National Capital Plan (December 1990) (Cth)
National Capital Plan 1990 (December 1990)
as amended
made under
Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
Compilation start date: 25 June 2013
Includes amendments up to: National Capital Plan - Amendment 80 - Yarramundi Reach
This compilation has been split into 8 volumes
Volume 1: [Part One 1.1-1.7]
Volume 2: [Part One 1.7-5.2]
Volume 3: [Part One 5.2-Part Two]
Volume 4: [Appendices A, B and F]
Volume 5: [Appendix F]
Volume 6: [Appendices G-H]
Volume 7: [Appendices I, J, L-P, T.1, T.2 and T.4]
Volume 8: [Appendices T.5-T.9, U, V and X, Endnotes]
Each volume has its own contents
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the National Capital Plan 1990 (December 1990) as in force on 25 June 2013. It includes any commenced amendment affecting the legislation to that date.
This compilation was prepared on 23 October 2014.
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of each amended provision.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not reflected in the text of the compiled law but the text of the amendments is included in the endnotes.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments
If the operation of a provision or amendment is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Modifications
If a provision of the compiled law is affected by a modification that is in force, details are included in the endnotes.
Provisions ceasing to have effect
If a provision of the compiled law has expired or otherwise ceased to have effect in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN
DECEMBER 1990
FOREWORD
A little over a decade from now, in the year 2001, Australia will celebrate the centenary of Federation — 100 years of existence as, in the words of the Preamble of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900, the “one indissoluble Federal Commonwealth...under the Constitution hereby established,” whose home is the National Capital.
Canberra symbolises above all else this conscious act of Federation which took Australia from a group of imperial colonies to a nation, and by which colonists became Australians. The creation and subsequent development of the National Capital in its own Territory, independent of the former colonial settlements, expressed the nation’s desire to start from fresh fields and to make its own mark.
Canberra is a planned city, and a conscious creation of an emerging nation. It is still only partly developed and is still maturing. By international standards it is still small.
In many ways, the city remains the Bush Capital, set into an environment as Australian as bush flies. It reflects both the imposition of European settlers’ ideals on to the harsh setting of the new continent, and, perhaps fortuitously, the gradual education of Australians in the ways of adapting to and respecting the environment which the earliest settlers, the Aborigines, had themselves learned over thousands of years.
During the next decade, in the lead up to the centenary of Federation, the National Capital needs to reflect and symbolise the changing and maturing character of the nation as a whole.
To date, the city has developed primarily under the influence of that segment of Australian society whose cultural values, origins and intellectual biases were essentially British in origin.
But Australian society today, comprises a number of major cultural groups with widely varied origins and backgrounds. All these groups make important contributions to Australian society.
In the coming decades of Canberra’s development, it is important to establish ways in which the influence of these major cultural streams on Australian society can be reflected in the form and character of the National Capital.
In the lead up to the centenary of Federation, a celebration of nationhood, it is fundamental that the change in the nature of Australian society in the 100 years since the nation was established and the National Capital was first conceived, is firmly identifiable.
Precisely how this is to be achieved is an open issue. At one end of the spectrum of possibilities there is always scope, in a city of Canberra’s character and role, for monuments and memorials, commemorating the contributions to Australian society of key groups and individuals. Indeed, as the nation matures, an Australian equivalent of the Lincoln Memorial might be seen as a powerful symbol of the nation — although who might occupy its central place of pride is a matter which would not easily be resolved.
At the other end of the spectrum lies the continuing need to ensure that there are opportunities now and into the future for activities and organisations of a national and international character to locate in and form part of Canberra, shaping its character and its functions.
Increasingly, Canberra’s public buildings, monuments, activities and landscape need to represent and symbolise the achievements of the past, the Australia of today, and the emerging Australia of the future. This need for symbolism must combine and harmonise with the day-to-day Canberra of public activity, commerce, industry, agriculture, education, culture and community life.
With these ideals before it, the National Capital Planning Authority has prepared this first National Capital Plan to guide the development of Canberra and the Territory towards the close of the first 100 years of Federation and the beginning of the second.
Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988............................. 2
The National Significance of Canberra and the Territory.............................................................. 4
The National Capital Plan............................................................................................................. 6
Elements of the Plan..................................................................................................................... 8
Review of Broad Land Use Policies........................................................................................... 17
PART ONE Principles, Policies and Standards, Designated Areas, Special Requirements 22
1. The Central National Area 22
1.1 The Parliamentary Zone and its Setting 22
1.1.1 Background....................................................................................................................... 22
1.1.2 Principles for the Parliamentary Zone and its setting........................................................... 2
1.1.3 Policies for the Parliamentary Zone and its setting.............................................................. 3
1.2 Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores 4
1.2.1 Background......................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.2 Principle for Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores............................................................... 4
1.2.3 Policies for Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores................................................................. 4
1.3 City Hill Precinct 5
1.3.1 Background......................................................................................................................... 5
1.3.2 Land Use for City Hill Precinct........................................................................................... 6
1.4 West Basin 7
1.4.1 Background......................................................................................................................... 7
1.4.2 Principles for West Basin.................................................................................................... 7
1.4.3 Policies for West Basin........................................................................................................ 7
1.4.4 Land Use for West Basin.................................................................................................... 8
1.5 Constitution Avenue 9
1.5.1 Background......................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.2 Principles for Constitution Avenue.................................................................................... 10
1.5.3 Policies for Constitution Avenue........................................................................................ 10
1.5.4 Land Use for Constitution Avenue.................................................................................... 11
1.6 Remaining Parts of the Central National Area 12
1.7 Detailed Conditions of Planning, Design and Development 13
INTRODUCTION
Australia’s National Capital officially came into being in January 1911, when title to 911 square miles of land in the “district of Yass — Canberra” was passed to the Commonwealth by the State of New South Wales. The Seat of Government Acceptance Act of 1909 provided that the Territory would be acquired by the Commonwealth for the Seat of Government and that it would be known as the Federal Capital Territory.
Today, almost eighty years later, Canberra’s role as Australia’s National Capital is firmly established. Its significance as the Commonwealth’s Seat of Government was brought into national and international prominence with the opening of the new and permanent Parliament House on Capital Hill in 1988. This major new national building replaced the original, provisional Parliament House, which had been the home of the Commonwealth Parliament since 1927.
Canberra’s function as the Seat of Government and as the nation’s Capital has been the basis for the establishment here of Australia’s principal governmental, judicial, cultural, scientific, educational, and military institutions. It has resulted in foreign governments establishing legations and diplomatic residences, and in an increasing number of national organisations and institutions seeking a presence in the Capital.
The gradual accumulation of important national functions has been accompanied by a growing awareness of Canberra’s significance in Australia’s national and international life.
The present city of Canberra is far bigger than most of its founders ever imagined. But at each stage of its growth, care has been taken to maintain a quality and standard of development appropriate to the National Capital.
The introduction of self-government for the Australian Capital Territory has created a circumstance where two governments, the Commonwealth Government and the ACT Government, now share responsibility for the further development of the Territory.
The ACT Government is responsible for managing the affairs of the Territory on a parliamentary, legislative, administrative and financial basis comparable to the Australian States. The ACT Government also manages those functions which, in the States, are performed by local government. The ACT Legislative Assembly has the general power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Territory.
Canberra’s role and functioning as the National Capital remains a responsibility of the Commonwealth Government.
The Australian Constitution provides that:
The Seat of Government of the Commonwealth shall be determined by the Parliament, and shall be within territory which shall have been granted to or acquired by the Commonwealth, and shall be vested in and belong to the Commonwealth...
Under the Constitutional provision, the Commonwealth remains the owner of land in the Territory, even after the granting of self-government. The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 provides that land used by or on behalf of the Commonwealth may be declared National Land, and managed by the Commonwealth. The remaining lands of the Territory are Territory Land and these lands are managed by the ACT Government on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Management of National Land in the Territory is a function shared by the Commonwealth Department of Administrative Services and the Commonwealth Department of the Arts, Sport, Environment, Tourism and Territories. Certain other Commonwealth agencies, such as the Department of Defence, also manage land on which their activities are located.
Financing of the construction of Commonwealth facilities in the Territory is a responsibility shared among the many Commonwealth Departments and authorities.
Maintenance and development of certain National Land is undertaken by the ACT Government on behalf of the Commonwealth, but is financed by the Commonwealth.
In order to maintain a broad oversight of planning in the Territory as a whole, and to ensure its involvement in the planning, design and development of those areas having the special characteristics of the National Capital, the Commonwealth established the National Capital Planning Authority to reflect its interests and carry out its intentions.
The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 was proclaimed on 31 January 1989.
The Act introduced new arrangements for the planning and development of the Territory, designed to provide for continuing Commonwealth involvement in the development of the National Capital, while ensuring that the interests of the people of Canberra are both fully represented and protected.
The necessity for the new planning arrangements was a consequence of the Commonwealth’s decision to introduce selfgovernment to the Australian Capital Territory. This was provided for by the Australian Capital Territory (Self Government) Act 1988 which established the ACT Legislative Assembly to govern the Territory. Elections for the membership of the new Assembly were held in February 1989, and by May 1989 the first ACT Government had assumed office.
The self-government legislation conferred on the citizens of the ACT the rights and responsibilities associated with the introduction of State-style government, including most State and municipal functions found elsewhere in Australia. The Commonwealth nonetheless retains a fundamental interest in the future of the Australian Capital Territory as the Seat of Government of the Commonwealth and the National Capital, and the Authority’s functions and responsibilities embody the planning aspects of that Commonwealth interest.
The Authority and its Functions
The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 established the National Capital Planning Authority as a Commonwealth Government agency with the following functions:
a)to prepare and administer a National Capital Plan;
b) to keep the Plan under constant review and to propose amendments to it when necessary;
c) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to commission works to be carried out in Designated Areas in accordance with the Plan where neither a Department of State of the Commonwealth nor any Commonwealth Authority has the responsibility to commission those works;
d) to recommend to the Minister the carrying out of works that it considers desirable to maintain or enhance the character of the National Capital;
e) to foster an awareness of Canberra as the National Capital; and
f) with the approval of the Minister, to perform planning services for any person or body, whether within Australia or overseas.
[S.6]
The National Capital Plan must be accepted by both Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament, after approval by the Minister responsible for administration of Commonwealth legislation relating to the Australian Capital Territory.
The Act also requires that there shall be a Territory Plan prepared by a Territory planning authority responsible to the ACT Legislative Assembly. The Act requires that the Territory Plan shall not be inconsistent with the National Capital Plan.
