18 12049 documents part 2.pdf

From:
Baines, Greg
To:
Bootes, Trish
Subject:
Draft variations to the Territory Plan no. 299 - Lawson South Structure Plan Concept Plan
Date:
Friday, 28 August 2009 2:27:39 PM
Hi Trish,
Research and Planning opposes the proposed draft variation on the following grounds:
* Previous advice to ACTPLA to extend the 30m wide buffer zone along the entire northern boundary of
the development adjacent to the Belconnen Naval Transmission Station (BNTS) has been ignored.
* The draft variation proposes the construction of Residential (Suburban Core) areas immediately adjacent
BNTS on the north-eastern edge of Lawson South. This will change the hydrology of the adjacent portions of
BNTS, negatively impacting upon Natural Temperate Grassland of the highest conservation value and on
known habitat of the threatened Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar).
ACTPLA must implement the 30m buffer along the entire boundary with BNTS, as advised by Research and
Planning in previous comments, before the draft variation is finalised.
Regards
Greg Baines
Wildlife Ecologist
Research and Planning
GPO Box 158, Canberra 2601
ph. 6207 2116
fax. 6207 2122

From:
Richardson, Dave
To:
"
Tomlins, George;
McNamara, Damien; Gianakis, Steven; Lane, Sharon; Mulvaney, Michael; Evans, Murray; McNulty, Hamish;
Lewis, Paul
Cc:
Wood-Bradley, Ian; Reynolds, Chris
Subject:
EPBC Coordination Group - Lawson South - Draft EPBC Referral - Email 1 of 2
Date:
Tuesday, 1 June 2010 4:22:22 PM
Attachments:
21.05.10 Lawson South Referral.doc
Figure 6 - LOW.pdf
Importance:
High
Hello Everyone,

Here is the first of 2 emails containing all of the draft referral for Lawson South. This one
contains Figure 6 (low resolution) and the report. The second email will contains Figures 1-5.

This is for discussion at tomorrow’s meeting.

Regards

Dave

Referral of proposed action

Project title:
LAWSON SOUTH RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, BELCONNEN, ACT

1 Summary of proposed action
1.1
Short description
The proposed action is to develop a new residential estate, Lawson South, in the north-eastern
part of the town of Belconnen in the Australian Capital Territory (see Figure 1).

1.2
Latitude and longitude

Latitude
Longitude

location point
degrees  minutes  seconds  degrees  minutes  seconds
NE corner
35
13
25
149
06
02
SE corner
35
14
03
149
05
29
SW corner
35
13
46
149
04
41
NW corner
35
13
25
149
04
56

1.3
Locality
Lawson South is part of the proposed suburb of Lawson, which is located north-east of the town
centre of Belconnen and approximately 10.5 km north-west of Canberra City.  Surrounding
suburbs include Kaleen, Bruce, Belconnen and McKel ar.  Lake Ginninderra bounds the area to
the west.  Commonwealth land, managed by the Department of Defence, adjoins the area to the
north (see Figure 2).  This land is the site of the former Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station
(BNTS) and forms the northern part of the suburb of Lawson.

1.4
Size of the development
The Lawson South area covers 100 ha, but only about 42 ha of this
footprint or work area
area is proposed for development.
(hectares)
1.5
Street address of the site
Not applicable

1.6
Lot description
The site comprises:
Block 2  Section 13 Lawson (96.6 ha)
Block 1 Section 4 Lawson
Block 1 Section 1 Lawson
Block 1 Section 5 Lawson
Block 2 Section 5 Lawson

1.7
Local Government Area and Council contact (if known)

Australian Capital Territory
1.8
Timeframe

The ACT land release program indicates the first 50 blocks are to be released in 2010/11 with a
further 600 blocks in 2011/12, 500 blocks in 2012/13 and 240 blocks in 2013/14.

1.9
Alternatives
X
No
Does the proposed action
include alternative timeframes,

Yes, you must also complete section 2.2
locations or activities?
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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1.10  State assessment

No
Is the action subject to a state
or territory environmental
X
Yes, you must also complete Section 2.4
impact assessment?
1.11  Component of larger action

No
Is the proposed action a
component of a larger action?
X
Yes, you must also complete Section 2.6
1.12  Related actions/proposals
X
No
Is the proposed action related to
other actions or proposals in the
Yes, provide details:
region (if known)?
1.13  Australian Government
X
No
funding
Has the person proposing to

Yes, provide details:
take the action received any
Australian Government grant
funding to undertake this
project?
1.14  Great Barrier Reef Marine
X
No
Park

Yes, you must also complete Section 3.1 (h), 3.2 (e)
Is the proposed action inside the
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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2 Detailed description of proposed action

2.1 Description of proposed action

The proposed action is to develop the new residential suburb of Lawson south, which is located in
the north-eastern part of the Canberra town of Belconnen and is one of the last parcels of
undeveloped land in Belconnen.

