19/1/06
Western Australia’s opportunity for an international-class rowing, canoeing and triathlon venture has been unveiled to the public.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Sporting and Recreation Minister John Bowler toured the State’s most exciting recreational park and future rowing, canoeing and triathlon complex today, when they visited Champion Lakes, near Armadale.
“Champion Lakes has the potential to host State, national and international events and be a training ground for WA and international athletes to Olympic level,” Ms MacTiernan said.
Mr Bowler, who is a keen basketball player and coach, but whose Goldfields background has given him little opportunity for aquatic sports, met representatives of Rowing WA, Canoeing WA, dragon-boating and triathlon organisations at the lakeside function. Ms MacTiernan also presented him with a framed photograph of Champion Lakes taken from the air a few days ago.
Champion Lakes is the showcase project of the Armadale Redevelopment Authority, the State Government agency leading the economic and social revival of the Armadale-Kelmscott area.
The ARA used the opportunity which came from the construction of the Tonkin Highway to excavate the 2.2km rowing course, which was then lined with high-density plastic, covered with 500mm of clay.
Ms MacTiernan said the lake used non-potable water from a 700m deep bore into the Yarragadee aquifer, which began flowing in May and was now at design level.
“It holds 2.8 gigalitres, the equivalent of 100,000 swimming pools, and is about four metres deep in the main racing channel and about 2.5m deep in the warm-up lake and the return channel between the nature islands and the lake edge,” the Minister said.
Future plans also include a world-standard whitewater canoeing and rafting facility.
The ARA has started work on a master landscape plan that includes conservation of wetland habitat environments and sets new standards in environmental management and water-sensitive design.
Ms MacTiernan said other future developments at Champion Lakes were an Aboriginal Interpretative and Enterprise Centre, resort-style accommodation, a high-quality residential area, conference facilities and small-scale business and commercial activities.
The State Government continues to enhance the unique lifestyle of all Western Australians.
Minister's Office - 9213 6400