Scope of the Plan
The object of the National Capital Plan is “to ensure that Canberra and the Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance.” [S.9]
In prescribing matters to be covered in the National Capital Plan, the Act [S.10(2)(a) and (b)] requires the Plan to set out:
the planning principles and policies for giving effect to the object of the Plan
standards for the maintenance and enhancement of the character of the National Capital
general standards and aesthetic principles to be adhered to in the development of the National Capital
general policies for land use, and for the planning of national and arterial road systems throughout the Territory.
The Act [S.10(l) and 10(2)(c) and (d)] also provides that the Plan may specify:
areas of land that have the special characteristics of the National Capital as Designated Areas. The Plan may set out detailed conditions of planning, design and development in Designated Areas, including priorities for carrying out these activities
special requirements for the development of any area, being requirements that are desirable in the interests of the National Capital.
In other words, the National Capital Plan at its most general policy level provides a framework determined by the Commonwealth Parliament, for land use and development throughout the Territory. At its most detailed level, it becomes the means for guiding the planning, design and development of the Designated Areas — those areas having the special characteristics of the National Capital.
The Territory Plan
The object of the Territory Plan is “to ensure, in a manner not inconsistent with the National Capital Plan, the planning and development of the Territory to provide the people of the Territory with an attractive, safe and efficient environment in which to live and work and have their recreation.” [S.25(2)]
The Act [S.25(3)] requires the Territory Plan to define the planning principles and policies for giving effect to the object of the plan and provides that it may include the detailed conditions of planning, design and development of land and the priorities in carrying out such planning, design and development.
The Territory Plan does not apply to land included within Designated Areas of the National Capital Plan [S.25(1)(b)(i) and S.25(6)]. In all other areas, and within the framework of the National Capital Plan, the Territory Plan will guide the day to day planning and development of Canberra and the Territory.
Effect of the National Capital Plan
Section 11 of the Act states that:
(1) An enactment that is inconsistent with the Plan has no effect to the extent of the inconsistency, but an enactment shall be taken to be consistent with the Plan to the extent that it is capable of operating concurrently with the Plan.
(2) The Commonwealth, a Commonwealth authority, the Territory or a Territory authority shall not do any act that is inconsistent with the Plan.
It is noteworthy that this is the only provision of any planning legislation in Australia that is binding on the Commonwealth.
Section 26 of the Act describes the specific nature of the relationship between the Territory Plan and the National Capital Plan:
The Territory Plan has no effect to the extent that it is inconsistent with the National Capital Plan, but the Territory Plan shall be taken to be consistent with the National Capital Plan to the extent that it is capable of operating concurrently with the National Capital Plan.
The National Significance of Canberra and the Territory
In order to establish an effective relationship between the Commonwealth's interest in the planning and development of Canberra and the Territory as the National Capital, and the ACT Government's interest in the planning and development of the Territory in the interests of good government of the Territory, it is essential to have as complete an understanding as possible of the implications and intent of the concept of “national significance” as presented in the object of the National Capital Plan.
Canberra is recognised as one of Australia's great achievements — a beautiful city of identifiably Australian character, in which the National Capital’s roles and functions operate efficiently and with proper regard to their place and importance in a modern federal democracy. It is a city which offers a high quality of life for its citizens, many of whom came to Canberra to contribute to the nation through employment supporting the Parliament and Executive, national administration, and national institutions. It is a city which symbolises Australian life and achievement, and is the actual as well as symbolic home of the key elements of our federal democracy and other aspects of national life.
The character and setting of Canberra are unique. Many elements of the planning which has produced today's Canberra are of great practical import: they have produced a city in which the work of government and national institutions, as well as the life of its citizens, can be conducted efficiently. Of no less import are the visual elements of the plan, those which have created fitting spaces, approaches and backdrops for the institutions, symbols and ceremonies of our federal democracy, and those which create the setting for the National Capital.
This achievement is the realisation of the dreams and aspirations of those charged with expressing the national interest in the first days of Federation. Almost from the time of Federation the setting of the National Capital and its structure, its beauty and its efficiency, were seen by the representatives of the people as of national significance.
Realisation of the aspirations of the “founding fathers” has served only to heighten the sense of significance attached to preservation of the character of the National Capital and the Australian Capital Territory established to accommodate it, and of the effectiveness with which national capital functions can be fulfilled in the city.
In his 1907 analyses of potential sites for the National Capital Sir John Forrest included as significant selection criteria that the site must have the potential for “water frontage for recreation, sport and beauty; good approach and commanding views”, as well as “commanding sites for public buildings” and “surrounding and adjacent scenery with great natural features, and within convenient distance”.
In sending the District Surveyor, Mr Scrivener, to examine the Yass — Canberra district in 1908 to identify a suitable site for the Seat of Government the then Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Hugh Mahon, commanded that ” the Federal Capital should be a beautiful city, occupying a commanding position, with extensive views and embracing distinctive features which will lend themselves to the evolution of a design worthy of the object, not only for the present but for all time”.
An international competition for the design of Australia’s National Capital was announced in 1911. Walter Burley Griffin's winning plan, on which the development of Canberra was first based, was more than sympathetic to the aspirations of those in Federal Parliament. Griffin used the topography to provide fitting sites, approaches, outlooks and backdrops for great buildings to house the nation’s major institutions of democracy, for ceremonial occasions, and for other purposes related to the national functions of the city. The open space system, the hills, and grand avenues accentuate natural axes and become both the symbolic and functional base for the Capital. Griffin tried to ensure that sensitive areas were protected from excessive traffic, while providing for an efficient transport system.
Adherence to the vision of the National Capital as a “great and beautiful city”, has ensured that the immediate landscape setting of the City as well as the distant mountains in the Australian Capital Territory have been consciously protected from development; has protected the environment of the ACT from excessive pollution; has created the open space system which separates the individual towns yet binds the whole together into the city of Canberra; and has preserved the integrity of land and buildings for national purposes.
It has ensured that fitting sites are available for overseas missions and others establishing a presence in Canberra because it is the National Capital. It has maintained grand avenues and protected sensitive areas while providing for the reasonable traffic and transport demands of a growing city.
The major criteria defined in the aspirations of our first Members of Parliament and translated so eloquently in Walter Burley Griffin’s plans, are the keys to the character of the Canberra of today. These principles and the city they produced were judged to be of national significance when first espoused in 1907, and remain so today.
Matters of National Significance in the planning and development of Canberra and the Territory include:
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.
The development of a city which both respects environmental values and reflects national concerns with the sustainability of Australia’s urban areas.
The National Capital Plan
As required by the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, the object of this National Capital Plan is to ensure that Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance.
Within the framework of this legislative object or goal, key objectives of the National Capital Plan are to:
1. Recognise the preeminence of the role of Canberra and the Territory as Australia’s National Capital.
2. Further develop and enhance a Central National Area which includes the Parliamentary Zone and its setting and the main diplomatic sites and national institutions, as the heart of the National Capital.
3. Emphasise the national significance of the main approach routes and avenues.
4. Respect the geometry and intent of Walter Burley Griffin’s formally adopted plan for Canberra.
5. Maintain and enhance the landscape character of Canberra and the Territory as the setting for the National Capital.
6. Protect the undeveloped hill tops and the open spaces which divide and give form to Canberra’s urban areas.
7. Provide a plan offering flexibility and choice to enable the Territory Government properly to fulfil its functions.
8. Support and promote environmentally responsible urban development practices.
The draft National Capital Plan was prepared in two volumes.
Volume One, published in July 1989, dealt with the proposed Designated Areas. Volume Two, published in October 1989, responded to the remaining statutory provisions for the scope and content of the National Capital Plan by setting out the principles and policies of the draft Plan and special requirements for the development of selected areas.
Both volumes were the subject of public consultation as required by the Act. The consultation programme undertaken by the Authority included the Australia-wide distribution of the draft Plan, accompanied by an invitation to comment, and the organisation of public seminars, meetings and workshops, both locally and interstate.
A draft Plan which combined both volumes and which incorporated many alterations as a result of the comments received and the Authority’s own deliberations, was “certified” by the Minister on 9 March 1990 under Section 16.(2) of the Act. Certification, which remains in force for 6 months unless sooner revoked, gives the draft Plan a measure of legal authority while it is being further considered. The period of certification was extended by the Minister on 21 August 1990 under Section 16.(4) of the Act.
At the same time as the Authority was undertaking its consultations, the Commonwealth’s Parliamentary Joint Committee on the ACT enquired into Volumes One and Two of the draft Plan. After tabling its findings on Volumes One and Two in the Senate, the Joint Committee reviewed the certified draft Plan.
This final Plan is substantially the same as the certified draft Plan. However it incorporates a number of changes in matters of detail. These changes have resulted primarily from the Joint Committee’s report on Volumes On and Two, from discussions with the Joint Committee during its review of the certified draft Plan, and from further consultation with the Territory planning authority and Commonwealth Government Departments and agencies.
At one level, the Plan describes the broad pattern of land use to be adopted in the development of Canberra and the Territory. The Plan adopts seven major categories of land use ranging from Urban Areas at one end of the spectrum to Mountain and Bushland Areas at the other. For each category the Plan sets out planning policies, including a range of permitted uses.
General policies of the Plan also cover such matters as policies relating to National and Arterial Roads, location of Commonwealth employment, heritage issues and other relevant matters of broad policy.
At a more detailed level, the Plan identifies areas which have the special characteristics of the National Capital — Designated Areas — and sets out detailed conditions for their planning, design and development.
Finally, the Plan sets out Special Requirements for the development of selected areas, not being Designated Areas. In general, the requirements seek to ensure that the development of National Land accords with agreed plans, and that the Territory Plan contains appropriate development controls in certain sensitive areas. For areas that are Designated or affected by Special Requirements, the General Policies of the Plan will continue to also apply.
Elements of the Plan
The National Capital Plan is required to ensure that Canberra and the Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance. A separate Territory Plan deals with the particular qualities of the Territory which affect the day to day lives of Canberra citizens. The National Capital Plan provides a framework for the Territory Plan while advancing those aspects of Canberra and the Territory which are special to the National Capital role.
The Griffin Legacy: Canberra the Nations Capital in the 21st Century
The Griffin Legacy is a blueprint for Canberra and the Territory. The Griffin Legacy directs future public and private investment in core areas of the capital where opportunities are created for vibrant, mixed use precincts alongside cultural institutions, government buildings and major national attractions. It restores the intended urbanity and vitality of Canberra as a cosmopolitan lakeside city.
The following general policies (derived from The Griffin Legacy Propositions) will form a basis for planning and urban design decisions for the Central National Area (CNA), its landscape setting and approaches. These include:
1. Protect The Griffin Legacy by:
(a) fostering recognition of the 1918 Griffin Plan as a work of national and international cultural significance, and conserve those elements that contribute to this significance in a sustainable manner whilst allowing for the evolution of the city in contemporary terms.