The proposed urban development would take place within Territory land which is located in the
southern part of the suburb of Lawson (see Figure 2).  The northern part of Lawson is the site of the
former Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station (BNTS) and is Commonwealth land managed by the
Department of Defence.  A draft Development Control Plan (Draft DCP no. 171/10/0003) for this
Commonwealth land was released in March 2010 by the National Capital Authority (Ref. 1)   This
draft DCP proposes that the majority of the land be conserved in a grassland nature reserve and a
smal er proportion, those areas of least ecological value, be developed for residential purposes.

Lawson South is bounded by Baldwin Drive and Ginninderra Drive to the east and south respectively,
the northern reaches of Lake Ginninderra to the west and the Commonwealth land to the north.  The
area has been withdrawn from rural lease and is currently grazed under an informal agreement.  The
land contains an ActewAGL electricity substation in the south-western part of the area.

The proposed action would involve the fol owing activities within the development boundary:

•
construction of roads and site services including water supply, sewerage, stormwater,
electricity, gas and telecommunications;
•
construction of pedestrian and cycleway facilities;
•
construction of community facilities;
•
landscaping and embel ishment of open space areas;
•
the rehabilitation of Col ege Creek; and
•
release of residential blocks within the suburb.

The proposed action may also involve the relocation of existing overhead transmission lines, present
in the middle and southern parts of the area, underground or the replacement of the existing steel
lattice frames with concrete monopoles along Ginninderra Drive.  This is currently subject to
consideration and design by the ACT Planning and Land Authority.

The dwel ing yield in Lawson South would be approximately 1400 (March 2010 Indicative Residential
Land Release Program) with the density of housing ranging from low (10-15 dwel ings/ha) to high
(40-60 dwel ings/ha).

Figure 3 shows a preliminary concept plan for the proposed development.  This may be subject to
amendment in the course of future planning but indicates the proposed uses and their general
location within the area.

2.2 Alternative locations, time frames or activities that form part of the referred action

The proposed action is one of the final stages in the orderly development of the town of Belconnen.
In this context, the consideration of alternative locations, time frames or activities is not applicable.

Several options have been considered for the concept plan, with the preferred option shown in
Figure 3.
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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2.3 Context, planning framework and state/local government requirements

The area of Lawson South has been identified for residential development in the Territory Plan, the
statutory planning document established under the ACT’s Planning and Development Act, that guides
future development on Territory land in the ACT (Ref. 2).  In this document, the majority of the land
within Lawson South is currently zoned RZ1 suburban which allows for affordable and sustainable
housing choices within a low density residential environment.  In 2007, the ACT Government
announced that it would undertake a planning study to identify opportunities for future urban
development in Lawson taking into account issues of economic, environmental and social
sustainability.  The Lawson South Planning Study final report (Ref. 3) was completed in October 2009
and envisaged Lawson South to be a liveable, sustainable ‘urban vil age’, and a wel  connected,
integrated and compact neighbourhood, where residential densities are higher than surrounding
established suburbs on the basis of providing more sustainable development and residential choice.

The ACT Land and Planning Authority endorsed the Lawson South Planning Study in August 2009
and prepared a Draft Variation to the Territory Plan, No. 299 which was released in October 2009
(Ref. 4).  The variation proposes to change the residential RZ1 suburban zone in Lawson South to a
range of urban zones, including low, medium and higher density residential, urban open space,
community facilities, commercial mixed use and transport, whilst protecting the area’s significant
natural features and open spaces.  This Draft Variation has interim effect until 15 October 2010.

The National Capital Plan is the strategic plan that sets out the broader planning principles and
policies for Canberra and the Territory (Ref. 5).  The National Capital Plan identifies the town centre
of Belconnen as an urban area and anticipates additional urban development in this area to take
place through the procedures of the Territory Plan.
The Canberra Spatial Plan is the ACT’s key strategic planning document for directing and managing
urban growth and change over a 30 year period.  A key principal of the plan is residential
intensification within a 7.5 kilometre radius of Canberra city centre to ensure that a large proportion
of future urban growth would be near major employment centres and facilities such as schools (Ref.
6).   Lawson South is located on the boundary of the residential intensification line and is in close
proximity to Belconnen town centre, further education campuses, schools and hospitals.

