CREATING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTS FOR CANBERRA

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CONTENTSThe LDA’s proud record of innovation 2

A quick history of Canberra 3

1913 the first plan 4

The 1960’s spreading out 6

2004 filling in 7

The future 8

LDA estates map 10

How the LDA delivers Canberra’s land 11

How the LDA reports on sustainability 12

How the LDA delivers sustainability 15

Landscape and biodiversity protection 15

Protecting creeks and rivers 16

Lower energy and emissions 16

Reducing waste and materials 17

Better design 18

Community engagement 18

Transport 19

Affordability 19

Case studies 20

Kenny 20

Belconnen Town Centre – Lathlain Street precinct 21

Lawson 22

Campbell 5 23

Wright and Coombs – Molonglo Valley 24

Amaroo Group Centre 25

Franklin 26

Kingston Foreshore 27

Joint ventures 28

Want to find out more? Inside back cover

THE LDA’S PROUD RECORD OF INNOVATION

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

Sustainable development is defined as ‘the effective integration of social, economic and environmental considerations in decision-making processes’

(ACT Planning and Development Act 2007).

Since its establishment in 1913, Canberra has evolved and grown to reflect its stature as Australia’s capital.

In this time, the city’s development has been guided and nurtured by a series of agencies that have sought to protect and enhance the vision of its original planners, while meeting modern challenges.

From 2003, the establishment of new communities and infill developments has been managed by the ACT Government’s Land Development Agency (LDA). A core principle of the LDA is to focus on sustainable and innovative practices. This helps ensure that Canberra continues to be a great place to live. Sustainability encompasses everything from site planning and energy efficiency to the provision of high quality open spaces.

This booklet highlights the extensive work by the LDA in driving sustainable and innovative land development for the people of Canberra.

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Ponds providing amenity and improving water quality in Bonner, an LDA estate.

360,000CANBERRA’S POPULATION IN 2013

1,714CANBERRA’S POPULATION IN 1911

A QUICK HISTORY OF CANBERRA

Source:

Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and HousingNotes:a) From 1915-1993, Jervis Bay was included in the ACT’s populationb) Prior to 1966, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were excluded from the census countc) From 1911-1933, the ACT was referred to as the Federal Capital Territory

1911 17141921 25721933 89471947 169051954 303151961 588281966 960131971 1440631976 1976231981 2216091986 2494071991 2893001996 2992432001 3091842006 3279012011 357222

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

1911

1921

1933

1947

1954

1961

1966

1971

1976

1981

1986

1991

1996

2001

2006

2011

ACT POPULATION DATA

Canberra has changed dramatically over the last one hundred years.

Before World War II, Canberra grew slowly with a population of around 13,000. It has since grown to around 360,000. During this time, the layout and design of urban areas has evolved from the original plans.

Each step in Canberra’s development has been guided by government plans that have reflected the community views of the time. From the original plans for a compact city, there was a later emphasis on a spread-out city linked by main roads. More recently there has been a more balanced approach that involves increasing population density in existing urban areas, much in keeping with major cities around the world.

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1913 THE FIRST PLAN

Walter and Marion Griffin’s 1913 Preliminary Plan for the centre of Canberra.(National Capital Authority –

National Library of Australia map

G8984 C3 Gri 1913).

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The 1960’s Y Plan aimed to accommodate Canberra’s growth in a series of satellite communities linked by roads. This strategy guided development for over 30 years and is one of the reasons Canberra is so spread out.

(National Capital Authority – National

Capital Development Commission).

* v.p.d = vehicles per day

Legend

0-20,000 v.p.d.*

20-40,000 v.p.d.

40-60,000 v.p.d.

Over 60,000 v.p.d.

Public Transport Route

Town Centre

Regional Centres

Other Centres

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THE 1960’S SPREADING OUT

The Canberra Spatial Plan (ACT Planning and Land Authority, 2004) aimed to refocus Canberra’s planning towards a more compact city, with an urban containment line within 15km and an urban intensification zone within 7.5km.

2004 FILLING IN

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THE FUTURE

The ACT Planning Strategy (Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate, 2012) identifies potential locations for future urban areas and urban consolidation. The LDA’s target today is for development to occur equally in existing suburbs and in new greenfield estates with denser living around key transport corridors.

Legend

Urban intensification localities

Future urban ares (Territory Plan)

Future urban investigation area

Eastern broadacre study continues

Western edge study commences

Managing Growth in the ACT the layout and extent of future suburbs are subject to detail reviews and the outcomes of statutory approval processes.