(b) recognising that Canberra is a young city and ensure that future development continues to give expression to the visual geometry, built form, landscape and cultural vitality of the 1918 Griffin Plan.
(c) recognising that some elements (for example, the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House) are successful reinterpretations of the 1918 Griffin Plan which are consistent with and strengthen the framework and spirit of the Plan.
2. Build on the Griffin Legacy by:
(a) maintaining the 1918 Griffin Plan as the primary organising framework of the city’s urban form, landscape and symbolism.
(b) fostering Canberra’s unique sense of place that has evolved from Griffin’s planning principles.
(c) maintaining the Garden City and City Beautiful values which underpin Canberra’s quality of life.
(d) continuing to give expression to the principles of the 1918 Griffin Plan – its visual geometry, built form, landscape spaces and cultural vitality – in order to maintain its integrity as a work of cultural significance which is internationally recognised.
(e) continuing to reinforce and, where possible, express the integrity of Griffin’s visual structure by strengthening the geometry and form of main avenues, vistas and public spaces.
(f) refocusing the symbolic framework of the 1918 Griffin Plan by consolidating development of national symbols and spaces for commemoration and celebration on the land and water axes, and within the National Triangle.
(g) maintaining the geometry and where practicable the fine-grain pattern of the streets and blocks of the 1918 Griffin Plan.
(h) strengthening the landscape framework from the natural setting of the hills, water courses and parks to the character of its streets as generously-scaled corridors for formal plantings of broad-canopy trees.
(i) maintaining the metropolitan structure principles of Canberra’s planning legacy of environmentally balanced urban extensions: design with nature; undeveloped hills and valleys; landscape containment and greenbelts; low traffic congestion; long-term public transport reservations; provision for walking and cycling; and protection of the Central National Area.
(j) maintaining a mix of tree species which enriches the landscape by providing beauty, shade, shelter and wildlife habitats and enhance the built environment.
3. Revitalise the Vision with Growth in the Central National Area by:
(a) reinstating Griffin’s intended unity between the Central National Area, its setting and the everyday life of the city.
(b) delivering the richness and vitality of Griffin’s vision by ensuring that Civic Centre and surrounding neighbourhood precincts are strongly connected with the Central National Area, especially with Lake Burley Griffin and its surrounding parks.
(c) accommodating growth in central Canberra to contribute to a compact, sustainable city that fosters a healthy community, and offers: increased housing, employment and recreation choices; ease of movement; integrated transport and land-use; and respect for the natural environment.
(d) developing the central areas of Canberra, such as Civic and Constitution Avenue, to the urban scale and diversity intended to consolidate the central areas of Canberra.
(e) managing change – particularly in terms of traffic and development – to preserve the historic landscapes, Garden City and City Beautiful values, and the dignity of the Central National Area.
(f) using public investment in infrastructure to guide private investment, to enhance the vitality, accessibility and national significance of the public domain of the 1918 Griffin Plan, and to generate economic growth.
(g) fostering a greater level of activity, choice, connectivity and accessibility in the central areas of Canberra.
4. Link the City to the Central National Area by:
(a) reducing the physical barriers between the Central National Area, Civic Centre and surrounding neighbourhood precincts.
(b) fostering exchange between local and national activities.
(c) harnessing the cultural and economic links between the Civic Centre and surrounding neighbourhood precincts.
(d) facilitating the development of physical connections and urban form to enable greater interaction and exchange between the Australian National University, the Central National Area and Civic Centre.
5. Extend the City to the Lake by:
(a) developing a variety of waterfront activities on Lake Burley Griffin which are diverse in urban, recreational and ceremonial character and are accessible to the public along the waterfront.
(b) enhancing lake-based tourist facilities and experiences.
(c) maintaining and enhancing the ecological integrity of the lake shore through environmental management requirements for any new development adjacent to or on the lake.
(d) developing natural drainage corridors as linear parks and pedestrian/cycle paths to connect with the lake parklands.
6. Reinforce the Main Avenues by:
(a) realising the identified main avenues of Constitution, Northbourne, Commonwealth, Kings, University, Sydney, Brisbane, and part of Canberra and Wentworth Avenues as multi-use boulevards providing corridors of higher-density mixed-use development, public transport, broad tree-lined footpaths with potential for outdoor dining and street parking.
(b) preventing the Central National Area from being overwhelmed by through traffic.
(c) providing a flexible, efficient and sustainable public transport and pedestrian and bicycle systems that reduce car dependency.
(d) developing a sufficient density and mix of land uses to support public transport.
(e) improving the urban design and streetscape qualities of the main avenues as approaches to the Central National Area.
(f) maintaining the ease and comfort of movement around the city to cater for a diversity of pedestrian, cycle, vehicular and public transport modes.
(g) providing streets with a quality architecture and landscape character that fosters a compact, connective and pedestrian-friendly environment for central city living.
(h) reducing the barriers of major roads to make it easier for people to access the public spaces of the city, particularly in the Central National Area.
7. Link National Attractions by:
(a) maintaining the Central National Area as the appropriate setting for the presentation of events, ceremonies and celebrations of national and international significance, so that Australians might better understand their culture and history – and showcase them to the world.
(b) consolidating national and international tourism activity in the Central National Area to enhance the visitor experience and appreciation of the symbolic role of Canberra as the National Capital.
(c) developing existing and new national cultural attractions to complement the settings of existing memorials and national symbols, and to enhance economic benefits for the Australian Capital Territory community.
(d) developing network concepts to link national attractions in the Central National Area, improving legibility and way finding for visitors, and linking existing public domain and transport networks.
(e) engaging new cultural and government buildings with the daily life of the city by connecting them to diverse and mixed-use districts that support a range of public activities, including shopping, dining and entertainment.
(f) reinforcing corridors of tourist activity with additional attractions and supportive land uses such as retail, restaurant and hotel developments.
(g) protecting and enhancing ecological values of the Central National Area as a site for eco-tourism.
(h) identifying opportunities for developing eco-tourism activities in the Central National Area, provide connections to the National Capital Open Space System, and reinforce Canberra’s identity and environmental integrity as the ‘Bush Capital’.
(i) enhancing the provision of lake and land-based recreational and tourism opportunities within a predominantly public open space setting.
(j) enhancing the sense of arrival for visitors to the National Capital by improving the quality of the approach routes and by progressively formalising the gateway experiences at key city thresholds, culminating in arrival at the Central National Area.
(k) enhancing the vistas to the national attractions and icons.
Principles and Policies
To meet the obligations imposed by the Act, general principles and policies of the Plan combine to set the broad framework for land use in the Territory. The Plan shows which areas are planned for urban development and which areas are not to be developed. It also contains provisions relating to aesthetics and the environment, to protect and enhance the character of Canberra and the Territory.
The Plan sets out a wide range of permitted land uses for each Land Use Category. The use of land for a purpose not included in the specified range may be permitted where the Authority has been consulted and, after satisfying itself that a particular proposal is not inconsistent with relevant Principles and Policies of the Plan and The ‘Griffin Legacy’ and has given its agreement in writing. The policies identifying permitted uses do not confer any rights to use land for any purpose. They set out the range from which uses may be selected for inclusion in the Territory Plan or in Detailed Conditions of Planning, Design and Development relating to Designated Areas of this Plan. The statutory requirement for the Territory Plan to not be inconsistent with the National Capital Plan permits consideration of any or all, or any sub-category of, the identified uses for inclusion in the Territory Plan.
Urban Development
The Plan provides for additional urban development within the Territory. The urban areas of North and South Canberra, WodenWeston Creek and Belconnen have already been substantially developed. Additional urban development in these areas will largely take place through measures generally described as urban consolidation. In the case of Belconnen, some additional urban development may be accommodated at the north-west fringe of the township on currently rural land.
Tuggeranong is still being developed at its southern extremities, but is expected to be substantially completed by 1991/ 92. The opportunity remains for intensification within Tuggeranong, guided by the provisions of the Territory Plan.
It is anticipated that the ACT Government will commence to release land for urban development in the new town of Gungahlin during the 1990s, and that “greenfields” subdivision in Gungahlin will continue over the subsequent 10 to 15 years.
The National Capital Plan provides for the continuation of urban development in the form of separate and distinct townships set in broad landscaped valleys, with the immediate hills and ridges providing separation between towns, and the distant mountains providing a natural landscape backdrop.
The Griffin Legacy provides an strategic framework to inform the principles and policies for urban development and redevelopment of Canberra and the Territory.
Employment and Offices
Office employment is to be encouraged in Civic, in the Town Centres and in other Defined Office Employment Centres within the two transport corridors as indicated in Figure 19 of the Plan.
In terms of broad land use policy, the Plan envisages Civic as being the dominant centre for business activity, retailing, commerce, culture, entertainment and recreation. Residential development in and around Civic is also encouraged.
Broadacre Land Uses
To the east of the city, substantial areas of land are set aside in the Plan for broadacre uses. These areas offer the opportunity longterm for the siting of future industry, transport facilities, defence installations, institutions and other activities requiring significant and large sites. These areas will become of considerable economic importance to Canberra over time, and offer a basis for the future economic development of the city in a manner complementary to its function as the National Capital.
Much of this land is presently reserved for Commonwealth use, most notably the Majura Field Firing Range utilised by the Department of Defence. If land ceases to be utilised by the Department of Defence at some time in the future, there may be scope for other development on some of this land.
The Plan shows areas under investigation for urban use at Jerrabomberra-Symonston and in the south Mitchell/north Lyneham area. Final resolution of land uses in these areas will be made following the completion of detailed studies.
Areas Under Investigation
A number of areas were originally identified in the Plan as subject to further investigation by the ACT Government as areas which may be suitable for urban development. These areas - West Belconnen, Jerrabomberra - Symonston and Mitchell - were identified in Figure 1 of the Plan as “Future Urban Areas - Subject to the Territory Plan” or as “Areas Under Investigation”.
Studies have been conducted by the ACT Planning Authority of West Belconnen which have resulted in a revision to the extent of the proposed Urban Area as shown at Appendix W.
The area originally identified in Figure 1 of the National Capital Plan as “Future Urban - Subject to Territory Plan” to the west of Belconnen has been divided, through a process of formal amendment, into “Urban Areas”, “Broadacre”, “Rural” and “National Capital Open Space - Hills Ridges and Buffer Spaces”. The definition of these areas is shown in the figure at Appendix W together with an area identified as an “Investigation Area”.
In the case of West Belconnen the land use policy for the “Investigation Area” is “National Capital Open Space - Hills Ridges and Buffer Spaces”. This area will be reviewed in the context of a planning study of the long term development of Canberra and the surrounding sub-region. Before this area can be used for other than those uses permissible in Hills Ridges and Buffer Spaces, the ACT Planning Authority will need to obtain the agreement of the National Capital Planning Authority to propose an amendment to the National Capital Plan, and any such amendment would need to be approved and gazetted. Fundamental to the future consideration of this area will be the need to retain an open space buffer which effectively separates West Belconnen from possible future urban development in New South Wales.