The proposed development is therefore consistent with the Territory Plan, the National Capital Plan
and the Canberra Spatial Plan.

2.4 Environmental impact assessments under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation

The requirement for an environmental impact statement under the ACT Planning and Development
Act is stil  to be determined, and may be influenced by the outcome of the EPBC Act referral.

2.5 Consultation with Indigenous stakeholders

The most recent archaeological assessment for Lawson South was undertaken by Navin Officer in
2009 (Ref. 7).  The report was undertaken to identify actual and potential archaeological sites and to
prepare a conservation management plan if required.  The assessment incorporated two
components, a desk top review to gather the existing archaeological knowledge for the Lawson study
area, and an archaeological survey.   The assessment included consultation and liaison with the ACT
Heritage Council, ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) and ACT Representative Aboriginal
Organisations (RAOs).

Prior to the investigation commencing, contact was made with the four entities declared by the
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services to be RAOs for the purposes of Aboriginal cultural
heritage within the ACT, under section 14, subsection (7) of the ACT Heritage Act 2004.  These
included:
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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•
Buru Ngunnawal Aboriginal Corporation (BNAC);
•
Consultative Body Aboriginal Corporation (CBAC);
•
Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council (LGRTC); and
•
Ngarigu Currawong Clan (NCC).

Each RAO was informed of the project and a representative from NCC participated in the field survey.
The report and results were forwarded to each RAO for their review and comment. According to
previous studies that have taken place within the Lawson South area, the proposed development has
the potential to directly impact six recorded Aboriginal heritage sites and one potential archaeological
deposit (PAD).  In the most recent survey, no Aboriginal artefacts were found throughout the site
and the PAD is considered to have a low archaeological potential.   The ACT Heritage Council has
agreed to the proposed development.

2.6 A staged development or component of a larger project

Lawson South forms part of the proposed suburb of Lawson and has been planned to take account
of potential development within the Commonwealth land in the north of the suburb.  The detailed
design and programming of its development, however, is largely independent of the development of
the Commonwealth Land, which is currently the responsibility of a different proponent.  These two
components of Lawson development are therefore considered as separate proposals in relation to
the EPBC Act.

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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3 Description of environment & likely impacts

3.1 Matters of national environmental significance

3.1 (a)  World Heritage Properties

No World Heritage Properties are affected by the action.

3.1 (b)  National Heritage Places

No National Heritage Places are affected by the action.

3.1 (c)  Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar wetlands)

No Wetlands of International Significance are affected by the action.

3.1 (d)  Listed threatened species and ecological communities

Description
Based on previous ecological reports (Ref. 8) and recent field inspections (Ref. 9), listed threatened
species and ecological communities which are known or likely to be present within or around the
Lawson South development area are as fol ows:

•  Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital
Territory
•  White Box – Yel ow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands
•  Golden sun moth (Synemon plana)
•  Striped legless lizard (Delma impar)
•  Regent honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia)

Nature and extent of likely impact
Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the ACT

Two small isolated patches of natural temperate grassland assessed as the endangered ecological
community, Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the ACT, are
present within the Lawson South development area.  At the time of the initial ecological assessment
(Ref. 8), the patches occupied 1.09 hectares and 0.26 hectares in the central northern and south-
eastern part of the area respectively.  A recent site inspection (Ref. 9) confirmed the presence of
these two patches of natural temperate grassland, however, the central northern patch appeared to
be slightly smaller than previously assessed.  The location of these patches is shown in Figure 3.

Both of these patches were determined to be highly modified and have a Botanical Significance
Rating of 3 which is the middle ranking in a scale of 1-5 that rates the significance of a grassland in
terms of its cover, richness and rarity of plant species (Ref. 10).  The ranking system has been
applied to all remaining lowland grasslands within the ACT and a BSR of 3 is generally associated
with an area that has been moderately altered due to past disturbance, contains a high cover of
native grasses with a medium diversity of native species including mostly disturbance tolerant
species and few uncommon species (Ref. 11). The south-eastern patch contains a slightly greater
diversity of native species than the patch in the central north (Ref. 8).

