Page 3341 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 17 August 2011
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It is important to note in the context of that work that was undertaken a few years back that there was an emphasis on reducing the impact of the residential development on the neighbouring reserves and that the final variation was amended and strengthened to include a requirement for a specific policy for additional studies to be undertaken closer to land release to confirm the suburb’s northern boundaries and that the variation now forms part of the territory plan’s east Gungahlin structure plan.
Throsby is proposed to accommodate approximately 4,100 dwellings and have a population of around 10,000. The suburb is proposed to contain local shops, a government primary school and a Catholic secondary school. District playing fields are proposed to be located adjacent to these facilities. Due consideration of environmental values within the proposed urban area will be given in determining whether the area is developed or preserved for biodiversity conservation.
There are a range of flora and fauna considerations in east Gungahlin, many of which my colleague Mr Corbell has already outlined this morning. Parts of Throsby contain endangered box gum woodland and significant habitats for the golden sun moth and the superb parrot. Throsby’s neighbouring reserves also have considerable research and conservation importance. The northern section of Throsby has very high connectivity values and is an important part of the Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo woodland complex. The importance of these habitats and their connectivity to neighbouring reserves will be taken into account when determining the final boundary for the suburb.
Later this year the full environmental assessment will have been completed for the suburb. A detailed cultural heritage survey is also being undertaken. From a heritage perspective, Throsby is also culturally rich. The Mulligans Flat ploughlands, located in west Throsby, received provisional heritage registration in July this year. These areas remain a reminder of the 19th century rural activities that occurred. There are several Aboriginal artefact scatters known to be present in the area. The information from the environmental assessment and cultural heritage survey will, of course, inform future decisions.
It is important that the government consider these matters as it undertakes its review of the planning for Throsby. That, Madam Deputy Speaker, is exactly what is occurring. As part of this review, the issues of bushfire risk will also need to be assessed to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the environmental values of the land or within the adjacent nature reserves.
The government has not proposed timing for residential land release at Throsby. However, there are two government priority proposals that are receiving top priority within Throsby at this point. The first is the proposed Throsby district playing fields, which is currently subject to the bilateral agreement between the commonwealth and the ACT under section 45 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. As such, the proponent is required to develop an EIS under the ACT’s Planning and Development Act, which will address both commonwealth and ACT legislation. This is a formal statutory process which includes public notification.
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