An Implementation Plan and Program for the treatment of the area of “Hills Ridges and Buffer Spaces” between the amended boundary to the Urban Area and the ACT-NSW border is to be prepared by the ACT Government, and agreed to by the National Capital Planning Authority, concurrently with land development in the area beyond the suburbs of Macgregor and Charnwood. The Implementation Plan and Program should detail measures which minimise the impact of existing and any future utilities or engineering services located in the service corridor. They should also show how the open space can be developed to perform its function as an effective buffer space between major urban areas, and to meet the demand for a range of activities, particularly recreational uses. The Implementation Program should indicate the nature, extent, cost and anticipated timing of public works involved.
Land at Jerrabomberra-Symonston and at south Mitchell is identified in the Plan as under investigation for urban use in the future. In the case of Jerrabomberra-Symonston, decisions on the nature, scale and timing of urban development in this area need to be taken in the context of a wider land use policy review. The review would consider the need for a buffer zone around the National Biological Standards Laboratory which is located within this area, and the future of major Defence facilities such as the Bonshaw radio facility. This review would encompass longterm land use and transport relationships and address, from the view point of both the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan, the key issues of traffic flows and transportation infrastructure in the city’s inner areas, especially in the Parliamentary Zone and its setting. The review would be conducted jointly with Territory agencies.
The impact of the proposed Very Fast Train (VFT) could be of major importance in determining the land uses preferred for Jerrabomberra-Symonston if the route of the train were to pass through this area.
Various proposals exist for the use of land at south Mitchell for the development of a business park and for additional facilities for the Canberra Racecourse and the National Exhibition Centre. In addition, it is possible that route decisions for the proposed Very Fast Train may have an impact on this area. The resolution of final routes for the proposed arterial road link between the Federal and Barton Highways and the public transport links between north Canberra and Gungahlin also affect this area.
Joint studies will be commenced with the Territory planning authority on the area, and amendments will be prepared to the National Capital Plan when detailed plans for the future of the area are resolved, and incorporated after public consultation.
Non-Urban Land Use
Beyond the urban areas, the Plan contains a variety of non-urban land use categories which provide a setting for the city and possible recreational opportunities, conservation of the National Capital’s bushland environment, and land resources for rural and future urban purposes.
A major feature of Canberra and the Territory is the system of hills and ridges which form part of the National Capital Open Space System (NCOSS). Also included within NCOSS are the river corridors and mountain bushland areas.
Another major feature is Namadgi National Park. The Plan provides for its long-term maintenance through a special requirement that the development of the area conform to the existing Namadgi Policy Plan.
In a similar manner, the Plan incorporates the provisions of the Murrumbidgee River Corridor Policy Plan as a special requirement guiding development of the Murrumbidgee as it passes through the Territory. The river corridor provides a major environmental and recreational resource which, under the terms of the policy plan, is also a long-term natural asset of the Capital.
The Plan also provides a basis for the continuation of longer-term rural production in the Territory, by identifying as rural lands, areas where the continuation of sustainable rural pursuits is considered both feasible and highly desirable.
National and Arterial Roads
The Plan sets out general policies with respect to the planning of national and arterial roads within the Territory.
For the purposes of this Plan, National roads are deemed to include the major approach routes to the city which link Canberra with other capital cities and with the national highway network. These are the Federal, Barton, Kings and Monaro Highways from the Territory border to their eventual junction at State Circle in the vicinity of Parliament House. In addition, all roads within the National Triangle formed by Commonwealth, Kings and Constitutions Avenues, are classed as National Roads.
The arterial road network in the Territory comprises two elements — the arterial roads within Canberra’s urban areas, which are major traffic collectors and distributors, and the network of peripheral parkways which serves to carry traffic between towns along routes lying largely at the periphery of the builtup areas.
Designated Areas
The Act provides that the National Capital Plan may:
specify areas of land that have the special characteristics of the National Capital to be Designated Areas
set out the detailed conditions of planning, design and development in Designated Areas and the priorities in carrying out such planning, design and development.
In identifying lands that have the “special characteristics of the National Capital” and deciding the extent of the Designated Areas, three primary factors are relevant:
Canberra hosts a wide range of National Capital functions — activities which occur in Canberra because it is the National Capital and which give Canberra a unique function within Australia.
Griffin’s strong symbolic design for Canberra Central has given the National Capital a unique and memorable character.
Canberra’s landscape setting and layout within the Territory have given the Capital a garden city image of national and international significance.
The National Capital functions include Parliamentary uses; key Commonwealth Government policy departments which have a close association with Parliament; official residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General; embassies, legations and high commissions of foreign countries; major national institutions such as the High Court, Australian National Gallery and the like; and major national associations.
Land has also been set aside and developed for non-building uses. Examples are Anzac Parade, which performs a ceremonial purpose as well as functioning as a roadway, and Anzac Parade which is effectively set aside for memorials. All of these examples and like activities and functions have the “special characteristics of the National Capital”, and should be included within Designated Areas of the Plan for their national significance to be recognised, and assured.
Griffin’s design incorporated the hills of (inner) Canberra - Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain, Red Hill and Mount Pleasant – and the lake and its foreshores into the plan, as much as buildings and roads.
Griffin’s design had four main elements:
The use of topography as an integral design feature and as a setting
A symbolic hierarchy of land uses designed to reflect the order and functions of democratic government
A geometric plan with the central triangle formed by grand avenues terminating at Capital Hill, the symbolic centre of the nation
A system of urban centres.
These elements will be implemented through The Griffin Legacy.
Canberra has been developed as a series of separate but linked towns, established in valleys and shaped and separated from each other by a system of open space. This arrangement has protected the major hills and ridges from development, and has created a scenic backdrop and natural setting for the urban areas. It has reinforced the garden character for which Canberra is renowned. This landscape setting makes a major contribution to the environmental quality which is a feature of Canberra’s character. There is a need to conserve and enhance the landscape setting.
Within Designated Areas the National Capital Planning Authority will have responsibility for determining Detailed Conditions of Planning, Design and Development, and for Works Approval.
The use of land within a Designated Area for a purpose not specifically set out in the Detailed Conditions of Planning, Design and Development may be permitted by the Authority where it is satisfied that a particular proposal is not inconsistent with relevant Principles and Policies of the Plan.
Any proposal to subdivide land within a Designated Area will require the approval of the Authority.
The Designated Areas comprise:
Lake Burley Griffin and its Foreshores
the Parliamentary Zone
the balance of a Central National Area adjoining the lake and the Zone, and extending from the foot of Black Mountain to the airport
the Inner Hills which form the setting of the Central National Area
the Main Avenues and Approach Routes between the ACT border and the Central National Area
Within the Designated Areas, the Authority believes that significant additional developments should be proposed for the next decade, the lead-up to the centenary of Federation. In particular:
a programme of works in the Parliamentary Zone is proposed to complete the Mall roads linking the new Parliament House and the lake; to provide a setting for the old Parliament House and to provide sites and buildings flanking the Mall for appropriate National Capital functions
completion of the Lake Foreshore promenade within the Zone, and the completion of cycle paths and walking tracks around the entire lake are key proposals
further development of Anzac Parade as a formal memorial avenue is intended
the possibility of extending Constitution Avenue, both to establish it as a formal urban avenue reflecting its role in Griffin’s plan, and to provide for increased traffic, is being examined
the development of foreshore activities in selected development nodes around the lake, including at Kingston, Acton, Yarralumla and at Yarramundi Reach is a possibility
development of Kings Park as a more formal park, with an emphasis on suitability for large public gatherings, is proposed
improvements to the landscaping and signage of the main avenues and approach routes to establish a consistency of treatment between them and a planned approach to landscape development which ensures that each has a character appropriate to its role, will be an on-going programme.
Special Requirements
The Plan also sets out special requirements which take effect under the Territory Plan, for certain areas where the requirements are desirable in the interests of the National Capital.
The difference between Designated Areas and areas where special requirements apply is that in Designated Areas the National Capital Planning Authority has the planning responsibility, including works approval, whereas in areas where special requirements apply, any development proposal is administered through the Territory Plan by the Territory planning authority in compliance with the special requirements specified in the National Capital Plan.
Given this dual system of planning requirements and in order to make the system as simple as possible, “Development Control Plans” are proposed as an appropriate mechanism for specifying and applying special requirements. Such plans can be prepared jointly between the Territory and the Commonwealth and subsequently administered by the Territory.
Development Control Plans may be maps, drawings, photographs, specifications and written statements. They should include sufficient detail for the guidance and management of development in the area, and may include design, siting, scale, purpose, timing and phasing, construction, landscaping and other relevant matters.
Development Control Plans may be prepared by either the National Capital Planning Authority or the Territory planning authority, or undertaken jointly by agreement. For certain large sites like the University of Canberra, and in particular on National Land, the occupiers of the sites, or agents acting on their behalf, may be responsible for the preparation of the plan.
For Territory Land, requirements for Development Control Plans may generally be met through the normal processes of preparing and approving the Territory Plan for the areas specified. Prior to release for public consultation, draft proposals must be agreed by the Authority as meeting its requirements, and the Authority may require elements of the plan to be identified as Special Requirements of the National Capital Plan (and therefore not able to be altered through the processes of the Territory Plan). The Authority may then incorporate these elements in the National Capital Plan as its Special Requirements.
As an interim arrangement pending the introduction of Development Control Plans, the gazetted planning policies for the ACT, as varied by the NCPA or the Territory planning authority, together with any requirements, set out in the Plan, to be met by the Development Control Plans, are accepted as the current Development Control Plans.
Review of Broad Land Use Policies
The areas identified as urban, future urban and areas under investigation for urban use have a capacity, at current population densities, to accommodate a population of the order of 400 000 people. Lead times for urban development, however, are substantial and planning needs to commence in the near future for development which will be required to meet the needs associated with population growth beyond that level.
Additional areas for urban expansion, if required, will be identified as a consequence of a review of Canberra’s longterm urban development options. Possibilities which need to be considered, in terms of land use, economic development, transport and traffic implications, infrastructure costs, environmental and social issues and related concerns, and the impact on Commonwealth and ACT Government finances, include at least the following:
the maximum possible concentration of future urban development within the boundaries of the Territory, compared with alternatives such as extensive urban development outside the Territory boundaries
alternative possible scenarios for the location of various types of employment within the Territory and beyond
strategies which maximise the potential for the use of public transport for major trip purposes
strategies which minimise the volumes of traffic and hence the need for major road infrastructure in the vicinity of the National Triangle
strategies which maximise economic returns on capital invested in infrastructure and facilities to date, and/or which minimise Commonwealth and Territory outlays for future urban expansion.