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Left: An artist’s impression of Southquay at Greenway in Tuggeranong, where the LDA is aiming to increase density in an existing town centre (prepared by Haycraft Duloy Pty Ltd).

Increasing population density in our inner suburbs will help to create a more sustainable city by:

• maximising the use of existing infrastructure, like water, electricity and gas networks, roads and public transport and parks.

• housing people closer to jobs, shops and schools. Shorter trips will encourage people to walk or cycle, which provides environmental, health and social benefits.

• reducing the impact on natural areas that surround Canberra which result from urban development.

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Map is indicative only

DENMANPROSPECT

Moncrieff

LDA ESTATES MAP

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HOW THE LDA DELIVERS CANBERRA’S LAND

50%expected reduction in emissions compared to standard lighting from trials of energy efficient public lighting in Bonner.

OVER

3,500 TREESplanted in LDA estates since mid 2011.

20% of dwelling sites in greenfield projects are released for the purpose of providing affordable housing.

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The LDA is responsible for the development and release of ACT Government-owned land for residential, commercial, industrial and community uses. This is done in three different ways:

• LDA estates: The LDA designs the estate, seeks development approval, provides infrastructure, markets and sells parcels of land and helps to build communities by establishing community programs and providing support to new residents.

• Joint ventures: The LDA remains involved in the development process through an arrangement with a private developer.

• Private development: The LDA sells land to private developers in what are known as ‘englobo’ sales. The private developers are then responsible for design, approval and development of the estate.

All LDA developments meet or exceed requirements relating to development standards, strategic planning goals, safety, health, maintenance and infrastructure.

31%of the total land area of LDA developments were contributed to open space in 2011-2012.

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Early studiesTechnical and environmental assessments

PlanningPlanning and design of new projects for development approval

Estate constructionEarthworks, construction of roads and public spaces and landscaping

Community buildingSupport for new residents through community programs

Landscape and biodiversity

• Ecological assessments

• Tree assessments

• Contamination studies

• Geotechnical assessments

• Bushfire risk assessments

• Public open space

• Protection of threatened species, populations and ecological communities

• Protection or management of identified areas of ecological importance

• Tree protection

• Weed and pest control

Energy and emissions• Solar access • Public lighting

• Rebate schemes or mandates

Water• Catchment management

analysis and/or flooding studies• Water Sensitive Urban Design

(WSUD)• Sediment and erosion control • WSUD monitoring

Waste and materials• Cut and fill minimisation

• Recycled or reused materials

Influencing design• Design Review Panel

Community

• Community engagement

• Heritage assessments

• Noise assessments

• Community engagement • Protection or management of identified areas of heritage importance

• Residential community programs

Transport• Traffic and parking assessments • Public transport proximity

• Pedestrian and cycle networks and facilities

Affordability• Planning for affordability • Affordable dwellings

• Land Rent blocks

HOW THE LDA REPORTS ON SUSTAINABILITY

Early studiesTechnical and environmental assessments

PlanningPlanning and design of new projects for development approval

Estate constructionEarthworks, construction of roads and public spaces and landscaping

Community buildingSupport for new residents through community programs

Landscape and biodiversity

• Ecological assessments

• Tree assessments

• Contamination studies

• Geotechnical assessments

• Bushfire risk assessments

• Public open space

• Protection of threatened species, populations and ecological communities

• Protection or management of identified areas of ecological importance

• Tree protection

• Weed and pest control

Energy and emissions• Solar access • Public lighting

• Rebate schemes or mandates

Water• Catchment management

analysis and/or flooding studies• Water Sensitive Urban Design

(WSUD)• Sediment and erosion control • WSUD monitoring

Waste and materials• Cut and fill minimisation

• Recycled or reused materials

Influencing design• Design Review Panel

Community

• Community engagement

• Heritage assessments

• Noise assessments

• Community engagement • Protection or management of identified areas of heritage importance

• Residential community programs

Transport• Traffic and parking assessments • Public transport proximity

• Pedestrian and cycle networks and facilities

Affordability• Planning for affordability • Affordable dwellings

• Land Rent blocks

Each year, the LDA reports on sustainability in LDA projects through the Annual Report. This reporting does not encompass all of the LDA’s activities but represents a common set of indicators which are reported against for all LDA projects.

