Perspective: Lake Burley Griffin

This chapter details the author's involvement in the restoration and management of native ecosystems in Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australia, and the responses received and actions taken by the government. Canberra (possibly one of the most artificial cities on earth) should offer chances to use its many novel ecosystems in balance with restoration and management of native ecosystems, to truly create the bush capital image Canberra tries to project. Public servants and politicians often try to deliver what they see as good outcomes, but they are always under public pressure from civil society in general and non-governmental organizations in particular. Public perception, and thus pressure on the political pulse, must move from the past to the future, embracing and managing change while attempting restoration and conservation where this is possible.