Ginninderry has entered a new phase with the official announcement of its first school, local centre and an audacious proposal for the realignment of transmission lines. Image: Ginninderry.
The Ginninderry Joint Venture has announced key developments in a 30-year project to transform a greenfield development near the ACT/NSW border into a vibrant, sustainable community.
The official announcement of a new school, local centre and exploration of a transmission line realignment signals the next phase for Ginninderry, which will one day comprise four suburbs that 30,000 people will call home.
Icon Construction has commenced construction of Strathnairn School, the first of four schools planned for Ginninderry. The school will comprise an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to Year Six facility that will cater for 910 pupils in time for the commencement of the 2026 school year.
Located at the heart of the Strathnairn neighbourhood, it will include an expansive 3900 sqm playing field, 860 sqm kickabout space, 850 sqm combined basketball/netball court, gymnasium with basketball, netball, futsal and volleyball markings, playgrounds, nature play area, sensory courtyard with equipment, handball court, additional informal outdoor play areas and quiet zones.
Ginninderry Development Director Stephen Harding said the school was a pivotal step in supporting a family-friendly community nearing 2500 people.
“We’re at a stage of growth where amenities also need to grow, and whilst we’ve delivered some great community spaces, the school will be most welcome for our young families,” he said.
“Along with the local centre, it will become a vibrant gathering space and a source of pride for the people of Strathnairn.”
Ginninderry’s first local centre is expected to open in 2027 with additional essential services and leisure opportunities.
Proposed for the hub located at the border of Strathnairn and Macnamara is a 1500 sqm supermarket, a pub and space for small retail outlets such as cafes, lifestyle services and medical facilities.
While subject to multiple layers of consultation and approvals, the centre reflected, alongside the school, the heart of what Ginninderry aimed to achieve, Mr Harding said.
“A place where people can live, learn, work, and enjoy everything life has to offer, all within a sustainable environment,” he explained.
“The local centre is an important community asset, and we’ll be carefully curating both the built form and the tenancy to ensure it contributes to our vision.”
Ginninderry Project Development Director Steve Harding said Ginninderry was a step closer to becoming a place where people could live, learn, work, and enjoy everything life had to offer, all within a sustainable environment. Photo: Ginninderry.
Alongside these community developments, the Ginninderry Joint Venture has announced its intent to lodge an application for the realignment of the 330 kV transmission lines of the Upper and Lower Tumut networks.
Subject to environmental, development and funding approvals, the proposed realignment would divert the Upper (Line 1) and Lower (Line 7) Tumut transmission lines near the ACT/NSW border, extending southeast across the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers and reconnecting at the Stockdill Substation in Belconnen. Additionally, the Lower Tumut Line (Line 3C) is planned to be strung past Stockdill Substation towards Canberra Substation, along existing transmission towers to minimise impact.
The realignment, which has in-principle support of impacted landholders and infrastructure owner Transgrid, is designed to “enhance the urban landscape and environmental conservation efforts in the region while improving infrastructure efficiency”.
The project is expected to generate a $70 million net benefit for the community over its 50-year lifespan.
Mr Harding said the move would reduce the impact on conservation areas, enhance biodiversity, and increase the value of surrounding land by removing the visual impacts of the transmission lines.
It would also unlock land for about 430 additional dwellings, with 15 per cent targeted as housing for low- to moderate-income households.
“This project embodies our commitment to balancing urban development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Ginninderry remains a place where people can thrive for generations to come,” he said.
“There’s a long way to go, but it has huge potential benefits for Ginninderry and the community at large.”
Subject to approval, the Ginninderry Joint Venture will fund the infrastructure work and engage with stakeholders throughout the project, including a robust community consultation process to gather and incorporate feedback into the environmental impact statement (EIS) and a potential development application.
This image illustrates the proposal the Ginninderry Joint Venture wants to lodge for the realignment of transmission lines. Image: Ginninderry.
Ginninderry also has several new land releases in the market, including Brindabella View blocks – a limited number of unique blocks directly adjoining the conservation edge with spectacular vistas that will be auctioned at the end of this month.
“You won’t find blocks like that anywhere else in Canberra,” Mr Harding said.
A variety of build-ready land for over-the-counter sale and a builders/developers release of multi-unit sites have also been released.
Mr Harding said this would bring a diverse offering to Pro Hart Avenue, connecting pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and cars to local facilities, including the future town centre.
“We’re ensuring opportunities for developers of all sizes to secure a mix of housing options in Ginninderry,” Mr Harding said.
For more information, visit Ginninderry.
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