The indicators have been selected to cover environmental, social and economic sustainability throughout the land development process. These are grouped by theme and are separated by different phases of the development process.

This suite of indicators offers an annual snapshot of the LDA’s sustainability achievements.

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Above: Harbour markers in Kingston Foreshore.

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The LDA has provided $2 million to the Capital Woodland and Wetlands Conservation Trust to manage conservation areas adjacent to LDA developments including Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve.

HOW THE LDA DELIVERSSUSTAINABILITY

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LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY PROTECTIONThe LDA considers landscape and biodiversity through all phases of a development so that it can preserve or enhance the environment of a new suburb. The LDA starts by doing a range of environmental assessments to identify important landscape elements or biodiversity features and then looks at measures to protect them. These include:

• taking steps to protect or manage threatened or endangered species, populations or ecological communities on our land. The LDA can reserve land within the estate as a protected area or, if this is not possible, seek to preserve a similar area offsite (in what are called ‘offset areas’).

• assessing trees on proposed development sites to determine if they should be retained for ecological, cultural, heritage or recreational reasons. The LDA then protects valuable trees as development proceeds and plants trees in public areas.

• providing generous areas of public open space, such as parks and recreational areas, to ensure new suburbs are enjoyable places to live and work in and retain Canberra’s ‘bush capital’ feel.

• remediating contaminated land – such as former sheep dip sites and dump sites – by removing contaminated materials.

Above: A Hooded Robin, a vulnerable species which can be found in Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy Woodland.

HOW THE LDA DELIVERSSUSTAINABILITY

Left: A swale in Bonner. When it rains this helps to slow the flow of water and improve water quality.

LOWER ENERGY AND EMISSIONSToday, most of us are aware of the need to reduce our energy use in order to cut energy costs, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The LDA has a number of strategies to help make this happen, including:

• the layout and orientation of streets and blocks across LDA estates enables all new homes to receive sufficient sunlight to their living areas. This makes homes more enjoyable to live in, and cuts energy use.

• offering rebates in some residential estates to encourage residents to reduce energy demand. For example, in Bonner and Wright, a rebate for solar hot water systems was offered. Following these initiatives, solar hot water systems became a requirement in Harrison 4 and Coombs.

• incentives in industrial estates. For example, at the Hume New West Industry Park, rebates for energy and also for materials, water use and transport were offered.

PROTECTING CREEKS AND RIVERSDuring storms, the pollutants from urban areas wash to local waterways, and have a significant impact on their water quality. To minimise this impact, the LDA:

• revegetates degraded areas.

• controls sediment and erosion with sediment ponds, silt fences and stormwater diversions.

• implements water sensitive urban design (WSUD) in all new developments.

This involves conserving water and using more natural creeks lined with vegetation, rather than pipes and concrete channels to convey water flows when it rains.

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HOW THE LDA DELIVERSSUSTAINABILITY

Left: Old machinery found locally has been reused as a barrier and as artwork atGubur Dhaura in Franklin.

Right: A section of the Kingston Foreshore boardwalk using recycled materials.

REDUCING WASTE AND MATERIALSWhile the LDA has a limited role in construction, wherever possible we attempt to reduce waste in estates and minimise our use of building materials. Some of our approaches have included:

• balancing the amount of cut and fill required on a site when earthworks are undertaken. The LDA tries to make sure that the soil removed from one part of a site is used on another part. In this way, the LDA limits the amount of soil transported to and from a site.

• trying to maximise the recycling of construction material. For example, during the construction of the Bonner Living Showcase and the Franklin Charity House, waste generated onsite was transported to a waste recycling facility.

• using recycled or re-used materials where possible. This reduces the need for new materials. For example, the LDA re-used bitumen, soil, concrete aggregate and recycled timber at Kingston Foreshore, and in Bonner, rocks from the site were crushed and re-used as aggregate in public parks while old machinery was re-used and transformed into public artwork.

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Above: A 3D model of the Bonner Estate.

Below: The Canberra International Music Festival 2013 at Norgrove Park Kingston Foreshore.

HOW THE LDA DELIVERSSUSTAINABILITY

BETTER DESIGNThe way an estate is designed is extremely important for the way it functions and for the quality of life of its residents.

The LDA seeks to achieve excellence in design through our design guidelines for developers and a range of design review processes that help to lead to more innovative, sustainable and community-focused outcomes.