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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The proposed development would result in the loss of the entire natural temperate grassland in the
south-eastern part of the area and approximately half of the patch in the northern part of the site
with the remainder of the grassland to be retained within a 30 metre ecological buffer zone that is to
be located along the northern boundary of Lawson South (Ref. 3).  The development of Lawson
South would have a significant impact on the endangered natural temperate grassland patches
within the development area, however, when considered in the regional context, the impact on this
endangered ecological community would be minor.  The Commonwealth land that borders the area
to the north contains approximately 120 hectares of high quality natural temperate grassland that
would not be directly or indirectly affected (see Section 3.1 (g)) by the proposed action.  The natural
temperate grassland on the Commonwealth land contains the threatened plant species, Ginninderra
peppercress (Lepidium ginninderrense), and provides habitat for the golden sun moth and the
striped legless lizard.  The loss of natural temperate grassland within the proposed development area
represents approximately one percent of the total community within the entire area of Lawson.

The proposed action would not substantially reduce the extent of the natural temperate grassland
across the ACT which has conserved areas of high quality natural grassland in nature reserves
throughout the Territory, and would not fragment the larger higher quality natural temperate
grassland within the Commonwealth land.  The proposed development of Lawson South is not
considered to have a significant impact on the endangered ecological community, Natural Temperate
Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory.

Box – gum woodland

Prior to European settlement, it is likely that yel ow box – red gum grassy woodland would have
covered a large portion of the lower slopes within the proposed development area, particularly the
eastern and western lower slopes of Reservoir Hil  (Ref. 8).  This community is listed as endangered
under the ACT Nature Conservation Act and also forms part of the White Box – Yel ow Box –
Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands community which is listed as
critical y endangered under the EPBC Act.

Figure 3 shows the location of the existing remnant yel ow box – red gum woodland trees within the
area. The original assessment of the area (Ref. 8) did not consider these trees to be part of the
endangered ecological community because of an understorey (groundcover) of mostly exotic species
with some disturbance tolerant forbs.  A field inspection in February 2010 supported this conclusion,
however, the groundcover appeared to have improved in condition since the original inspection (Ref.
9), a trend that is common across many parts of the ACT over recent years.  The composition of the
groundcover vegetation is now predominantly native and there are numerous patches of young tree
regeneration.  The area, however, remains with a low diversity of forb species and the regeneration
does not meet the EPBC Act criterion of being at least 15 cm circumference at 130 cm above the
ground (Ref. 12).  The remnant yel ow box – red gum grassy woodland does not meet the criteria for
the critical y endangered White Box – Yel ow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived
native grasslands ecological community, hence there would be no impact on that endangered
ecological community.

A selected area containing remnant yel ow box and Blakely’s red gum trees in the southern part of
this patch would be retained and incorporated into an area of open urban space within the future
Lawson South suburb (see Figure 3).

Golden sun moth

The golden sun moth, listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act, is present in low to
moderate numbers across the Lawson South site.  Figures 4 (Ref. 8) and 5 (Ref. 13) show the
distribution of moths across the area gathered from data col ected during surveys that were
conducted in 2007 and 2009 respectively. The figures general y represent the distribution of male
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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flying moths which appear to be associated with native pasture and natural temperate grassland.
One female moth was recorded in the central part of the area during each of the 2007 and 2009
surveys, indicating that at least part of this area contains breeding habitat for this species.

Lawson South is located adjacent to the Commonwealth land that contains mostly natural temperate
grassland and supports an extensive population of the golden sun moth (Ref. 11).  It is likely that
the population of the golden sun moth in Lawson South is connected to this population although the
quality of habitat within the Lawson South development area is much lower.

The factors relating to the golden sun moth at Lawson South and the impacts of development on this
species are summarised as fol ows (Ref. 9):

•  There is a low level of golden sun moth activity but it is spread over a large proportion of the
area.
•  Subject to appropriate management of a sufficiently large area, Lawson South appears to be at
least moderately viable as golden sun moth habitat.
•  The general ecological quality of the golden sun moth habitat varies between native pasture and
secondary native grassland with low to moderate forb diversity.
•  There are no special scientific or cultural attributes associated with golden sun moths in the area.
•  A high proportion of the area is likely to be affected by the proposed development, although
some small patches may be retained as suitable habitat.
•  Where habitat is disturbed, it is likely to be completely removed.
•  The geographical context of the area would leave any remaining habitat largely surrounded by
development, although there is the possibility of habitat at the northern edge being linked with
the grassland habitat within the Commonwealth land.

These factors are considered in the context of assessing the impacts on the golden sun moth in the
specific context of the Canberra area, using a methodology developed for this purpose (Ref.
14).  Applying that methodology, it is considered that the impact on the golden sun moth in Lawson
South would be considered significant at the local level in the context of the EPBC Act, as a high
proportion of moderate quality habitat supporting a low density population of golden sun moth would
be removed.  While low numbers of golden sun moth may remain in remnant grassland (eg. along
the northern border of the area), these may not maintain a viable population in the long term, unless
the habitat quality of these remnants is enhanced.

