Learning from Our Land

Concerned Residents for West Kambah (CROWK) last year received funding from ACT Health Promotion Grants for a three year project to develop options for a regional precinct in West Kambah.

The aim is to support a stronger local community by encouraging residents to value what their area has to offer. And, most important, is that we start seeing ourselves as living in a special region.

The project presents an opportunity to develop the region into a model for community involvement in sustainable management of natural resources and for promoting social well being.

There will extensive consultation with community, educational, business and environmental organisations and individuals. As public Discussion Paper, Learning from our Land, was released for comment last year.

Special Place

Just what’s so special about West Kambah? And where is it?

People don’t always realise it, but West Kambah, together with its neighbours from the Tuggeranong Hyperdome through to Cooleman Court in Weston Creek, has some outstanding assets.

Take the Murrumbidgee River and surrounding hills and rural lands that are right at its doorstep.These are a haven for native plants and wildlife including the parrots, cockatoos, magpies and kookaburras that venture into surrounding suburban gardens. This stunning environmental backdrop is a focus for family and social picnics and get-togethers, as well as for swimming, kayaking, cycling, golfing, walking, bird watching, equestrian and other recreational activities.

Adding to its environmental pluses, West Kambah has social assets that include many active community groups ranging from Landcare Groups to cultural organisations like painting and drama groups. Local initiatives also include community sponsored activities to support youth, many local businesses ranging and successful government supported, community implemented programs.  Infrastructure like sporting, recreation and other facilities is already in place in many areas.

Why get involved?

Taking a precinct-based approach to West Kambah’s physical and social assets and seeing how they complement each other, means they’re more likely to be managed sustainably. And this should give us a healthy natural and social environment for present and future generations.

Getting people involved helps us work together better as a community and see how we fit into our region. We increase our skills and knowledge and build up networks and local self reliance and responsibilities. The end result is improved community health, wellbeing and security.

The precinct options developed as part of this project should encourage recreational activities, community development, business opportunities and sustainable suburban living. Ways will be sought to make the area a focus for research and learning and a demonstration region for positive, ecologically sustainable, economic returns.

How will it work?

Some public meetings have already been held and consultation has begun. These will continue throughout the project.Coming up is a walk starting from at the western end of Hindmarsh drive and Kambah Pool road on April 22^nd to identify and reflect on the Precinct and its sustainability – as well as ane joy a very healthy activity!

In the next couple of months the project team is undertaking a study of the area to identify possible environmentally healthy sustainable activities. This will look at economic opportunities, the potential links among regional stakeholders and existing infrastructure. In doing this, they will be consulting with many stakeholders including those who are experts in sustainable community organisations and the local community.

A community-based forum will be held in June to review, reality check and prioritise ideas for the precinct produced as a result of consultation and public comment. Key projects for action will be identified.

To get involved, read the Discussion Paper Learning from our Land obtainable at/from our web site http://crowk.org.au/.And send your comments and ideas to crowk@grapevine.com.au or the contact point below. Participate in forthcoming activities that are part of the project like the walk on 22 April. Keep an eye out for advertisements in the local media.

Further information: contact Geoff Pryor: Tel 02 6231 6423 or mobile 0428 930 196