Integral to this process is the LDA’s Design Review Panel, which comprises academics, planners, architects and landscape architects who review LDA projects.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTThe LDA engages the community throughout the development process.

For example, the LDA conducts early assessments to determine impacts on surrounding areas and identifies elements that have significant heritage value to the community, then seeks to minimise any impacts and preserve these important elements. The LDA also consults with stakeholders, community groups and adjacent land lessees.

Once people start living and working in LDA estates, the LDA continues to engage with the community through websites, newsletters and community programs. For example, the ‘Mingle’ community development program aims to create vibrant and cohesive communities through events and activities. Mingle events in Franklin and Bonner have included Christmas light competitions, photography and cooking lessons, movie nights and guided tours of the Gubur Dhaura heritage site.

Another very successful way the LDA has worked with the community is through the Charity House at Franklin, in association with the Master Builders Association.

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Right: The Franklin Charity House was auctioned in March 2013, and proceeds were distributed to local charities that support the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless.

Right: Homes delivered as affordable housing through the LDA’s OwnPlace program in Bonner.

TRANSPORTTransport is a vital consideration when planning and developing new areas. The LDA aims to make it easier for people to reach their desired destinations.

The LDA designs new developments to make it easier for people to walk or ride their bikes. Pedestrian and cycle networks are provided, that connect open spaces and key locations such as schools and local shops, while also linking with larger networks across Canberra.

For example Wright’s grid layout creates a safe walking neighbourhood and the majority of dwellings are within 800 metres’ walk to high frequency public transport and a short walk to major parks. Wright’s recreational and cycle paths also connect the area to surrounding amenities such as Stromlo Forest Park, the National Arboretum Canberra and the Molonglo River Corridor.

AFFORDABILITYHousing affordability is a key issue in the ACT. In LDA estates there is an opportunity for people to purchase land via the Land Rent Scheme. This scheme reduces the up-front costs associated with building and owning a house.

The LDA also ensures that affordable housing is provided through a range of programs that ensure that eligible purchasers are able to access house and land packages.

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Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

THARWA

KENNY

CASE STUDY KENNY

Above: Kenny as it is today.Kenny is a proposed suburb near Harrison in Canberra’s northeast. Before development occurs, the LDA has assessed the site to determine the potential impacts of development and evaluate the different options that may be available. The studies included:

• an assessment of the location and condition of trees. This identified a number of exceptional and high value trees including box gum woodland eucalypts over 200 years old.

• heritage assessments.

• monitoring of groundwater levels and water quality.

The LDA’s early studies will help to drive a considered and sensitive development process, which will ultimately make Kenny an attractive place to live.

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Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

CASE STUDY BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE – LATHLAIN STREET PRECINCT

THARWA

BELCONNEN

Left: An aerial image of the Lathlain Street Precinct in May 2013.

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The Lathlain Street Precinct in the Belconnen Town Centre has been identified as an area which should be investigated for future development. It is comprised of the former Police Station and Remand Centre, the former Children’s Road Safety Training Centre and the Fire and Ambulance stations. The Fire and Ambulance stations are proposed to be relocated in the near future. This site is located close to major facilities, such as Westfield Shopping Centre and the new Belconnen Community Health Centre, and public transport, and will help to ensure a more compact city.

Early studies have included:

• ecological assessments which identified no important species but did identify weed species such as African Lovegrass

• contamination studies which found former underground storage tanks and some hydrocarbon contamination

Ongoing studies and community engagement will be carried out as the LDA continues to undertake site and design analysis to ensure appropriate development outcomes.

CASE STUDY LAWSON

Right: Areas of endangered Golden Sun Moth habitat will be protected in Lawson.

THARWA

LAWSON

Above: A view from Reservoir Hill in Lawson across to the Belconnen Town Centre and Lake Ginninderra.

Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

Lawson is near the Belconnen Town Centre and the University of Canberra. In planning the estate, the LDA has sought to safeguard and capitalise on the site’s unique environmental and heritage qualities. Planning has involved:

• rehabilitating College Creek to create habitat and improve water quality.

• protecting part of the site’s Golden Sun Moth habitat on Reservoir Hill.

• protecting an offsite area covering over 100 hectares to compensate for any ecological impacts caused by Lawson’s development.

• providing ‘rain gardens’ to improve the water quality of rainwater runoff. These gardens are designed to receive stormwater from hard surfaces such as roofs, paved areas and driveways.

• setting aside more than 40% of Lawson’s area as public open space, including the top of Reservoir Hill and providing walking and cycling paths connecting to the lake foreshore and nearby areas.