The review which addresses these possibilities will result in amendments to the National Capital Plan.
PART ONE Principles, Policies and Standards, Designated Areas, Special Requirements
1. The Central National Area
The Central National Area shown in Figure 4 is specified as a Designated Area under the Provisions of Section 10.(1) of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988.
Development in the Central National Area will be guided by The Griffin Legacy.
The Central National Area includes the Parliamentary Zone and its setting; Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores; the Australian National University; the Australian Defence Force Academy; Duntroon; Campbell Park and Canberra Airport/RAAF Base Fairbairn. Also included are diplomatic lands at Yarralumla, O’Malley, West Deakin and Red Hill.
1.1 The Parliamentary Zone and its Setting
The Parliamentary Zone and its setting are defined in Figure 4 as areas 5-8 and 10-12.
1.1.1 Background
The National Capital and Seat of Government is the legislative, judicial, administrative, executive, ceremonial and symbolic centre of the nation.
The role of Canberra as the National Capital warrants high environmental and aesthetic standards for development generally. It also requires that national functions are located where they may operate effectively and efficiently.
Areas that clearly exhibit the special characteristics of the National Capital primarily have the Parliamentary Zone and its setting as their focus. They embrace the main National Capital uses and national institutions, and other centrally located areas of National Land, the diplomatic areas, and nearby lands where planning, design and development are critical.
The core of those areas is the Parliamentary Zone (Figure 5) — the physical manifestation of Australian democratic government and the home of the nation’s most important cultural and judicial institutions and symbols.
The area designated ensures that the essential relationships between Parliament and its setting are planned, developed and conserved in an integrated way, with the Commonwealth providing the requisite leadership of design and ensuring that construction and maintenance operations are carried out to the highest standards.
Urban design is concerned with the arrangement of buildings and spaces to achieve harmony, interest, attractiveness, vitality and legibility. Specific urban design policies are concerned with ensuring that the quality of the built environment results in a composition which is consistent in scale and image.
The subject area is the centre for all the nationally significant activities of Parliament, the Judiciary and government and is the focal point of visitor interest in the National Capital.
A Master Plan for the Parliamentary Zone (refer to Appendix T.6) guides all future development in the Zone. The Statement of Principles set out in the Master Plan is as follows:
The Parliamentary Zone will be given meaning as “the place of the people”, accessible to all Australians so that they can more fully understand and appreciate the collective experience and rich diversity of this country.
To do this, the place of the people must reflect:
· The political and cultural role of Australia’s Capital;
· Federation and Australian democracy;
· The achievements of individual Australians in all areas of endeavour;
· The diversity of Australia, its peoples, natural environments, cultures and heritage; and
· The unique qualities of Australian creativity and craftsmanship.
The place of the people must have:
· A sense of scale, dignity and openness;
· A cohesive and comprehensible layout;
· A large forum for public ceremony and debate;
· Intimate, enjoyable spaces for individuals and groups;
· A dynamic program of national, state and regional events; and
· Public facilities that are accessible and affordable.
Within the Parliamentary Zone, the Authority’s statutory responsibility for the approval of works in Designated Areas does not affect section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974 which provides at sub-section (1) that no building or other work is to be erected on land within the Parliamentary Zone unless:
if the land is within the precincts as defined by subsection 3(1) of the Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988 - the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives jointly have; or
in any other case - the Minister has;
caused a proposal for the erection of a building or work to be laid before each House of the Parliament and the proposal has been approved by resolution of each House.
The combined effect of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, the Parliament Act 1974 and the Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988, is that within the Parliamentary Zone (which includes the Parliamentary Precincts), Works as defined by the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 require approval by NCPA in addition to any Parliamentary approvals necessary under the other Acts.
Within the Parliamentary Precincts (generally within Capital Circle) the Presiding Officers (the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives) have responsibility for control and management. In the exercise of this responsibility, any actions falling within the definition of Works set out in the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management ACT) 1988 continue to require approval by NCPA.
Of particular importance in the near future will be the resolution of future development in and around City Hill Precinct. This has been addressed in The Griffin Legacy which proposes City Centre – City Hill as the symbolic heart of City.
The Plan includes City Hill and the area inside London Circuit as part of the Designated Area. City Hill is one of the three corners of the National Triangle formed by Commonwealth, Kings and Constitution Avenues, and as such the character of its future development and that of the area adjoining it is crucial to the longterm character of the National Capital. There is a major opportunity for the Territory Government to achieve development within London Circuit which is outstanding in national and international terms, and this should clearly be the objective.
Linking City Hill with Russell is Constitution Avenue, and over the next decade the Plan will provide for development beside the Avenue which establishes it as a formal urban avenue. Since design issues will be crucial in setting the character of the Avenue, both sides of Constitution Avenue are included in the Designated Areas, except in the immediate Civic area.
Land fronting the approach routes and avenues which were an important symbolic component of Griffin’s plan is also considered to have special National Capital interest. Special requirements have been established for these areas.
1.1.2 Principles for the Parliamentary Zone and its setting
(1) Canberra’s role as Australia’s National Capital is of continuing and paramount importance. National functions, organisations and activities are actively encouraged to locate in Canberra. They should be housed and located in prominent positions where they serve, individually and collectively, as effective symbols of the nation and its Capital
(2) Opportunities should be taken progressively to enhance the international role of Canberra as Australia’s National Capital. Diplomatic representation, the establishment in Canberra of international organisations, and the holding of international events in Canberra are all encouraged as means of enhancing the National Capital’s international role.
(3) The planning and development of the National Capital will seek to respect and enhance the main principles of Walter Burley Griffin’s formally adopted plan for Canberra.
(4) The Parliamentary Zone and its setting remain the heart of the National Capital. In this area, priority will be given to the development of buildings and associated structures which have activities and functions that symbolise the Capital and through it the nation. Other developments in the area should be sited and designed to support the prominence of these national functions and reinforce the character of the area.
(5) Planning and development of the Territory beyond the Parliamentary Zone and its setting should enhance the national significance of both Canberra and the Territory.
Note: Additional Principles specific to the Parliamentary Zone are set out in the Master Plan for the Parliamentary Zone at Appendix T.6.
1.1.3 Policies for the Parliamentary Zone and its setting
(a) Major national functions and activities that are closely connected with workings of Parliament or are of major national significance should be located in or adjacent to the National Triangle formed by Commonwealth, Kings and Constitution Avenues, to provide a strong physical and functional structure which symbolises the role of Canberra as the National Capital.
(b) The preferred uses in the Parliamentary Zone are those that arise from its role as the physical manifestation of Australian democratic government and as the home of the nation’s most important cultural and judicial institutions and symbols. The highest standards of architecture will be sought for buildings located in the Parliamentary Zone.
(c) Diplomatic activities should be established in places which are prestigious, have good access to Parliament House and other designated diplomatic precincts, and meet security requirements. They should be planned and designed to establish a distinct character and setting for each area reflecting their national and international significance.
(d) National and international associations and institutions will be encouraged to locate in Canberra, and whenever practicable the District of Canberra Central will be the preferred location for them.
Note: Additional Policies specific to the Parliamentary Zone are set out in the Master Plan for the Parliamentary Zone at Appendix T.6.
1.2 Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores
1.2.1 Background
Lake Burley Griffin is an integral part of the design of Canberra and is a vital and key element in the plan for the National Capital. The lake is not only one of the centrepieces of Canberra’s plan in its own right but also forms the immediate foreground of the Parliamentary Zone.
Lake Burley Griffin has become an important recreational resource for Canberra’s residents and visitors, but there is a need to identify ways in which the lake can be used to further unify the city as a whole both functionally and in landscape terms.
The Authority will support the development of recreational, tourist and National Capital uses of the Lake and its foreshores. A well defined system of lakeside drives, park access roads and public transport access should be maintained so that residents and visitors can get to the lake and its parks without disturbing nearby areas unduly.
The lakeside pedestrian cycle path around the entire lake needs to be completed. The link around the eastern part of the lake is to be built in a manner which does not compromise the conservation values of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. If it is commercially feasible a ferry service from the ferry terminal to the Parliamentary Zone and other tourist nodes will be supported.
Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores are part of the National Capital Open Space System. The principle and policies set out at 8.2 and 8.3 will apply as well as the principle and policies below.
1.2.2 Principle for Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores
To conserve and develop Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores as the major landscape feature which unifies the National Capital’s central precincts and the surrounding inner hills; and to provide for National Capital uses and a diversity of recreational opportunities.
1.2.3 Policies for Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores
(a) Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores should remain predominantly as open space parklands while providing for existing and additional National Capital and community uses in a manner consistent with the area’s national symbolism and role as the city’s key visual and landscape element.
(b) Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores are intended to provide a range of recreational, educational and symbolic experiences of the National Capital in both formal and informal parkland settings with particular landscape characters or themes. These should be maintained and further developed to create a diversity of landscape and use zones which are integrated into the landscape form of the city and reflect the urban design principles for the National Capital.
(c) Jerrabomberra Wetlands will be protected as a wildlife refuge in a National Capital and urban context, with facilities designed to realise the area’s potential as a significant conservation and education resource for Canberra residents, tourists and international visitors.
(d) The water quality and hydraulic operation of the lake should be maintained in a manner designed to protect Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores’ visual and symbolic role.
(e) The range of uses permitted in Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores will be the following:
·Aquatic Recreation Facility
·Club (related to lake use only)
·Community Facility
·Landscape Buffer
·National Capital Use
·Outdoor Education Establishment
·Park
·Pathway Corridor
·Public Utility
·Regatta Point Exhibition
·Reserve
·Restaurant
·Restricted Access Open Space
·Road
·Scientific Research Establishment
·Single Dwelling Housing (Block 6 Section 4 Yarralumla only)
·Tourist Facility (not including a service station)
The nature of uses permitted in Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores is defined in Appendix A.
1.3 City Hill Precinct
1.3.1 Background
City Hill Precinct
City Hill Precinct is central to the implementation of The Griffin Legacy. The precinct should take its rightful place as the municipal heart of central Canberra. City Hill Precinct will be reclaimed as Griffin’s symbolic and geographical centre for City – a corner completing the National Triangle as a gateway to the Central National Area and a hub connecting significant main avenues and vistas.
The objectives of the Canberra Central Taskforce are set out below. The objectives of the Canberra Central Taskforce form the background to principles and policies set out in Appendix T7.
Objectives for City Hill Precinct
1. Vitalise City so that it becomes first amongst equals in the hierarchy of town centres within Canberra – with the City Hill Precinct as the pre-eminent heart of City.
