Kim Pham
24 May 2017: Five landscape architecture students have been working in partnership with Goulburn Mulwaree Council in the hope of breathing new life and interest into the town’s river walk.
The students were tasked with creating design concepts as part of their studies to highlight the walking track and the town’s connection to the river. They recently presented these to Goulburn Mulwaree Council, which will use the design concepts to illustrate some of the potential uses of the space to residents.
University of Canberra tutor Gay Williamson said the project aims to change people’s perceptions in visiting the space.
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University of Canberra landscape architecture students recently presented their draft designs to Goulburn Mulwaree councillors. Photo: Jack Simpson.
“This is more than just a path, it could actually be a focus for the community and a chance to develop other experiences,” she said.
“The students had to consider the whole character of the walkway and this included interpretive signage, planting, materials and extension of the walkway.”
The concrete walking track begins at the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum, snakes through the centre of town and concludes where the Wollondilly and Mulwaree Rivers join together.
Bachelor of Landscape and Design student Jack Simpson said a whole host of environmental factors helped shape his design concept.
“I wanted to make the river a unique destination for people to enjoy and really utilise. One of the main challenges that had to be addressed throughout the project is the history of flooding and what sort of damage it would cause to the walking tracks and facilities that could be placed along the walks,” he said.
In order to get a real feel for the space, students went on fortnightly field trips to Goulburn and were given permission to use the co-working hub, Workspace 2580.
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Design student Rei Hipolito said it was helpful to be able to speak firsthand to locals.
“Landscape architecture and planning for these sorts of projects does involve a lot of understanding of user needs, so bouncing ideas with people, especially the wonderful staff and volunteers at WorkSpace 2580 was very beneficial,” he said.
Ms Williamson said the project was a good opportunity for students to work with local government on a real-life problem faced by many towns.
“Like a lot of Australian towns, Goulburn is historically located on the river but then all of a sudden the town grows and develops and the river doesn’t become much of a focus,” she said.
“You can see that pattern happen a lot and it’s the same thing in Goulburn. It’s been wonderful to have the local council so open and willing to work with our students.”
The students will present their final designs to the Council at the end of the month.
