Whitewater Facility for Melbourne
(as published on AdventurePro web site)
By Max Parsons, Chairman Slalom Committee, Canoeing Victoria
November 14, 2006
An artificial whitewater facility in Victoria has been developing over a period of many years. Sites have been assessed and re-assessed with the majority being discarded. A short list was developed that included sites at Maribyrnong, Laverton and Carrum, but a single site stood out amongst the rest.
This site is located within the Waterfront City development, which is a key component development of the Docklands precinct and represents the single largest residential / commercial / activity based development in the overall Docklands area.
Significant refinement of the proposal was undertaken, some in conjunction with the developers of Waterfront City, ING Real Estate Development Australia Pty. Ltd..
As a result of the excellent attributes this site displays, including the proposed adjacent Observation Wheel, the near by proposed Ice Sports facility, the existing Telstra Dome, Victoria Harbour, proximity to the city, proximity to a vibrant mixture of residential and commercial areas and the positive tourism impacts for a site so close to Melbourne, this site was confirmed as the premier location for a Whitewater Facility in Melbourne.
A Facility in this location could deliver significant positive outcomes for the community, the sports, the City and the stakeholders.
With the above factors primary in our mind a proposal was placed before the Melbourne City Council seeking to engage the council in discussions towards its realization and potential partnership with the Victorian Government.
There is no doubt there are significant issues to be addressed, assessed and overcome in order for this Facility proposal to turn into reality.
However, if we do not engage the potential and thoroughly investigate and assess the site for its genuine suitability, there can be no movement forward in delivering this very worthwhile project to the people of Victoria.
It is proposed that the Facility will utilise sea water drawn from Victoria Harbour, re-circulate it through Moonee Ponds Creek and return it to the harbour. There would be a net zero affect on water savings and it would be of better quality after its journey than it was before.
The standard of the Facility would be World Class and, as such, would draw to it events of a World Class nature. This would re-inforce Melbournes label as the best City in the world for Sports delivery.
There is no doubt that a Whitewater Facility in this location would become a signature venue for Melbourne and Australia and serve to focus the Docklands precinct as a destination place.
There is genuine interest from the Victorian Government, Tourism Victoria and, I now believe, the Melbourne City Council. There also now appears to be interest from the Federal Government as well.
I challenge all potential stakeholders, including the Community, to embrace the proposal and to make a positive contribution towards its reality.
After all, we will all benefit one way or another.