At the strategic level within the ACT, however, the impact of the Lawson South development on the
golden sun moth is not considered significant for the fol owing reasons:

•  While it extends over a relatively large area, the golden sun moth density or activity level within
Lawson South is relatively low, and the habitat quality is at best only moderate.
•  The natural temperate grassland in the Commonwealth land in the northern part of Lawson is
planned to be retained in Draft DCP No. 171/10/0003 (Ref. 1). This natural temperate grassland
is likely to be more significant as golden sun moth habitat, as wel  as for other native grassland
values.
•  The reduction in golden sun moth numbers resulting from the Lawson South development would
have only a minor impact on the population in the Canberra area or in this part of Belconnen,
particularly with a viable population being maintained within the Commonwealth land.

Striped legless lizard
The striped legless lizard, which is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act, has not been recorded
within the Lawson South development area but was found in dry Themeda grassland adjacent to the
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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area in the eastern part of the Commonwealth land in 2002 (Ref. 8).  The species is generally found
in natural temperate grasslands that are dominated by tussock forming grasses such as kangaroo
grass (Themeda triandra), spear grass and wallaby grass (Ref. 11).
Potential habitat for the species within the area is likely to be restricted to natural temperate
grassland and native pasture, particularly the native pasture in the north-east of the area which
adjoins the dry Themeda grassland, where the species was found.  The development of Lawson
South would result in the removal of this potential habitat.  If the species is present within the area,
removal of this habitat would not, however, result in a significant impact on the species. The
proposed development area and adjacent Commonwealth land are not known as important
populations of the species within the ACT.  The nearest important populations for the species occurs
in Gungahlin where three nature reserves containing natural temperate grasslands have been set
aside for the specific purposes of conserving several threatened species including the striped legless
lizard.
Regent honeyeater
The regent honeyeater is listed as endangered and migratory under the EPBC Act.  The species has
previously been recorded within 2km of the proposed development area (Ref. 8) and is generally
associated with flowering yel ow box and Blakely’s red gum trees (Ref. 15).  The remnant yel ow box
– red gum woodland on the western lower slopes of Reservoir Hil  contains habitat characteristics
suitable for the species but there are no reported sightings within the site or in the adjacent
Commonwealth land to the north.
The proposed development would not have a significant impact on the regent honeyeater.  Within
the ACT, the species appears to prefer the yel ow box – red gum grassy woodland along the lower
slopes of Mount Ainslie and Majura and has also been recorded in the Mul igans Flat Nature Reserve
(Ref. 15)  These areas are approximately 8 km east of Lawson South.  In any case, trees that have
been identified as being high value within the development site would be retained wherever possible
(Ref. 3).  This would include some yel ow box and Blakely’s red gum trees in the central part of
Lawson South that could provide refuge for the species within the urban environment.

3.1 (e)  Listed migratory species

The 2008 ecological report for the Lawson South Planning Study (Ref. 8) identified three species listed
as migratory under the EPBC Act that were considered likely or potential y likely to occur at the site.
These include the:

•  white-bel ied sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
•  great egret (Ardea alba); and
•  cattle egret (Ardea ibis).

Nature and extent of likely impact
Suitable foraging habitat for the white-bel ied sea-eagle is present on Lake Ginninderra and surrounding
terrestrial areas located to the immediate west of Lawson south.  The species is unlikely to breed at the
site or in the vicinity of Lake Ginninderra because of frequent disturbance from recreation activities.
Habitat for the great egret is likely to be restricted to the foreshores of Lake Ginninderra and to a lesser
degree, Col ege Creek in the western part of the area.
Much of the area is likely to provide potential habitat for the cattle egret as this species is able to
exploit pasture for foraging and is often associated with cattle.
While there is potential for these species to utilise the area from time to time, the area is considered
highly unlikely to support an ecologically significant proportion or provide important habitat for any of
these species.
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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3.1 (f)  Commonwealth marine area

The action does not affect Commonwealth marine areas.

3.1 (g)  Commonwealth land

Description
Commonwealth land, managed by the Department of Defence, is located adjacent to the area to the
north.  The land is the former site of the Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station (BNTS) and comprises
143 hectares, 115 hectares of which is located within a secure fenced area.  The site contains natural
temperate grassland, which is planned to be retained in the current draft DCP for the land, and
supports a core population of the golden sun moth within the ACT.  From an ecological perspective this
grassland is considered to be one of three such sites in the ACT that has a high Botanical Significance
Rating (2) and is over 50 hectares in size (Ref. 11).

