LAKE Burley Griffin’s new $150,000 rowing course was tested for the first time today by Olympic gold medallists David Crawshay and Scott Brennan.

The course, rebuilt following the floods in December 2010, will be not only be used as a training ground for rowers, dragon boaters and sprint kayakers but will host national and local regattas.

Rowing Australia chief executive officer Andrew Dee said the new rowing course will be used by Australian rowing representatives.

“Lake Burley Griffin is one of the best rowing training venues in the world. The new course will further enhance the capacity of our athletes and coaches to prepare for next year’s London Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Dee said.

Rowing ACT president, David Bagnall said the new course will also host national and local regattas.

“This course is not only our principal training area, but also our regatta venue,” said Mr Bagnall.

“Lake Burley Griffin hosts eight regattas each year, and crews train on the course every day of the year. The new course will provide an even better experience for visiting and local crews.”

The course is 1800m long, with seven lanes marked by buoys, anchored underwater.