THE Friends of Yerrabi Pond have a vision to breathe life back into Gungahlin’s primary water feature, saving it from years of neglect that’s caused cracked pathways, poor lighting, environmental damage and an outdated toilet block.

Eighty-nine years old, a proud Gungahlin resident, and a character if ever there was one, John Beagle started the Friends of Yerrabi Pond after he and his wife Kay discovered the area slipping through the cracks.

“The list of issues is as long as your arm,” says John.

“The pond and parklands are dangerous for many users, particularly the elderly and young. There’s no signage concerning the rights of pedestrians, there are only two unventilated, terribly outdated toilets. Pathways and playground areas are cracked and have holes in them.”

“It’s time for action and it’s well overdue.”

John kick-started a series of initiatives to get more care given to the area, efforts that were quickly met with an outpouring of support from the community. 

An online petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly has attracted more than 400 signatures. A Facebook page has quickly worked up near 200 followers. Local businesses have got behind it, and it’s seen cross-party support from Canberra politicians.

That’s only the start of John’s endeavours though. He also approached the Gungahlin Community Council with the issue, and treasurer Darron Marks, another resident passionate about seeing change in the area, enthusiastically came on board.

“One of the most concerning things is the very limited safety lighting,” says Darron.

“The Amaroo side of the pond has next to no lighting at all. You literally are walking in the pitch dark late in the evening.

“Nothing’s been done, and we’ve had to take it upon ourselves to do things that firmly lie in the responsibility of the ACT government.”

The area opened in 1999 when Gungahlin had a population of no more than 12,000 people.

Now, that number has reached more than 70,000 and Darron says the facilities can’t cater for the still rapidly growing population.

“Parking is a huge issue, there simply isn’t enough available,” he says.

“There’s a serious lack of bins that means rubbish makes its way into the lake. I’ve seen swans with plastic wrapped around their neck.”

These issues have inspired community spirited locals to take matters into their own hands.

John and Darron say a resident named Matt takes his kayak out on the pond to dig out rubbish before it can affect wildlife.

Another couple, Simon and Kulvadee, have decorated an alleyway near the pond’s business district with pot plants and other adornment to bring the area to life.

“If we can get just the basics sorted here, the weeds, the bins, the lighting, it could go a long way,” says Darron. 

“From there we can work towards realising the pond’s true potential, consulting the clearly passionate community about what they want to see for a long-term plan.”

Another toilet block located in John Knight Memorial Park at Lake Ginninderra is soon to be upgraded with more than $600,000 of government funding, something John sees as a clear indication they could also be doing more for Yerrabi.

“The toilets in John Knight Park are out of date too, but they’re Rolls-Royce compared to what’s here, and if they’re getting redone why are we still putting up with out-of-date facilities from 1999?” he asks.

“We have people tell us they won’t use the toilet block at Yerrabi Pond because they’re unventilated, non-handicap friendly, there are no baby changing facilities. When you close the door you can’t see your hand in front of your face.”

Despite their ongoing concerns, the Friends of Yerrabi Pond are optimistic, wanting to focus on proactive solutions rather than getting bogged down in negativity. 

“There’s a big picture here, the place has so much potential,” says John.

“We’re not just talking a bunch of geriatrics pulling up weeds, we’re talking the possibility of botanical gardens, a dog park, better facilities for the thousands of people living in Gungahlin and surrounds.

“It has the potential to be a real showpiece for the city, a feature for Canberra.”

While the Friends say they’re happy to see other parts of the ACT being improved, they firmly believe it’s time to move past conversations and into real action for their home.

“This isn’t about egos, this is about making a future for the people living here,” says John.