• enhancing heritage through the Travelling Stock Route, the form of the windbreak and vistas to the heritage listed Royal Australian Naval Transmitting Station.

• orienting the blocks so each dwelling will have sufficient sunlight.

In Lawson the LDA is also piloting the new Green Star – Communities rating tool developed by the Green Building Council of Australia. The LDA has been a sponsor of this national scheme to assess the sustainability of community- level projects.

Green Star – Communities is a voluntary scheme which provides best practice benchmarks and third-party verification of the sustainability of community and precinct wide developments.

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Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

CASE STUDY CAMPBELL 5

CAMPBELL

THARWA

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Campbell 5 is a 6.5ha site located on the northern edge of Constitution Avenue to the east of Anzac Parade. This will be the first major mixed use development on Constitution Avenue, helping to increase density in key areas close to the city centre and major public transport routes. The project contributes to the realisation of Griffin’s vision of Constitution Avenue as a grand boulevard. The site can accommodate approximately 520 residential units. Planning for Campbell 5 has taken place in conjunction with ongoing community engagement.

More than half of the site will be retained as open space with an extensive network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists. A new park is planned with:

• grassed terraces

• a range of play spaces for children

• exercise equipment

• an open area for ball games

• a forested area with underplantings to encourage biodiversity.

As Campbell 5 is located close to Lake Burley Griffin, water sensitive urban design has been included with tree pits, rain gardens and detention basins planned to capture runoff and improve water quality before it reaches the lake.

Above: View looking west along Constitution Avenuetoward ANZAC Paradeshowing the new plaza square.

Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

CASE STUDY WRIGHT AND COOMBS – MOLONGLO VALLEY

Above: An aerial photo looking across Wright and Coombs towards Woden, taken in March 2013.

THARWA

WRIGHT AND COOMBS

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The LDA has gone beyond standard practice in incorporating sustainability initiatives at Wright and Coombs in Molonglo Valley.

The LDA’s efforts have been recognised by receiving ‘EnviroDevelopment’ accreditation in the categories of energy, waste, community and ecosystems from the Urban Development Institute of Australia. This program recognises the most sustainable developments in Australia.

Some LDA initiatives in Wright and Coombs include:

• orienting the blocks so each dwelling has sufficient sunlight and so that properties do not overshadow their neighbours.

• limiting cut and fill during ground work to reduce the movement of soil.

• designing lighting in public areas in Wright to minimise impacts on Mount Stromlo Observatory.

• requiring Multi Unit developments to meet a seven-star energy rating and include water efficient fixtures and fittings.

• a home sustainability advisor to assist incoming residents design an energy and water efficient home.

• a rebate for solar hot water in Wright, and mandatory solar hot water in Coombs.

• partnering with Greening Australia to produce a Molonglo Planting Guide to help residents choose appropriate plant species for their gardens.

• protecting the Molonglo River Corridor through water sensitive urban design including use of Hydrocon™ and pollutant traps.

These initiatives will help protect the natural environment and benefit incoming residents every day through more natural daylight in their homes, and lower energy bills.

Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

CASE STUDYAMAROO GROUP CENTRE

THARWA

AMAROO

Left: An artist’s impression of Amaroo Group Centre.Prepared by Haycraft Duloy Pty Ltd.

Below: StratacellTM installation in March 2013.

Amaroo Group Centre will provide a central community place in the suburb of Amaroo. This is the first group centre to be built in nearly twenty years and is the first example of a master planned mixed use group centre. It includes retail, a supermarket, community and residential uses. The larger development blocks are required to have active frontages to ensure vitality in the centre.

Amaroo Group Centre has included a road and path layout to support pedestrians and cyclists. This project has also used innovative technology to facilitate water sensitive urban design. In addition to traditional tree pits and rain gardens, Stratacell™ technology has been installed to help filter stormwater runoff and improve water quality. Together with underground water retention, this will help capture the water to use for trees and shrubs in public areas.

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Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

CASE STUDY FRANKLIN

Above: Gubur Dhaura in Franklin.

Left: One of Franklin’s ponds at dusk.

THARWA

FRANKLIN

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Look behind Franklin’s lovely façade and you will see a suburb planned, designed and built on the principles of sustainability and design excellence.

This suburb features extensive open spaces, many of which line Gungaderra Creek. They include ponds and wetlands that not only provide an aquatic backdrop but also improve water quality and create habitat for wildlife.