Nature and extent of likely impact
The Commonwealth land would not be directly impacted on as a result of the residential development
of Lawson South, however, given the close proximity of this land to the development area, there is
potential for it to be adversely impacted upon in the long term.

The most likely potential adverse impacts relate to possible alterations in water runoff patterns
throughout the Commonwealth land and the risk of introducing weeds to the high quality natural
temperate grassland in the Commonwealth land through invasion by garden escapees planted in
Lawson South.  Using the criteria set out in Policy Statement 1.2 (Ref. 16), the severity of these
impacts have been assessed as being minor.  While the proposed action would result in continuous,
long term impacts, these would be low intensity and localised, and would be mitigated through the
appropriate planning and design of Lawson South.  This includes managing stormwater runoff to
maintain existing hydrological patterns onsite and offsite and the introduction of a 30 metre buffer on
the northern boundary of Lawson South to protect the ecological values of the Commonwealth land.

According to the EPBC Act  Policy Statement 1.2 (Ref. 16), any impact on Commonwealth land is
considered significant if there is a real chance or possibility that the action wil  (inter alia):

•
introduce potential y invasive species; or
•
measurably reduce the quantity, quality or availability of surface water or groundwater.

The Commonwealth land is located within a highly developed urban setting and, to date, has managed
to maintain its high quality ecological characteristics despite being surrounded on three sides by
residential suburbs.  The potential to introduce invasive species is no greater than that which currently
exists in the area and the development would not alter the hydrology of the Commonwealth land as
much of the development area, with the exception of the north-east corner, drains away from the
Commonwealth land and directly into Lake Ginninderra.

The proposed action would therefore not significantly impact upon Commonwealth land.

3.1 (h)  The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The action does not affect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
3.2  Nuclear actions, actions taken by the Commonwealth (or Commonwealth
agency), actions taken in a Commonwealth marine area, actions taken on
Commonwealth land, or actions taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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3.2 (a)
Is the proposed action a nuclear action?
X
No

Yes (provide details below)
If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment

3.2 (b)
Is the proposed action to be taken by the  X
No
Commonwealth or a Commonwealth
agency?

Yes (provide details below)
If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment

3.2 (c)
Is the proposed action to be taken in a
X
No
Commonwealth marine area?

Yes (provide details below)
If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(f))

3.2 (d)
Is the proposed action to be taken on
X
No
Commonwealth land?

Yes (provide details below)
If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(g))

3.2 (e)
Is the proposed action to be taken in the
X
No
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

Yes (provide details below)
If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(h))

3.3   Other important features of the environment

3.3 (a)  Soil and vegetation characteristics

Much of the vegetation and soil of the Lawson South area has been modified by a long history of
agricultural use.  The area contains a diverse range of vegetation communities including degraded
native pasture, native pasture, modified remnant yel ow box – red gum grassy woodland, broad-
leaved peppermint – apple box tableland woodland, forward plantings of native and exotic tree and
shrub species, riparian vegetation and two small patches of natural temperate grassland.  With the
exception of the natural temperate grassland, most of the area contains a low component of native
forbs.  Weeds that are common throughout the area include serrated tussock (Nassel a trichotoma),
St Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum), saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus) and catsear (Hypochaeris
radicata).  In the eastern part of the area, woody weeds such as Nepal firethorn (Pyracantha
crenulata) are common.

3.3 (b)  Water flows, including rivers, creeks and impoundments

Col ege Creek begins as an open defined watercourse in the eastern part of the area and runs
adjacent to Ginninderra Drive before running through the proposed development site in a north-west
direction.  The creek is generally slow flowing and receives water from Kaleen, the University of
Canberra and other parts of Bruce.  It also receives water from the south-east corner of the
proposed development area.

The land between the eastern ridgeline and the lake is gently undulating and contains drainage
gul ies that meander westward to the lake. East of the ridgeline, a small ephemeral drainage channel
drains parallel with Baldwin Drive and south to Ginninderra Drive (Ref.3).
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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3.3 (c)  Outstanding natural features, including caves

Reservoir Hil  and the ridgeline in the south-eastern corner of the proposed Lawson South estate are
highly visible from many surrounding areas and provide views in all directions across Canberra and
the ACT including Lake Ginninderra and Belconnen Town Centre, Black Mountain and the Brindabel a
Range in the distance to the west.  The hil  and ridgeline would be incorporated into the public open
space network for use by residents and visitors. There are no other outstanding natural features
within the Lawson South area.

