Ginninderry unveils the first blocks for sale in Canberra's newest suburb

The first blocks of land in Canberra’s newest suburb will be available for purchase over the coming weeks, with almost 1000 people registering their interest within hours of the release.

Macnamara is the second suburb in the award-winning Ginninderry project, named after Dame Jean Macnamara, renowned for her medical research achievements.

Located to the west of Strathnairn, Macnamara is bordered by a pristine conservation corridor with spectacular views of the Brindabella Mountains.

The first release will consist of 71 blocks of land plus 55 house and land packages.

Due to the high demand, the blocks will be sold by a randomised ballot, with purchasers restricted to purchasing only one block. The blocks in the first release range in size from 350 square metres to 935 square metres

Registration opened on Thursday, 19 January, and there was already strong demand before the end of the day. Ballot registrations close on 4 February.

Ginninderry head of marketing and communications Marcus Mills-Smith explained the randomised ballot processes was designed to inject a degree of fairness to the process. The sale is not first-come, first-served. Someone who registers last could be the first to pick a block.

Block selection will occur over a weekend with each party given five minutes to choose their block in descending order from the first drawn.

“We will provide plenty of information to everyone who registers so that they can select a shortlist of blocks to suit their needs and budget,” Mr Mills said.

“There is already a lot of interest, so we know people will be disappointed this round, but we are a long-term project and there will be more opportunities in the months and years ahead.”

Ginninderry is being developed as an innovative, sustainable community of international significance, with high energy and water efficiency standards and an emphasis on green space and conservation areas.

On completion, Ginninderry will consist of four new suburbs extending across the ACT and NSW border. It will eventually be home to around 30,000 people. The four suburbs will total around 11,500 homes.

So far, 764 blocks have been released, more than 300 homes are occupied and 200 homes are under construction, with about 770 people living in the new suburb of Strathnairn.

Ginninderry project director Steve Harding said the launch of Macnamara was an exciting milestone.

“More than 750 people now call Ginninderry home in our first suburb, Strathnairn, so as we move into our second suburb, we have an opportunity to further our commitment to inspire a new way of living,” Mr Harding said.

Mr Harding said Macnamara will be the first Canberra suburb where all homes have a minimum 7 Star Energy Rating. In addition to its sustainability credentials, Harding said that Macnamara also prioritises livability.

“Macnamara benefits from an incredible position overlooking the Brindabellas and, ultimately, when the new suburb of Macnamara is fully developed, residents will be able to take advantage of community gardens, nearby dog parks and play areas like ‘Paddys Park’ in our first suburb of Strathnairn.

“In addition, Macnamara is well-positioned to provide for future easy access to new recreation and picnic areas proposed in the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor.

“Every home will be in easy walking distance from a bus stop while a connected network of pedestrian and cycling paths will provide access ways throughout Ginninderry and into broader West Belconnen.”

The commencement of sales at Macnamara follows another significant milestone for Ginninderry. The project achieved recertification from the Green Building Council of Australia as a 6 Star Green Star Community representing world leadership in its approach to sustainability and liveability. It remains the only 6 Star Green Star community in the region.