August 2012

Molonglo Valley Development Background Molonglo Valley: Molonglo Valley is situated within approximately a future home for 55,000 people 7.5–15 kilometres west of ’s city centre and The Molonglo Valley is the ACT’s largest land release area follows the lower reaches of the (refer and will accommodate as estimated population of 55,000 Figure 1). It lies to the west of the Parkway, people. The planning and land release is occurring in between and , and to the east of three stages (refer Figure 2): the Murrumbidgee River corridor at its confluence with the Molonglo River. Mount Forest Park lies to the • Stage 1 includes the suburbs of Coombs, Wright south-west. To the north-east of Molonglo Valley area is the and North Weston. Planning is completed and National Arboretum. Molonglo Valley was first identified as development of this stage has commenced. urban capable in The Canberra Spatial Plan (2004). • Stage 2 is currently being planned and aims to accommodate up to 18,000 people and the principal The ACT Government envisages Molonglo Valley as commercial centre for the district. manifesting the wider vision for Canberra set out in the Territory Plan “… a beautiful, healthy city that is managed • Stage 3 is scheduled for development in 10+ years. carefully to retain valued natural and cultural features, a setting that profoundly influences the achievement of human well being.” The Territory Plan itself, and, as F i g u r e 2 : M o l o n g l o Va l l e y d e v e l o p m e n t s t a g i n g components of it, the Statement of Strategic Direction and Molonglo and North Weston Structure Plan, all give detailed guidance on sustainable development principles and how they are to be adopted in planning and development work in the Molonglo Valley.

Location of proposed stage 2 group centre

ACT Government Environment and Sustainable Development www.act.gov.au/molonglo Figure 1 – Molonglo Valley location

ACT Government Environment and Sustainable Development www.act.gov.au/molonglo Molonglo Valley Stage 2: Current Stage of Planning In Molonglo development of the group centre Valley Stage 2 Planning for Molonglo Valley stage 2 is underway. A concept design for the group centre and surrounding After extensive community consultation and through the residential areas is currently underway. A consultant community forums, a planning and design framework team was engaged in late 2011 to prepare a design-led (PDF) for Molonglo Valley stage 2 was approved in sustainable development strategy for the group centre April 2012. The PDF sets the general location of land and environs to integrate with the adjacent Molonglo uses and a proposed layout for the whole of stage 2 to River Park. A preferred structure plan layout has been accommodate a total future population of approximately prepared (refer Figure 3). 18,000 people. Group Centre Study The PDF will be further developed for the more complex, publicly important group centre and environs in stage 2 The consultancy study for the Molonglo Valley’s principal which aims to accommodate 7,000-9,000 people. commercial (group) centre located in stage 2 is due for This will be done through a concept plan that recognises completion in late 2012. Environment and Sustainable the need for the provision of affordable housing in a Development Directorate will prepare a concept compact, sustainable and high quality design outcome plan based on this study and once completed, will be and ensures the success of the centre. This work will be given effect through a Territory Plan variation process undertaken in 2012–13. commencing in 2013. Other projects in Molonglo Valley Community engagement Molonglo River Park Draft Concept Plan – has been The planning of stage 2 is supported by a community prepared and is going through the government approvals engagement program. Community forums were held in process. The relationship and physical interface between March and June 2011 and also in April 2012. A report of the group centre and environs and the river corridor community engagement for the Molonglo Valley stage will be a key feature of delivery of both the River Park 2 is available at: actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant_ Concept Plan and the concept plan for the Molonglo projects/planning_studies/molonglo_valley Valley stage 2 group centre and environs.

Figure 3: Group Centre and Environs – Molonglo Valley Plan for the Protection of Matters of preferred layout May 2012 National Environmental Significance (The NES Plan) – The NES Plan was endorsed by Tony Burke MP, on 7 October 2011. In December 2011, the Commonwealth Minister approved all actions associated with urban development, as described in the NES Plan. This includes infrastructure, services and construction within the assessment area. The matters of national environmental significance are Box-Gum Woodland, Natural Temperate Grassland, Pink-tailed Worm Lizard, Superb Parrot and Swift Parrot. The ACT Government has committed to the NES Plan and its associated actions being audited by an independent, third party expert, every five years for 30 years. In addition, ACT environmental approvals under the Planning and Development Act will also be required. The Commonwealth and ACT approvals will permit the development of the area to proceed and accommodate 55,000 people.

ACT Government Environment and Sustainable Development www.act.gov.au/molonglo