2. Recognition that vitalisation will make City a genuine City Centre; attracting people to live, work, play and stay – with City Hill Precinct self-evidently the focus of public and private life and activity.
3. The planning and development of the City Hill Precinct must stimulate high levels of human activity, including accessibility, density and variety of use.
4. Development must command the highest standards of urban design, sustainability, exemplary architecture and social inclusion reflecting the character of the National Capital and providing a model for city development in Australia in the 21st century.
5. The development of the City Hill Precinct must complement and actively relate to and integrate with the existing and committed structure of the rest of City.
6. The planning of the City Hill Precinct must be primarily directed to those demographics of the population most likely to be attracted to city living – the purpose being to maximise population and diversity of activity in City.
7. The planning approach to the City Hill Precinct should be guided by and extend the legacy of the Griffin Plan for a vital and urban city heart by embracing contemporary realities.
8. The development of the City Hill Precinct and City must produce an asset for the community, not a burden for taxpayers – this requires economic viability and the creation of a positive climate for private sector investment and appropriate public sector investment.
9. Flexibility to allow for future social and technological change must be a basic tenet of planning for the future development of the City Hill Precinct and City.
1.3.2 Land Use for City Hill Precinct
Development and redevelopment shall accord with the Detailed Conditions of Planning Design and Development set out in Appendix T.7 City Hill Precinct.
Primary land uses permitted for City Hill Park are:
Park and limited ancilliary uses
Permitted land uses for City Centre are:
| · Administrative use | · Car park | · Café, bar restaurant |
| · Casino | · Community protection facility | · Cultural facility |
| · Education establishment | · Hotel | · Health centre |
| · Motel | · Indoor recreation facility | · Park |
| · Office | · Place of assembly | · Personal service |
| · Public utility | · Residential | · Retail |
| · Scientific research establishment | · Social/Community facility | · Tourist facility |
1.4 West Basin
1.4.1 Background
West Basin
West Basin is central to the implementation of The Griffin Legacy. West Basin will be a vibrant cultural and entertainment precinct on a waterfront promenade. The area will create a new city neighbourhood, extending the city to the lake with a cosmopolitan mixture of shops, businesses, cafes and recreation and tourist activities and accommodation.
1.4.2 Principles for West Basin
1. Create a legible network of paths and streets that extends the city to the lake.
2. Create a vibrant public waterfront promenade in the Central National Area.
3. Enhance the range of tourism and recreation experiences available on Lake Burley Griffin.
4. Enhance continuous public access to the lake shore with links to the surrounding national attractions.
5. Provide a mix of land uses.
6. Realise key elements of the geometry and intent of the 1918 Griffin Plan at West Basin.
7. Develop a built environment which demonstrates design excellence.
8. Achieve best practice environmentally sustainable development.
1.4.3 Policies for West Basin
a) Extend the city grid of streets and paths to enhance connectivity and accessibility to the lake.
b) Create a waterfront promenade involving reclamation of a part of the lake and the construction of a new lake wall.
c) Develop West Basin with a mix of uses and create a public domain which demonstrates urban design excellence.
d) Provide continuous public access around West Basin linking the Parliamentary Zone and other national attractions.
e) Contribute to the visitor and recreation experience of the Lake Burley Griffin parklands with an active water front promenade, permitting a high level of tourist, entertainment, accommodation and leisure uses.
f) Enhance Commonwealth and Edinburgh Avenues as important physical, visual and symbolic links of Canberra.
g) Reinforce Commonwealth Avenue, a significant approach route and vista to Parliament House, as a corridor of activity leading pedestrians from the city into the Parliamentary Zone.
h) Develop a significant public building, cultural attraction or landscape space on the water axis at the western shore of West Basin.
i) Implement best practice environmental design and management, including water sensitive urban design.
Note: Additional principles specific to West Basin are set out in Appendix T.9
Residential; Commercial Accommodation (Serviced Apartment only): 1.5 spaces per 100 square metres of gross floor area.
Bank; Child Care Centre; Consulting Rooms; Co-operative Society; Office; Personal Service Establishment: 2 spaces per 100 square metres of gross floor area.
Restaurant, Bar, Café; Retail: 2.5 spaces per 100 metres of gross floor area.
A higher on-site and/or off-site parking provision may be required by the Authority after taking into account the relationship between on-site parking, off-site parking opportunities and the capacity of public transport in the area at the time of development.
The proponent must provide the NCA a long term parking strategy for construction staging which minimises disruption to parking. The parking strategy must be adopted in the first stage of development to accommodate a minimum of 470 displaced car parking spaces.
Access to the site (for parking and site servicing) should be from the side and access street generally.
Additional parking shall be provided for vehicles associated with less consumption of energy. These include bicycles, motorcycles, small cars and car-sharing vehicles.
Car parking structures should provide secure storage and related facilities for bicycle users. This would position the development as a local centre for commuting and recreational cyclists, as well as providing the opportunity for an alternative mode of transport between the many office buildings in the locale.
Landscape/Streetscape
Paving, lighting, street trees and planting beds shall be of high quality and should reinforce the amenity and visual quality of the pedestrian environment. Street trees and other large trees are to be planted in deep-root soil conditions. Existing large trees are to be retained (where possible).
Public Domain and Off-Site Works
A retail plaza is to be provided on the corner of Macquarie Street and the side street and furnished with lighting, seating and paving to provide an attractive public area for outdoor cafés and restaurants.
The developer is to carry out off-site works to create a high quality public domain commensurate with a vibrant and attractive mixed use precinct.
On-street parking, verge landscaping, paving, lighting and furniture shall be provided using high quality durable materials.
Sustainable Development
Development proposals will demonstrate a high level of performance in terms of environmental design including energy efficiency, climate management and water sensitive urban design.
Public Notification
All applications for Works Approval for major development are subject to public notification and consultation. The determination of those applications that constitute major works is at the discretion of the National Capital Authority.
APPENDIX V: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX V
Gold Creek Tourist Area and “Harcourt Hill”
Special Requirements
General
1. The approach to the National Capital should reinforce the image of Canberra as the “Bush Capital” by carrying the surrounding rural landscape into the city from its periphery. The corridor of open space flanking the highway should be variable in its width providing a well-defined separation of the urban areas.
2. In respect of the Gold Creek Tourist Area, the existing landscape character of open, lightly wooded pastures should be retained on the ridges adjacent to the highway.
3. In the open sparsely wooded area surrounding the Gold Creek Tourist Area, land uses which enhance or at least are compatible with the existing landscape character are required (ie the land uses are to create a “parkland” character around the development thus ensuring its visual and psychological separation).
Gold Creek Tourist Area
1. Development within the Gold Creek Tourist Area should continue to reflect the existing character, ie “pavilions” in well-landscaped settings.
2. The Gold Creek Tourist Area is to be visually contained with clear boundary treatments. (refer Figure V.l)
3. Planting should provide definition to the whole development as well as providing distinct character to the access road and precincts designed to accommodate individual developments.
Open Space
1. Well-wooded Open Space areas along the ridges should separate the residential areas from the buffer spaces and Gold Creek Tourist Area.
2. Defined open spaces should provide usable areas and meaningful public access, as well as providing wildlife corridors linking to outer hills and ridges, and drainage lines and watercourses.
Harcourt and Percival Hills
1. No residential development should be located on either Harcourt or Percival Hills, adjacent to the Highway. This is to ensure that the open, rural landscape character is maintained. The inclusion of a golf course in this area would be appropriate.
2. The location of resort core facilities on the west side of the ridge in association with a golf course would be appropriate. Low, clustered buildings in this setting would add to the appearance of a “homestead” retreat and would allow for glimpses of future development from the road.
3. The main entry road treatment should not be too overt and hence interrupt the experience of entering the National Capital. Deciduous trees are not considered appropriate in this landscape - consideration needs to be given to the formal use of native trees to reinforce the “Australianness” of the development.
APPENDIX X: APPROACH ROUTES
Appendix X: Approach Routes
Detailed Conditions of Planning, Design and Development
X.l FEDERAL HIGHWAY
1. DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The objective is to heighten the traveller’s first perception of approach and arrival in order to enhance recognition of the special symbolic and functional significance of the National Capital. These detailed conditions are concerned with achieving awareness of this special significance through the following:
marking the boundary of the ACT;
establishing a clear and identifiable route from the border to the Central National Area, the symbolic centre of the city, by providing visual cues and strong structural links;
building up expectations by progressively formalising the design character as travellers approach the Central National Area;
enhancing views to recognisable and popular images of the National Capital so as to further build expectation and define the approach; and
ensuring that the structure, detailing and signage is consistent along each approach route into the National Capital.
2. POLICIES
2.1 Future Roads
In the area marked by shading on Figure 1, the position and design of major road alignments and intersections with the Federal Highway (“the highway”), other than that shown in this Amendment, are subject to further investigation and possible future amendment to the National Capital Plan.
The future high speed slip lane from the Federal Highway to Majura Road, shown on Figure 1, is subject to separate design investigation and environmental assessment. However, the duplication project shall take into account the possibility of such a slip lane and the best location for its junction with the highway.
2.2 Border Identification and Marker
The policy is:
to ensure the identification of the ACT by the placement of a marker at a safe and appropriate location, possibly in conjunction with a visitor lay-by. The marker should be similar in form and design to the existing marker but should also include heraldic features which signify the symbolic and functional role of the city and which establishes a relationship to signs and institutions in the Parliamentary Zone. There should be clear lateral views to the border marker; and
to introduce speciality lighting to highlight the ACT marker. If practical, up-lighting of the border marker and adjacent tree canopy should be used.
2.3 Road Design Characteristics
Access Limitations
For the section from Stirling Avenue to Antill Street, direct access to individual leases will be permitted only on the southern side at one point serving Blocks 1 and 8, Section 61 Watson and one point serving Block 1, Section 64 Watson. From Antill Street to the intersection with the realigned Majura Road, access will not be permitted on the southern side of the highway except to Apex Park. From the intersection with the realigned Majura Road to the ACT border, no access will be permitted except to a visitor lay-by.
On the northern side of the Federal Highway, access will only be permitted in the short term to ‘Arnold Grove’, ‘Bendora Riding School’, the AGL lease, and ‘Canberra Park’ while longer term access is expected to be provided from within Gungahlin.
Intersection Design
The continuity of the north/south carriageway driver experience should be reinforced. The Majura Road/Horse Park Drive grade separated intersection should reinforce the visual dominance of the Federal Highway, to maximise views and ensure the least disruption to the landform.
Medians and Verges
Medians and verges are to provide the opportunity for reinforcement of landscape themes and realms. Medians should be of a sufficient width to accommodate the appropriate landscape treatments for each landscape realm and pattern and generally be not less than 20 metres wide.