3.3 (d)  Gradient (or depth range if action to be taken in a marine area)

The proposed development area ranges in slope of between 2 and 20 percent.  The majority of the
area contains gentle foothil  slopes that are gently undulating and range between 2 and 4 percent.
The slopes on Reservoir Hil  are general y between 8 and 12 percent, increasing to between 15 and
20 percent at the Ginninderra Drive side.

3.3 (e)  Buildings or other infrastructure

The ActewAGL electricity substation is located in the south-western part of the area.  132 kV
overhead transmission lines traverse the southern boundary of the Lawson South and 11kV overhead
transmission lines are located between the ridge line and Baldwin Drive.

A major survey control mark known as ‘Reservoir Trig’ is located on Reservoir Hil . There are a
number of heritage buildings on the adjacent Commonwealth land site that would not be directly or
indirectly impacted on as a result of the proposed development.

3.3 (f)  Marine areas

Not relevant

3.3 (g)  Kinds of fauna & flora

The faunal diversity of the area is low, with common birds, rabbits, brown hares and foxes being the
only vertebrate animals observed during al  site inspections (Ref. 8 and 9).

A range of vegetation communities are present throughout the area containing a mixture of native
and introduced vegetation. With the exception of the two isolated patches of natural temperate
grassland, there is a limited number and diversity of forb species across the area, which is indicative
of its past grazing history.

3.3 (h)  Current state of the environment in the area

Since the initial ecological assessment was completed in 2008, the cover of native vegetation within
the Lawson South development area appears to have increased (Ref. 9). This is consistent with many
sites across the ACT and was most obvious in those areas in the western part of the site and on the
upper slopes of Reservoir Hil  that were previously mapped as exotic pasture.  While these areas
remain in a degraded condition, they now contain a component of native grass species, particularly
spear grasses (Austrostipa spp.).

Col ege Creek, the major drainage feature within the area, contains a mixture of native and
introduced vegetation.  The creek banks are general y stable in the eastern part of the area but are
deeply incised in some places in the western part.  The common eastern froglet (Crinia signifera), a
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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common ACT frog species, was heard in the creek at the eastern part of the area during a previous
site inspection (Ref. 17).

The site contains a large number of trees that have been identified in the tree assessment survey as
being high value and a number of trees have been identified as being suitable for retention and
protection (Ref. 3).  This includes several remnant woodland trees that are present in the central
part of the site.

3.3 (i)  Other important or unique values of the environment

A historic windbreak made up of Pinus radiata is located on the highest part of the area on the
ridgeline to the north of the peak of Reservoir Hil .  The windbreak was planted in 1939 when the
Belconnen Naval Transmission Site was established.  A pre-c.1915 travel ing stock route is located in
the western part of Lawson South and runs through the area in a north-south direction.  Both of
these features would be retained and incorporated into the open space network of Lawson South.

Commonwealth land containing an area of high value grassland is located adjacent to the area to the
north.  This is discussed in Section 3.1 (g).

3.3 (j)  Tenure of the action area (eg freehold, leasehold)

The area is Territory land which has been withdrawn from lease pending development.

3.3 (k)  Existing land/marine uses of area

The majority of the land (96.6 ha, Block 2 Section 13) proposed for development is currently grazed
under an informal agreement.  The other major land use is the ActewAGL substation in the south-
western part of Lawson South.

3.3 (l)  Any proposed land/marine uses of area

Urban development. The formal land use designation of most of the project area under the Territory
Plan is for low density residential accommodation and urban open space zone.  The area is currently
the subject of a draft variation to the Territory Plan to allow medium and high density housing within
the suburb.  Provision is also made in the Territory Plan for the ongoing operation of the electrical
zone substation within the area.
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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4 Measures to avoid or reduce impacts

The primary impacts relevant to the matters protected under the EPBC Act relate to the loss of a
small area of natural temperate grassland, listed as an endangered ecological community under the
Act and the loss of potential habitat for the critically endangered golden sun moth.  The indirect
impacts on the high quality natural temperate grassland and golden sun moth habitat adjacent to the
area within the Commonwealth land are also considered.

