.pdf|access-date=4 June 2009|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929165532/http://www.hansard.act.gov.au/hansard/1991/pdfs/19910221.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

For safety and water quality reasons, the lake has different zones for different activities.<ref name=z>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180:lake-burley-griffin-water-quality-management-plan&catid=56:ql-menu-corporate&Itemid=179 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927120607/http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180%3Alake-burley-griffin-water-quality-management-plan&catid=56%3Aql-menu-corporate&Itemid=179 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2011 |title=Lake Burley Griffin Water Quality Management Plan |publisher=[[National Capital Authority]] |date=June 2004 |access-date=4 June 2009 }}</ref> The eastern extremity is zoned for primary contact water activities such as swimming and water skiing.<ref name=z/> The East and Central Basins, closer to populated areas, are zoned for secondary contact water sports such as sailing or rowing.<ref name=z/> West Lake and Tarcoola Reach, which covers the area between Commonwealth Avenue and Kurrajong Point, is the primary recreational area of the lake, and both primary and secondary contact water sports are permitted.<ref name=z/> Yarramundi Reach near Scrivener Dam has a marked rowing course, and is zoned as secondary, although primary contact activities are also allowed.<ref name=z/>

== Environmental issues ==

===Water quality===
[[File:Lake Burley Griffin, East Basin 2.JPG|thumb|Notice of closure due to [[Cyanobacteria|blue-green algae]] on 5 June 2009|alt=A metal sign erected on the sandy shores of the lake advises of the ban on water activity due to pollution]]
[[Toxic]] [[Cyanobacteria|blue-green algae]] blooms are a reasonably common occurrence in the lake.<ref name=pp28/> Warnings about coming into contact with the water are released when an [[algal bloom]] is detected. Attempts are being made to limit the amount of [[phosphate]]s entering the lake in the hope of improving its water quality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.environment.act.gov.au/water/water_quality/blue-green_algae_monitoring |title=Territory and Municipal Services – Blue-Green Algae Monitoring |publisher=ACT Environment Protection Authority |date=29 May 2009 |access-date=1 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710222120/http://www.environment.act.gov.au/water/water_quality/blue-green_algae_monitoring |archive-date=10 July 2009 }}</ref> Blue-green algae (more correctly cyanobacteria) produce [[toxin]]s, which can be harmful for humans and any other animals that come in contact with the contaminated water. There have been several cases of dogs being affected after playing in and drinking the lake water.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.aims.gov.au/arnat/arnat-010-02-20000044.htm |title=Algae closes all lakes Blue-green menace here to stay: learn to live with it, says expert |work= Newsletter |date=October 2003 |publisher=[[Australian Institute of Marine Science]] |access-date=4 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428072728/http://www3.aims.gov.au/arnat/arnat-010-02-20000044.htm <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=28 April 2009}}</ref>

The water also appears murky due to a high level of [[turbidity]];<ref name=pp27/> however, this is not usually a health risk.<ref name=pp27/> However, the turbidity, which is caused by wind, prevents photosynthetic stabilisation.<ref name=m810>Minty, p. 810.</ref> Siltation is not considered a major problem and is only a factor in the East Basin, but dredging is not required. The problem has eased with the construction of the Googong Dam, and the spectre of heavy metal pollution has receded,<ref name=pp28/> partly due to the closure of some lead mines upstream.<ref name=m808>Minty, p. 808.</ref> However, leaching and groundwater leakage still causes some pollution.<ref name=m808/> Rubbish, oil and sediment traps have been set up at the incoming openings to the lake to minimise pollution.<ref name=pp28/>

===Aquatic life and fishing===
Fishing is quite popular in the lake. The most common species caught is the illegally introduced [[Common carp|carp]].<ref name=pp28>''Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan'', p. 28.</ref> Annual monitoring is carried out to determine fish populations. Almost equally as common are the introduced redfin [[European perch]], with these being a regular by catch when fishing for golden perch. However, a number of less common species also inhabit the lake, including native [[Murray cod]], [[western carp gudgeon]] and [[golden perch]], as well as introduced [[goldfish]], ''[[Gambusia]]'', [[rainbow trout]] and [[brown trout]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/BurleyGriffin.htm |title=Fishing information & lake map of Lake Burley Griffin |publisher=Sweetwater Fishing|access-date=1 June 2009}}</ref>

[[File:Lake burley griffin04.jpg|thumb|The view along Central Basin towards the [[Carillon]] and [[Russell, Australian Capital Territory|Defence Headquarters]] |alt=A small pontoon juts out onto the lake under the shade of a tree. Clouds are present in the sky.]]

