Ginninderra

Ginninderra News

 
10 Nov 2015

Topography of Ginninderra and surrounds

3D map showing topography of the Ginninderra site and the surrounding areas

3D map showing topography of the Ginninderra site and the surrounding areas

 

The National Capital Plan (NCP) sets out the broad planning principles and policies for Canberra and the Territory, and ensures that they are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance.

One of the NCP’s objectives is to protect the undeveloped hill tops and open spaces which divide and give form to Canberra’s urban areas. People within the community have commented that changes at Ginninderra may put the protection of the hill tops at risk.

Looking at the Ginninderra site in the context of its surroundings, however, we don’t view future urban use as contrary to the National Capital Plan’s objective to protect the undeveloped hill tops. This is because of a number of topographical features.

The site’s topography is an important factor in determining water corridors (flood zones) and visual aspects that can be enhanced with vegetation and link visually to surrounding areas.

When set among the surrounding high points of Mount Rogers Reserve and Harcourt Hill, the site has a relatively low level of elevation with no significant ridgelines. You can see this in the map above.

There are however some higher parts on the site which provide views of different parts of Canberra. At an elevation of 70m across the site, the highest point is located at the northern end of the site (Block 1609). This high point provides views northwest towards rural lots of NSW.

The second highest point is located just to the south of Kuringa Drive (Block 1545). From this point you can see extensive views to the southeast of Canberra, including Black Mountain, Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie. Halls Creek and Ginninderra Creek provide the low points within the site.

These inherent environmental features will shape future development at Ginninderra. Based on studies so far, we have already identified approximately 150 hectares of the land to be kept aside for ecological values and open space.

See more site features on the Draft Concept Plan below.

Draft concept plan

Draft concept plan

 

2 Comments

2 responses to “Topography of Ginninderra and surrounds”

  1. Dave says:

    In relation to the research around the ecological values, I believe lower areas include distinctive environmental features that also support some unique wildlife. Has there been an report produced yet on the lower areas & natural waterways.
    I can appreciate the incentives behind offering building blocks with views into rural NSW, but wonder if any consideration has been given to those who purchased land in older surrounding suburbs for the same reason? Established areas overlooking the CSIRO site have attracting additional rates for many years, but I think the resale value will surely be reduced when the site is developed.
    Regards,
    Dave Bolton.

    • Ginninderra project team says:

      Hi Dave,

      Thanks for your comment. The ecological/environmental studies are being undertaken for the whole site and the summer surveys are continuing. The studies are not yet finalised, however we will be happy to make these studies available at the appropriate time. When these works and other related heritage and ecological studies are finalised we will refer this to the Department of the Environment under the EPBC Act (1999) to undertake the environmental assessment process. The reports will become public at this time and the need for an EIS and/or other further studies will then be determined.

      We understand that the rural views from some of the surrounding suburbs may be effected through the development of this land and this will continue to be a consideration throughout the planning process. CSIRO’s commitment to provide over 150 hectares of valuable recreational and conservation areas of the site will help preserve the rural views currently experienced of the hills and ridges from adjoining suburbs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *