Emu Bank foreshore upgrade


Current update

Work is underway on a concept design for the future of the Emu Bank foreshore. The concept design will consider future infrastructure plans for the foreshore area.

In 2025, a consultant was engaged to undertake additional site investigations and develop design options for a recommended first stage of works at the foreshore. Once this is complete, we will share a design for the first stage of works.

Further updates will be provided on this page in the second half of 2026.

Orange fencing along the foreshore

Following investigations along the Emu Bank foreshore, orange fencing has been installed to cordon off some sections of the foreshore. This includes sections of the retaining wall where tree root damage has been identified and one seating area.

These areas are cordoned off for community safety and are not accessible to the public. Warning signs have been installed to remind the community to avoid these areas.

Page last reviewed 16 Jun 2026

Project description

Design is underway on Emu Bank foreshore upgrade.

An engineering study was completed in 2024 for pavement improvements at Emu Bank. The study concluded tree roots were the highly likely cause of significant damage to the existing lake retaining wall and the cause of trip hazards due to lifted pavers.

The study recommended several possible design solutions to address the issues presented by the existing tree roots and repair existing damage. The ACT Government has accepted the study findings and is further interrogating the recommendations. Additional investigations have been identified as necessary to suitably inform the next stage of design and the urban realm study.

The study made the following recommendations:

  • Remove the existing trees along Emu Bank causing the most significant issues. These trees will be replaced with mature trees of a more suitable species (less aggressive root system) and will be located further away from the retaining wall. The new location for the trees will be identified in the next phase of design work.
  • Repair/replacement of the existing pavers. During the design phase we will investigate both reusing the existing pavers and/or replacing them with an appropriate alternate.
  • Explore options of relocating the lake retaining wall to widen the public realm in this area. This would create an opportunity to improve the foreshore area and make it more inviting for the community to spend time in this area.

Map

Click on the map to view in full screen.

Emu Bank upgrade map

Stay updated

If you’d like to stay updated on this project, bookmark this page or email communityengagement@act.gov.au to be included on any project updates.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.