Carriageways
Roadworks are to minimise the impact on the existing topography. Cuts and fills associated with the design and construction of the highway and associated roadworks are to be kept to a minimum. The highway is to be designed to ‘fit’ within the landscape and topography.
Where possible, the two carriageways are to be designed independently and separated both vertically and horizontally so as to ensure integration into the topography.
Road surfaces should be of asphaltic concrete with a clean edge, unless other materials are shown to be more appropriate.
Lighting
Where provided, lighting should reinforce the design intent of the Federal Highway as a ‘rural’ highway road. Further, the colour temperature of the lights should be such that the true colours and features of the landscape are perceived. Light spillage is to be minimised to prevent unnecessary night sky illumination.
Equestrian Trails
The policy is:
to ensure the design of the highway incorporates appropriately located and connected underpasses for equestrian use and facilitates the continuation of existing equestrian trails; and
to enhance where possible, the trail concept with provisions for additional facilities at appropriate locations.
2.4 Visitor Information
General
The policy is:
to ensure informative, well presented, factually correct and relevant visitor information is displayed on signs and boards and plays a key role in informing the visitor; and
to ensure information signage conforms to a uniform standard for Approach Routes. All signs which are not essential to be read from the road, such as interest group signs, are to be located in a visitor lay-by.
Information appropriate for inclusion in visitor lay-by signage includes:
natural landscape - environment information regarding the distinctive natural landscape and features;
cultural/historical landscape - information regarding Aboriginal history and influences and early European settlement and impact;
siting of Canberra - diagrammatic development of Canberra, basic structure of Canberra’s layout including important features and elements, monuments and institutions; and
community organisations and relevant local information.
Visitor directional signage, other than in the visitor lay-by, will be permitted where shown on Figure 1 to assist identification of destinations between Antill Street and Stirling Avenue, Watson.
No other visitor information signs will be permitted along the highway.
Visitor Lay-by
The policy is to ensure access to a visitor lay-by at a convenient location for visitors.
2.5 Landscape Experience
General
The policy is:
to ensure Canberra’s unique setting within the natural landscape is reflected in the sensitive design and landscape treatment for the highway which reinforces the perception of the National Capital; and
to recognise the significance of views to the surrounding hills and ensure engineering structures respect the landform and landscape patterns.
Major Landscape Realms
The Federal Highway is divided into two broad realms for the purposes of detailing landscape patterns. They are a Rural Realm and an Open Parkland Realm (see Figure 2 Landscape Realms and Patterns for the Federal Highway).
Rural Realm - identifies the location of Canberra and establishes the setting of the “bush capital”. The pastoral setting is a cultural and historical reminder and recognises that the colour and scale of the landscape are important in creating an identifiable and memorable image. Views to the Gungahlin ranges and Black Mountain should be maintained and enhanced.
Open Parkland Realm - emphasises reflection of the rural landscape, (but with a designed park-like landscape quality), and introduces the visitor to the planned “garden city” image. Planting and development patterns are to allow filtered horizontal views.
Landscape Patterns
Driver experience shall be modulated through a series of distinct landscape patterns which identifies a change in landscape character from an informal planting, open, rolling, rural landscape to a regular planted, closed, dense canopy pattern of the semi-urban landscape. Landscape patterns apply as set out in Figure 2 - Landscape Realms and Patterns for the Federal Highway.
To assist the understanding of the landscape patterns and where they apply, the highway has been broken into sections starting at the ACT border.
Plantation Gateway (0.0-0.4 km) - creates an introduction and announces the imminent arrival of the visitor in Canberra by establishing appropriately designed tree planting that relates to the rural landscape, but is distinct in character. Within the road reserve, the policy is to develop a formal plantation in the verge and median of the highway.
Savannah Woodland (0.4-0.8 km) - reinforces the existing woodland character by maintaining and enhancing the indigenous eucalypts in small groups and individual specimens in the median and verges, and ensures the character is of an open canopy giving a parkland appearance.
Tussock Grassland (0.8-1.4 km) - establishes a grassland community and complements the savannah woodland character of adjacent sections of the highway. It does this through broad scale planting of road verges with native grasses and herbaceous plants with low grasses in medians.
Savannah Woodland (1.4-2.8 km) - reinforces the rural pastoral character by planting and protecting indigenous eucalypts in small groups and individual specimens in the median and verges, generally widely spaced, leaving an open canopy and giving a parkland appearance. Residential views are to be screened and views opened up along open space corridors.
Open Forest/Woodland (2.8-4.0 km) - reinforces the open forest character of this part of the highway. The policy is to resolve secondary access to rural properties while maintaining continuity of the approach route, and to allow short, filtered horizontal views. Median planting is to be informal and should reinforce existing native planting as well as introducing grouped accent planting.
Filtered Semi-Urban (4.0-5.4 km) - creates a transition from woodland to the contrasting closed corridor section of Northbourne Avenue and develops a ‘secondary’ gateway with designed avenue planting to create a strong contrast with the rural landscape as the introduction to urban Canberra. Direct views should focus along the approach route. The built form should be screened through the use of plant material.
Cultural Landscape Features
The policy is to maintain the significance of the Remembrance Parks through enhancement of their location and access in association with a visitor lay-by, by providing interpretative material, and by the possible extension of areas for planting.
Endnotes
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
The endnotes provide details of the history of this legislation and its provisions. The following endnotes are included in each compilation:
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history
Endnote 5—Uncommenced amendments
Endnote 6—Modifications
Endnote 7—Misdescribed amendments
Endnote 8—Miscellaneous
If there is no information under a particular endnote, the word “none” will appear in square brackets after the endnote heading.
Abbreviation key—Endnote 2
The abbreviation key in this endnote sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.
Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4
Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.
The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended the compiled law. The information includes commencement information for amending laws and details of application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.
The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision level. It also includes information about any provisions that have expired or otherwise ceased to have effect in accordance with a provision of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments—Endnote 5
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not reflected in the text of the compiled law but the text of the amendments is included in endnote 5.
Modifications—Endnote 6
If the compiled law is affected by a modification that is in force, details of the modification are included in endnote 6.
Misdescribed amendments—Endnote 7
An amendment is a misdescribed amendment if the effect of the amendment cannot be incorporated into the text of the compilation. Any misdescribed amendment is included in endnote 7.
Miscellaneous—Endnote 8
Endnote 8 includes any additional information that may be helpful for a reader of the compilation.
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
| ad = added or inserted | pres = present |
| am = amended | prev = previous |
| c = clause(s) | (prev) = previously |
| Ch = Chapter(s) | Pt = Part(s) |
| def = definition(s) | r = regulation(s)/rule(s) |
| Dict = Dictionary | Reg = Regulation/Regulations |
| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament | reloc = relocated |
| Div = Division(s) | renum = renumbered |
| exp = expired or ceased to have effect | rep = repealed |
| hdg = heading(s) | rs = repealed and substituted |
| LI = Legislative Instrument | s = section(s) |
| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003 | Sch = Schedule(s) |
| mod = modified/modification | Sdiv = Subdivision(s) |
| No = Number(s) | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |
| o = order(s) | SR = Statutory Rules |
| Ord = Ordinance | Sub-Ch = Sub-Chapter(s) |
| orig = original | SubPt = Subpart(s) |
| par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s) /sub-subparagraph(s) |
Endnote 3—Legislation history
| Name | FRLI registration or gazettal | Commencement | Application, saving and transitional provisions |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 1 - City Sections 10 (Part), 37 and 62 | 14 Dec 2007 (F2007B01565) | 6 Nov 1991 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 2 | 14 Dec 2007 (F2007B01566) | 13 Dec 1991 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 4 - Harcourt Hill | 17 Dec 2007 (F2007B01584) | 9 Nov 1992 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 6 - West Belconnen | 17 Dec 2007 (F2007B01589) | 10 Dec 1992 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 3 - Duntroon and York Park Master Plans | 24 Dec 2007 (F2007B01583) | 14 July 1993 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 7 - Kingston Redevelopment | 17 Dec 2007 (F2007B01590) | 25 Aug 1993 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 8 - General | 17 Dec 2007 (F2007B01591) | 26 Oct 1993 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 9 - Hotel Kurrajong | 17 Dec 2007 (F2007B01592) | 22 Dec 1993 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 11 - General | 14 Feb 2008 (F2008B00022) | 16 Nov 1994 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 13 - Symonston | 14 Feb 2008 (F2008B00024) | 8 Mar 1995 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 12 - Russell | 14 Feb 2008 (F2008B00023) | 17 Jun 1996 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 16 - Australian National Botanic Gardens | 15 Feb 2008 (F2008B00026) | 10 Dec 1996 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 14 - Broadacre | 14 Feb 2008 (F2008B00025) | 11 Dec 1996 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 19 - Federal Highway | 19 Feb 2008 (F2008B00027) | 18 June 1997 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 20 - Acton Peninsula | 19 Feb 2008 (F2008B00028) | 5 Dec 1997 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 22 - Ginninderra Drive | 19 Feb 2008 (F2008B00030) | 6 Mar 1998 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 28 - Blackall Place, Barton | 21 Feb 2008 (F2008B00036) | 19 May 1999 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 23 - Canberra Centre Consolidation | 19 Feb 2008 (F2008B00031) | 27 May 1999 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 26 - Acton House | 20 Feb 2008 (F2008B00034) | 27 May 1999 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 21 - Telecommunications Facilities Policies | 19 Feb 2008 (F2008B00029) | 16 June 1999 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 24 - Special Requirements for Northbourne Avenue | 19 Feb 2008 (F2008B00032) | 21 July 1999 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 36 - ACT Hospice | 26 Feb 2008 (F2008B00046) | 24 Nov 1999 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 27 - Open Space [Park] - Public Accessibility | 21 Feb 2008 (F2008B00035) | 16 Feb 2000 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 31 - Land Use - Part sections 29 and 30 Forrest | 22 Feb 2008 (F2008B00039) | 13 Mar 2000 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 35 - Joint Staff College of Weston Creek | 26 Feb 2008 (F2008B00043) | 11 Apr 2000 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 