Franklin’s open spaces are linked by a network of paths to encourage walking and cycling.

One of the highlights is Gubur Dhaura, a large hilltop area of grassland and trees planned in consultation with heritage experts and the local Aboriginal community.

The hilltop was once a significant source of ochre for the local Aboriginal people and was later used to mine clay and iron. The LDA has preserved the site’s ironstone outcrops, and re-used old farming and mining machinery found locally. Today, visitors can experience the site’s heritage as they walk or jog along the tracks and enjoy views over the district.

Sustainability also has a social angle and the LDA has been actively involved in creating a vibrant and cohesive community through initiatives like the Mingle community development program and the Franklin Charity House.

THARWA

KINGSTONFORESHORE

Early Studies

PlanningEstate

ConstructionCommunity

Building

CASE STUDY KINGSTON FORESHORE

Left: Kingston Foreshore in the evening, with the canal and award winning pedestrian bridge.

Kingston Foreshore is located on the southern shores of Lake Burley Griffin and is built on 37 hectares of former industrial land. It includes residential development as well as commercial space including offices and restaurants. The area has been transformed into a vibrant area for living, working and recreation through a range of measures including:

• strict environmental controls to manage contamination.

• creation of Kingston Foreshore Harbour and a waterfront precinct with a promenade, restaurants, retail outlets and jetties for mooring commercial boats.

• using recycled timber for the boardwalk along the Harbour.

• establishing Norgrove Park for recreation with the wetlands and pond helping to improve the quality of the water entering Lake Burley Griffin.

• adaptively reusing historic buildings on site, including the former Kingston Power House which is now the Canberra Glassworks and the former Transport Depot which now houses the Old Bus Depot Markets.

• engaging Kingston Foreshore residents through ongoing newsletters and community events.

• encouraging visitors from the broader Canberra community and surrounds through cultural facilities and other events such as the Canberra International Music Festival.

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CRACECrace Developments Pty Ltd and the LDA are developing the new suburb of Crace in Canberra’s north in a joint venture partnership.

Crace has included innovative sustainability initiatives from the start, making it the first housing development in Australia to assess its ‘emissions footprint’ during design and construction. Crace also gained Housing Industry Association GreenSmart® accreditation, reflecting a commitment to minimising environmental impact. Sustainability initiatives at Crace include:

• creation of rain gardens, tree pits, a creek and wetland to improve the quality of rainwater runoff.

• the retention of existing trees in the open space network and a tree planting project in partnership with Greening Australia.

• a reduction in emissions when compared to similar developments. Crace has offset approximately 14,000 tonnes of emissions.

FORDEForde Developments Pty Ltd and the LDA have partnered in a joint venture to develop the suburb of Forde. A major focus of Forde’s development is its setting beside Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, and the creation of a strong and cohesive community. Forde has included:

• a significant amount of open space within 13 community parks and a network of walking and cycling trails.

• a cat containment policy to protect native wildlife and threatened species, which requires residents to keep their cats on their own premises at all times.

• water-efficient landscaping and a pond network linking Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve with Yerrabi Ponds.

• creation of a residents association, a community centre, a neighbourhood watch group and a community garden committee.

Above: A playground at Forde, taking advantage of the suburb’s bushland setting.

Above: A rain garden and terraces in the suburb of Crace.

JOINT VENTURES

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WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

Harbour markers in Kingston Foreshore

Why not visit our website, or give us a call. We can let you know more about our projects, including more about our community programs and some of the rebates we offer.

LAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCYTransACT House470 Northbourne AveDickson ACT 2602

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601

Open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm

Phone (general): (02) 6205 0600 Phone (sales): 1800 777 952

Email: lda@act.gov.auWeb: www.lda.act.gov.au

If English is not your first language and you require translation

assistance, please phone the Translating Interpretive Service

(TIS National) on 131 450.

The LDA supports the use of recycled materials. Please consider

the environment when printing this document.

Disclaimer: The Land Development Agency (LDA) makes no warranty regarding the accuracy

or completeness of the information in this material and recommends obtaining independent

legal, financial and accounting advice before considering purchasing land or making an

offer to purchase land.

The plans, examples and information contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and

should not, without further inquiry, be relied upon as to their ultimate accuracy, to the extent

permitted by law, the LDA will not be responsible for any loss or damage that may be incurred

as a result of your reliance upon these materials.GR

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