Molonglo Valley Study
Contents
Introduction
A joint study between the National Capital Authority (NCA) and ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) is underway for the Molonglo Valley area as a possible future urban area as part of the metropolitan structure for Canberra's growth over the next 30 years.
The purpose of the study is to assess the suitability of the Molonglo Valley area for urban development in terms of national capital significance and environmental considerations.
The study will provide the basis for determining the need for and appropriateness of preparing a Draft Amendment to the National Capital Plan and Draft Variation to the Territory Plan to permit urban development in the Molonglo Valley Area. If these changes are proposed the process will include a period for statutory public consultation.
Background
The Canberra Spatial Plan, released on 5 March 2003, presents the ACT Government's preferred direction for accommodating Canberra's future growth over the next 30 years.
The Molonglo Valley Area is identified in the Canberra Spatial Plan as a potential “greenfield” area to accommodate a future settlement of between 12,000 and 20,000 dwellings. It has been identified by the ACT Government as urban capable.
Such a proposal for urban development in the Molonglo Valley is inconsistent with the National Capital Plan provisions and with the current metropolitan structure for Canberra. The land use policies in the National Capital Plan that apply to the Molonglo Valley are:
- National Capital Open Space System
- Hills, Ridges and Buffer Spaces (includes the Inner Hills);
- River Corridor (Molonglo and Murrumbidgee and Rivers);
- Rural Areas; and
- a minor Broadacre Area.
The National Capital Authority has agreed to a joint study with the ACT Planning and Land Authority regarding the Spatial Plan growth scenarios, which would focus on the Stromlo-Molonglo area as a priority to ensure that appropriate consideration is given to national capital significance in any detailed appraisal of the suitability of the area for urban (residential) development.
You can download a copy of the National Capital Plan from this website.
The Canberra Spatial Plan is available on the ACTPLA website: www.actpla.act.gov.au
Study Area
The Study Area for this investigation relates to
Molonglo Valley identified in the Draft Canberra Spatial
Plan as “Urban Area (proposed)”.
Link to Study Area map.
Matters of National Significance
Matters of National Capital Significance an important
consideration in assessing the suitability of the
Molonglo Valley Area for urban development.
The National Capital Plan sets out what is nationally
significant in the planning and development of Canberra
and the Territory. Matters of National Significance
as identified in the introduction to the National
Capital Plan are:
- the pre-eminence of the role of Canberra and the Territory as the National Capital;
- preservation and enhancement of the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting;
- respect for the key elements of Walter Burley Griffin's formally adopted plan for Canberra;
- creation, preservation and enhancement of fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies as well as National Capital Uses; and
- the development of a city which both respects environmental values and reflects national concerns with the sustainability of Australia's urban areas.
A publication on National Significance is available in the Publications section of this website.
Scope of Study
Assess the suitability of the Molonglo Valley Area for urban development based on matters of national capital significance and environmental considerations. The suitability assessment should include:
- detailed consideration of the National Capital Plan, particularly the matters of national capital significance, the objectives of the Plan, the General Policy Plan and the relevant land use policies and principles. This should include environmental matters relating to river corridors, water quality, woodlands protection, flora and fauna habitats, heritage values, and archaeological sites of national interest.
- assessment of the extent to which the land in the study contributes to protection of the river corridor, the national capital landscape character and setting of the National Capital.
- a visual assessment of vistas to and from the Central National Area and from other vantage points.
- implications for national significance in terms
of the metropolitan structure - eg.
- Sustainable urban districts be developed with local facilities and services provided in the area.
- What are the employment and transport implications.
- Should urban development be in identifiable districts separated by an open space system as part of the National Capital Open Space System.
- Should sustainable transport systems continue to be designed and developed to protect the Central National Area from traffic congestion.
- the impact on national institutions particularly the requirements of the Stromlo Observatory.
The Steering Committee
A steering committee from the NCA and ACTPLA will oversee the project. The steering committee is responsible for making executive decisions regarding the study progress and outcomes and making recommendations to the National Capital Authority and ACT Government.
The Consultants
A team of consultants, headed by Cox Richardson Architects and Planners, has been commissioned to carry out this work. A peer review process of the Consultant's work is also established. Planning and transport expert, Professor John Black, has also been engaged as a Professional Process Reviewer.