I’ve driven past thousands of times since moving to Canberra in 1985, but last weekend was the first time I’ve ever crossed Vernon Circle by foot to step on City Hill.

You might give City Hill a cursory glance as you’re driving by, but most likely your full attention is on negotiating the multiple lanes of traffic, roadworks and traffic lights surrounding it.

Sure, from the road or at a slight distance, City Hill looks like a verdant grassy knoll dotted with pines, a flagpole and, on its north-east rim, the structure encasing the 2013 Centenary of Canberra time capsule. Nice enough.

But – it’s a big but and I cannot lie – it’s a neglected piece of prime real estate that is overrun by feral rabbits. So close to the city, this round parkland girt by Vernon Circle could be a popular and much-loved green space, frequented by urban workers and residents. Instead, it’s Canberra’s bellybutton of shame.

If you want to cross between City East and West (perhaps from New Acton to Canberra Theatre as a mature couple were the evening I ventured onsite), a sealed pathway seems to end a few metres from the kerb before you’re left to find your own way across. Traversing the hill is an exercise in concentration to avoid stepping in the honeycomb of rabbit warrens puncturing the grass, weeds and soil. The rabbits have also been busy burrowing under the pine trees, probably compromising the tree root systems and their stability.

Speaking of trees, there are several dead specimens, one of which appears to have been torched, while a cluster of saplings encased in corflute tree guards are being choked by weeds. Thistles grow waist- or even shoulder-high. A blue plastic tarpaulin has been strung tautly between two pines to create a makeshift shelter, most likely by someone experiencing homelessness.

Public bench seats of varying styles and colours have been installed at seemingly random spots around the hill, positioned looking outwards to take in the views, which are particularly picturesque south-westerly across the lake to the Brindabellas.

Other than the pleasant views, the only sign of hope on City Hill was the flourishing native birdlife, including Crimson Rosellas and Red-rumped Parrots.

Surely, City Hill deserves better treatment which, in turn, would see it utilised more by locals and visitors, and appreciated more, too. Its potential is waiting to be realised.

Tell us what you’d like to see happen with City Hill and Vernon Circuit in the comments, or email [email protected]

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