New plan to reinvigorate Tharwa and retain village character

Tharwa Village Fair where Minister Gentleman released the village plan. Photo: Facebook.

A plan has been released to guide the future development of the historic village of Tharwa in Canberra’s south, which is hoped to reinvigorate the village and make it a popular destination for visitors again.

Minister for Planning Mick Gentleman released the Tharwa Village Plan, which will require a variation to the Territory plan, at the village fair on Sunday (9 September).

Mr Gentleman said the Village Plan recommended the enhancement of the village core as an attractive, social, recreational and creative hub for the local community while also attracting visitors to experience the qualities of a rural village.

Central to this will be the Cuppacumbalong Homestead Precinct which Mr Gentleman said expressed and enhanced the story of Tharwa’s Aboriginal and European history.

The Village Plan also identifies five unused blocks for housing, with any new development to retain the village’s rural character.

The plan includes a new non-potable water supply for firefighting in the village, with its construction likely to commence early next year.

It also includes recommendations for future public space upgrades and improved pedestrian and cycle path connections throughout the village, as well as new recreation facilities at the Tharwa Bridge Reserve and a future nature play facility that will repurpose old timbers retained from the Tharwa Bridge refurbishment.

To implement the Village Plan, a draft variation to the Territory Plan (DV359) has been prepared. It introduces changes to the Tharwa Precinct Map and Code to ensure that the recommendations in the Village Plan can take place.

“Like many Canberrans, I share the great passion with local residents to preserve the character of the Tharwa Village and its place in Canberra’s history,” Mr Gentleman said.

“The Village Plan is an important step forward for the Tharwa community and one that I trust will be embraced and built upon for generations to come.”

To review and comment on Draft Variation 359, go here.