29 - Kingston Foreshore | 21 Feb 2008 (F2008B00037) | 11 Apr 2000 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 37 - Rural Leases - Districts of Tennent and Booth | 27 Feb 2008 (F2008B00048) | 15 June 2000 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 25 - Signs Policy | 20 Feb 2008 (F2008B00033) | 20 June 2000 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 30 - Canberra Airport | 21 Feb 2008 (F2008B00038) | 29 Sept 2000 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 32 - Australian National University Boundary Changes | 22 Feb 2008 (F2008B00040) | 14 June 2001 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 33 - Parliamentary Zone Review | 22 Feb 2008 (F2008B00041) | 18 Sept 2001 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 41 - Gungahlin Drive Extension | 28 Feb 2008 (F2008B00047) | 4 Mar 2003 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 43 - Campbell Park Offices | 28 Feb 2008 (F2008B00049) | 5 Mar 2003 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 46 - Gungahlin Drive Extension - Black Mountain Nature Reserve | 28 Feb 2008 (F2008B00051) | 27 Aug 2003 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 45 - Block 11 and Part Block 14 Section 49 Symonston - Quamby | 28 Feb 2008 (F2008B00050) | 19 Nov 2003 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment No. 34 - Uriarra Forestry Settlement | 22 Feb 2008 (F2008B00042) | 28 Jul 2004 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 48 - Signs Policies - Flexibility Provisions and Sponsorship Signs in the Parliamentary Zone | 7 Mar 2005 (F2005L00505) | 8 Mar 2005 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 49 - Civic Principles and Policies | 7 Mar 2005 (F2005L00542) | 8 Mar 2005 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 44 - Office Employment Location Policies | 8 Mar 2005 (F2005L00580) | 9 Mar 2005 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 39 - Deakin/Forrest Residential Area | 30 May 2005 (F2005L01290) | 31 May 2005 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 42 - York Park Master Plan | 13 Sept 2005 (F2005L02596) | 14 Sept 2005 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 52 - Zoo Expansion (Part Block 1502 Belconnen) | 14 June 2006 (F2006L01820) | 15 June 2006 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 54 - Parliamentary Zone (Section 55 Parkes) | 6 Sept 2006 (F2006L03001) | 7 Sept 2006 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 55 - Block 16 Section 28 City (Australian National University) | 7 Sept 2006 (F2006L03008) | 8 Sept 2006 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 56 - The Griffin Legacy - Principles and Policies | 5 Dec 2006 (F2006L03950) | 6 Dec 2006 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 59 - City Hill Precinct | 5 Dec 2006 (F2006L03952) | 6 Dec 2006 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 60 - Constitution Avenue | 5 Dec 2006 (F2006L03955) | 6 Dec 2006 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 61 - West Basin | 5 Dec 2006 (F2006L03970) | 6 Dec 2006 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 66 - Diplomatic Mission Yarralumla | 2 Aug 2007 (F2007L02317) | 3 Aug 2007 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 67 - Provisions for Mobile Home Park | 12 Oct 2007 (F2007L04060) | 13 Oct 2007 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 63 - Molonglo and North Weston | 9 Oct 2008 (F2008L03633) | 10 Oct 2008 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 57 - Blocks 12 & 13 Section 9 Barton | 14 Oct 2009 (F2009L03763) | 14 Oct 2009 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 70 - Section 87 and Part Sections 83 and 85 Fyshwick and Appendix E | 10 Mar 2010 (F2010L00623) | 10 Mar 2010 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 73 - Block 6 Section 4 Yarralumla (Westridge House) | 30 Nov 2011 (F2011L02505) | 30 Nov 2011 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 74 - Section 5 Campbell | 5 Dec 2012 (F2012L02324) | 5 Dec 2012 | — |
| National Capital Plan – Amendment 76 – Policy 4.4(d) for Urban Areas | 5 Dec 2012 (F2012L02325) | 5 Dec 2012 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 75 - Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon Master Plan | 9 Jan 2013 (F2013L00036) | 9 Jan 2013 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 81 - Removal of Outdated and Unnecessary Policy Material | 16 May 2013 (F2013L00782) | 16 May 2013 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 79 - Removal of West Basin Pedestrian Bridge | 19 June 2013 (F2013L01054) | 19 June 2013 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 77 - Elm Grove campsite (Part Block 624 Gungahlin) | 25 June 2013 (F2013L01149) | 25 June 2013 | — |
| National Capital Plan - Amendment 80 - Yarramundi Reach | 25 June 2013 (F2013L01151) | 25 June 2013 | — |
Endnote 4—Amendment history
| Provision affected | How affected |
| Foreword | |
| Foreword................................................... | am F2007B01566 |
| Introduction | |
| Introduction.............................................. | am F2007B01566; F2007B01584; F2007B01589; F2008B00024; F2008B00026; F2008B00027; F2008B00030; F2008B00031; F2008B00043; F2008B00037; F2008B00038; F2008B00040; F2008B00047; F2008B00049; F2008B00051; F2008B00050; F2008B00042; F2005L00580; F2006L03950; F2008L03633; F2010L00623; F2013L00036 |
| Pt One - Principles, Policies and Standards, Designated Areas, Special Requirements | |
| 1. The Central National Area | |
| 1................................................................ | am F2008B00022; F2006L03950 |
| 1.1............................................................. | am F2007B01566; F2008B00022; F2008B00026; F2008B00037; F2008B00038; F2008B00040; F2008B00041; F2008B00049; F2006L03952 |
| 1.2............................................................. | am F2007B01566; F2011L02505; F2013L00782 |
| 1.3............................................................. | am F2007B01583; F2008B00038 |
| renum 1.6.................................................. | F2006L03952 |
| 1.3............................................................. | ad F2006L03952 |
| 1.4............................................................. | am F2007B01565; F2007B01566; F2007B01583; F2007B01591; F2007B01592; F2008B00022; F2008B00023; F2008B00026; F2008B00028; F2008B00036; F2008B00031; F2008B00034; F2008B00046; F2008B00035; F2008B00039; F2008B00037; F2008B00038; F2008B00040; F2008B00041; F2008B00049; F2005L01290; F2005L02596; F2006L01820; F2006L03008 |
| renum 1.7.................................................. | F2006L03952 |
| 1.4............................................................. | ad F2006L03970 |
| 1.5............................................................. | ad F2006L03955 |
| am F2012L02324 | |
| 1.7............................................................. | am F2006L03952; F2006L03955; F2006L03970; F2007L02317; F2009L03763; F2011L02505; F2012L02324; F2013L00036; F2013L00782; F2013L01151 |
| 2. Main Avenues and Approach Routes | |
| 2.1............................................................. | am F2008B00037 |
| 2.2............................................................. | am F2008B00027; F2008B00033 |
| 2.3............................................................. | am F2007B01566 |
| rs F2008B00032 | |
| am F2008B00037 | |
| 3. Office Employment Location | |
| 3. Employment Location........................... | rs F2005L00580 |
| 3.1............................................................. | am F2007B01566 |
| rs F2005L00580 | |
| 3.2............................................................. | am F2007B01583 |
| rs F2005L00580 | |
| 3.3............................................................. | am F2007B01583 |
| rs F2005L00580 | |
| 4. Urban Areas | |
| 4.1............................................................. | am F2008B00038; F2008L03633; F2013L00782 |
| 4.4............................................................. | am F2008B00024; F2008B00038; F2008L03633; F2012L02325 |
| 4.5............................................................. | am F2007B01566; F2008B00024; F2008B00032; F2008B00037; F2005L00542; F2005L00580 |
| 5. Broadacre Areas | |
| 5.1............................................................. | am F2008B00038 |
| 5.2............................................................ | am F2007B01589; F2007B01591; F2008B00025; F2008B00038; F2008B00049; F2005L00580; F2007L04060 |
| 5.3............................................................ | am F2008B00038 |
| 7. Urban Design | |
| 7.3............................................................ | am F2007B01583; F2007B01590 |
| 8. National Capital Open Space System | |
| 8.1............................................................ | am F2008B00038 |
| 8.3............................................................ | am F2008B00038 |
| 8.5............................................................. | am F2007B01566; F2007B01584; F2007B01591; F2008B00026; F2008B00029; F2008L03633; F2013L01149 |
| 8.6............................................................. | am F2007B01591; F2008B00026; F2008B00027; F2008B00051; F2008B00050; F2008L03633; F2013L00782 |
| 8.7............................................................. | am F2007B01591; F2008L03633 |
| 9. Rural Areas | |
| 9.1............................................................. | am F2008B00038 |
| 9.3............................................................. | am F2007B01591; F2008B00038 |
| 12. Infrastructure | |
| 12.3........................................................... | am F2008B00029; F2013L00782 |
| 12.4........................................................... | ad F2008B00029 |
| Pt Two - Administration and Implementation | |
| Development and Management of National Land.......................................................... | am F2007B01566; F2013L00782 |
| Gazetted Policies of the Former National Capital Development Commission............. | rep F2013L00782 |
| Planning Appeals....................................... | rep F2013L00782 |
| Review Process for Aspects of the Plan..... | am F2008B00041; F2013L00782 |
| Pt Three - Background Notes | rep F2013L00782 |
| The Future of the Capital........................... | am F2005L00580 |
| rep F2013L00782 | |
| Canberra and the Region............................ | rep F2013L00782 |
| Commonwealth Funding and the National Capital Plan............................................... | rep F2013L00782 |
| Appendices | |
| Appendix A............................................... | am F2007B01566; F2007B01591; F2008B00024; F2008B00026; F2008B00033; F2008B00038; F2007L04060; F2008L03633; F2011L02505 |
| Appendix B............................................... | am F2008B00022 |
| Appendix C............................................... | rep F2013L00782 |
| Appendix D............................................... | rep F2013L00782 |
| Appendix E............................................... | am F2010L00623 |
| rep F2013L00782 | |
| Appendix F............................................... | am F2008L03633 |
| Appendix G............................................... | am F2008B00048 |
| Appendix H............................................... | am F2007B01583; F2008B00029; F2008B00033; F2005L00505 |
| Appendix J................................................ | am F2013L00782 |
| Appendix K............................................... | rep F2013L00782 |
| Appendix L............................................... | am F2007B01566 |
| Appendix M.............................................. | rs F2005L01290 |
| Appendix N............................................... | rs F2005L01290 |
| Appendix Q............................................... | rep F2008B00038 |
| Appendix R............................................... | ad F2007B01566 |
| rep F2013L00782 | |
| Appendix S............................................... | ad F2007B01565 |
| rep F2006L03952 | |
| Appendix T............................................... | ad F2007B01583 |
| am F2008B00023; F2008B00026; F2008B00028; F2008B00041; F2005L02596; F2006L03001; F2006L03952; F2006L03955; F2006L03970; F2012L02324; F2013L00036; F2013L01054 | |
| Appendix U............................................... | ad F2007B01583 |
| am F2009L03763 | |
| Appendix V............................................... | ad F2007B01584 |
| Appendix W.............................................. | ad F2007B01589 |
| rep F2013L00782 | |
| Appendix X............................................... | ad F2008B00027 |
Endnote 5—Uncommenced amendments [none]
Endnote 6—Modifications [none]
Endnote 7—Misdescribed amendments [none]
Endnote 8—Miscellaneous [none]
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