The National Capital Authority (NCA) has begun a public consultation for Draft Amendment 97 (DA97) to the National Capital Plan. The amendment proposes to change the land use policy for Block 7 Section 4 Yarralumla, previously occupied by the former Australian Forestry School and CSIRO, from ‘community facility’ to a ‘mixed-use’ zoning.

The proposed amendment aligns with the National Planning Reform Blueprint by promoting medium and high-density housing in strategically positioned locations near established public transportation networks, amenities, and employment opportunities, the NCA states.

Gunyar Pty Ltd, as trustee for the Gunyar ACT Properties Trust, owns Block 7 Section 4 Yarralumla. The Shepherd Foundation, supporting children with hearing loss, benefits from the trust. In 2021, Oakstand Pty Ltd, representing Gunyar, notified the NCA about plans to change the land use policy. After community engagement, the NCA requested a scaled-down scheme, leading to a revised proposal in May 2022.

In October 2022, the NCA Board approved a draft amendment allowing mixed-use policy, specifying residential, commercial, community, and ancillary uses, with conditions on planning and design. In June 2023, the Yarralumla Residents Association (YRA) and Oakstand presented their views to the NCA Board, addressing concerns. By October, the NCA Board agreed to release Development Application 97 (DA97) for public consultation.

From 1927 to 1968, the Australian Forestry School operated from the site, and from 1968 to 1975 the site was utilised by the Forestry and Timber Bureau.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) acquired the site in 1975, and established a Division of Forest Research. This became the Division of Forestry and Forest products in 1988, the Division of Forestry in 1991, and in 1996 the Division of Forestry and Forest products. The site was sold in 2002, and leased back to CSIRO for 20 years. 

CSIRO is consolidating facilities in Canberra, and vacated the Yarralumla site in 2022. Small private sector offices occupy some buildings on the site.

The proposed mixed-use zoning will allow for a range of development types, including residential, aged care, commercial accommodation, community facility, social housing, and ancillary commercial uses. If approved, the amendment will allow up to 300 residences on the site. The Forestry Oval in front of the site is not included in any redevelopment plans.

Special emphasis is placed on retaining and enhancing the natural character and landscape setting of the area, including new trees and species to enrich the site’s beauty, provide shade and shelter, and enhance the overall environment. Yarralumla is known for its green spaces, parks, and gardens, which contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the area. The NCA aims to ensure that future development respects and enhances these natural elements to create a harmonious blend of built and natural environments.

To achieve this, the amendment proposes detailed conditions of planning and design that will guide future development. These conditions will address building height and setback, development footprint, landscape, residential apartment design, environmental performance, parking, access, and movement. The bulk of new buildings will occur within the footprints of existing or recently demolished buildings. Some new building footprints are proposed in the north-western portion of the site.

Excellence in architecture, landscape, and urban design is a priority, along with the conservation of listed heritage values and the maintenance of public pedestrian access. Heritage buildings and structures including the Australian Forestry School, the former Museum, store, tennis courts, and Forestry House, will be retained and adaptively reused. DA97 aims to strike a balance between urban density and preserving the natural character of Yarralumla.

The draft amendment proposes to restrict building height on the site to three storeys, with attics and basement carparking allowed. The design of buildings will reflect the topography of the site and harmonise with the land.

To preserve the site’s landscape qualities, design must retain existing trees and include deep root plantings between buildings. The existing high-quality landscape character and setting of the site must be retained and enhanced through future development. The environmental performance of buildings is critical, including through suitable solar access and natural cross ventilation of residential dwellings.

Parking, access, and movement should comply with ACT Government requirements, as well as prepare the site for electric vehicle infrastructure.

The NCA will continue to have planning responsibility for the site, including approvals for proposed works, new buildings, and landscape works such as tree removal and excavations.

The NCA invites the community and stakeholders to take part in the public consultation and offer their valuable input. To learn more, visit www.nca.gov.au and follow the NCA’s social media channels.

To help shape the future of this important site in Yarralumla, provide your feedback via [email protected].

Public consultation will close on 22 December.