The lake has been stocked annually with a variety of introduced and native species and over half a million fish have been released since 1981.<ref name=fish>''Draft for public comment: Fish stocking plan for the Australian Capital Territory 2009–2014'', pp. 5–6.</ref> There have been many changes to the fish populations in the lake as well as stocking practices since it was first filled.<ref name=fish/>

Regular stocking since the start of the 1980s have re-established reasonable populations of golden perch and Murray cod;<ref name=fish/> native fish that were indigenous to the Molonglo River before the lake was built, but had been lost to mining pollution of the Molonglo River in the first half of the 20th century.<ref name=f4>''Draft for public comment: Fish stocking plan for the Australian Capital Territory 2009–2014'', p. 4.</ref> The main reason for stocking is to boost fish stocks along the Molonglo, which have been depleted by [[overfishing]], introduced species and [[habitat destruction]]. One of the motives for raising the level of Murray cod and golden perch is to balance the ecosystem by having them act as native predators of other fish.<ref name=f4/>

Native Silver perch and introduced brown trout were released in 1981–1983 and 1987–1989 respectively, but have not been stocked since.<ref name=fish/> Silver perch stockings resulted in almost no captures. Introduced rainbow trout have been released sporadically, approximately once a decade, but have not been released since 2002–04,<ref name=fish/> due to unacceptably low survival rates. According to a government report, the reason for the low survival rate is unknown, but the dominance of carp in the competition for food is one suggested theory.<ref name=fish/> However, the eutrophic nature and high water temperatures of the lake in summer are more probable reasons. Golden perch and Murray cod have accounted for around four-fifths of the released fish in the last three decades and have been the only fish stocked in the last five years.<ref name=fish/> The government plans to stock only these two species for the five years leading up to 2014.<ref>''Draft for public comment: Fish stocking plan for the Australian Capital Territory 2009–2014'', p. 14.</ref>

[[File:Southern view of Canberra from Mount Ainslie lookout.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House from Mount Ainslie|alt=Panoramic view from a mountain overlooking the lake from north to south. View is Axially along Anzac Parade and Parliament House is directly opposite. A group of office blocks and small skyscrapers can be seen at right, the city centre.]]

== Engineering heritage award ==
The lake is listed as a National Engineering Landmark by [[Engineers Australia]] as part of its [[Engineers Australia#Engineering Heritage Recognition Program|Engineering Heritage Recognition Program]].<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://portal.engineersaustralia.org.au/heritage/lake-burley-griffin-scheme-molonglo-river-1964
| title = Lake Burley Griffin Scheme, Molonglo River, 1964-
| publisher = Engineers Australia
| access-date = 2020-05-02
}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Paranoá Lake]], artificial lake of [[Brasília]], [[Brazil]]'s capital

==Notes==
{{reflist|33em}}

==References==
*{{cite book |title=ACT Infrastructure Five-yearly report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) |publisher=ACT Chief Minister’s Department |date=January 2007}}
*{{cite book |title=Draft for public comment: Fish stocking plan for the Australian Capital Territory 2009–2014 |publisher=Department of Territory and Municipal Services |date=January 2009}}
* {{cite book |title=Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra : Policy Plan |year=1988 |publisher=National Capital Development Commission |isbn=0-642-13957-1}}
*{{cite book |editor-last=Andrews |editor-first=W. C. |year=1990 |title=Canberra's Engineering Heritage |isbn=0-85825-496-4 |publisher=Institution of Engineers Australia}}
*{{cite book |last=Minty |first=A. E. |year=1973 |title=Man-Made Lakes: Their Problems and Environmental Effects|isbn=0-87590-017-8 |publisher=William Byrd Press}}
* {{cite book |title=Canberra 1954–1980 |first=Eric |last=Sparke |year=1988 |publisher=Australian Government Publishing Service |isbn=0-644-08060-4}}
* {{cite book |title=Canberra: history of Australia's national capital |first=Lionel |last=Wigmore |year=1971 |publisher=Dalton Publishing Company |isbn=0-909906-06-8}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?view=article&id=720 Lake Burley Griffin Heritage Assessment] with "Lake Burley Griffin and Adjacent Lands Draft Heritage Management Plan"

{{Portal bar|Australia|Lakes}}
{{Lake Burley Griffin}}
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{{Canberra landmarks}}

[[Category:Reservoirs in the Australian Capital Territory|Burley Griffin]]
[[Category:Landmarks in Canberra]]
[[Category:Murray-Darling basin]]
[[Category:Rowing venues in Australia|Burley Griffin, Lake]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Canberra]]
[[Category:Recipients of Engineers Australia engineering heritage markers]]
[[Category:1964 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Walter Burley Griffin]]