The fol owing measures have been incorporated into Draft Precinct Code to avoid and reduce the
impacts of the development:

•  The establishment of a 30 metre wide ecological buffer zone along the northern site boundary
within Lawson South.  The buffer zone would serve three main purposes:

-
Preserve the golden sun moth in Lawson South by retaining potential habitat including
part of the natural temperate grassland in the central northern part of the area.
-
Provide a buffer to protect the ecological values of the Commonwealth land, particularly
the high quality of the natural temperate grassland and the integrity of the habitat for
golden sun moth.
-
Function as a potential refuge for golden sun moth (and other fauna) in the event of
ecological disturbance on the Commonwealth land (Ref. 3).  Since the completion of the
Lawson South Planning Study, however, the draft DCP (Ref. 1) for the Commonwealth
Land has been released and indicates a substantial proportion of the existing natural
temperate grassland containing golden sun moth habitat would remain undeveloped and
be set aside for nature conservation.

•  Appropriate placement and use of native species in the landscaping of the future suburb.  This
would include no tree planting in areas of close proximity to the grassland, the use of native
species in public planting areas to increase the likelihood of the golden sun moth and other
native animal species being able to find suitable habitat within the new suburb and the re-
establishment of native grass cover between the edge road and the boundary fence (i.e within
the buffer zone) using seed col ected from the adjacent grassland in the Commonwealth Land.
•  A proposed enforcement of the ACT Government’s cat containment policy for residents of Lawson
South as outlined in Draft Variation to the Territory Plan No. 299 (Ref. 4).

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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5 Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts

5.1 Do you THINK your proposed action is a controlled action?

No, complete section 5.2
X
Yes, complete section 5.3

5.2 Proposed action IS NOT a controlled action.

5.3 Proposed action IS a controlled action

Matters likely to be impacted

World Heritage values (sections 12 and 15A)

National Heritage places (sections 15B and 15C)

Wetlands of international importance (sections 16 and 17B)
X
Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A)

Listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A)

Protection of the environment from nuclear actions (sections 21 and 22A)

Commonwealth marine environment (sections 23 and 24A)

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (sections 24B and 24C)

Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A)

Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions (section 28)

Commonwealth Heritage places overseas (sections 27B and 27C)

The proposed development of the residential suburb of Lawson South is considered to be a
control ed action due to the potential impact the proposed development of Lawson South may have
on the critically endangered golden sun moth.  The assessment has been made on a precautionary
basis which acknowledges that the action does meet certain criteria outlined in the relevant
Significant Impact Guidelines.  These guidelines include the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 – Matters
of National Environmental Significance (Ref. 18) and EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 – Significant
Impact Guidelines for the critically endangered golden sun moth (Ref. 19).

EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 states that an action is likely to have a significant impact on a critically
endangered species if there is a real chance or possibility that it wil  (inter alia):

•
lead to a long-term decrease in the size of the population;
•
reduce the area of occupancy of the species; or
•
modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent
that the species is likely to decline.

The residential development of Lawson South encompasses an area of approximately 100 hectares
and the golden sun moth is present across much of this area.  The proposed development would
result in the removal of a large amount of vegetation that appears to support the species and would
therefore reduce the area of occupancy of the species, potential y leading to a long-term decrease in
the size of the population.

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 identifies the significant impact threshold for the golden sun moth
that is present in a large or continuous habitat area of greater than 10 hectares to be habitat loss,
degradation or fragmentation of an area greater than 0.5 hectares.  According to these guidelines,
the impact is considered to be significant as the proposed action would result in the removal of more
than 0.5 hectares.

Policy Statement 3.12 states that significant impact judgements must be made on a case by case
basis and with consideration for the context of the action.  A significant impact is one which is
important, notable, or of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity.  Whether or not an
action is likely to have a significant impact depends upon the sensitivity, value, and quality of the
environment which is impacted, and upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent
of the impacts.  You should consider all of these factors when determining whether an action is likely
to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance (Ref. 19).

Section 3.1 (d) summarised the factors relating to the golden sun moth at Lawson South and the
impacts of development on this species in the specific context of the Canberra area and using a
methodology that has been developed for this purpose (Ref. 14).  This assessment concluded that
the development would result in impacts that would be considered significant in the local context,
however these impacts would not be significant at a strategic level within the ACT.

Based on surveys undertaken in 2007 and 2009, the Lawson South area contains low to moderate
levels of golden sun moth activity.  The site contains one of nearly 60 known populations across
Canberra and borders high quality grassland that supports a core population of golden sun moth in
the ACT.  A proposed conservation strategy for the golden sun moth in Canberra was prepared in
early 2009 (Ref. 20) and is in the process of being updated because of the large number of
additional golden sun moth sites that were identified in late 2009.  The main thrust of the strategy,
however, is stil  relevant in identifying the priorities for golden sun moth conservation in the ACT.

In the context of that conservation strategy and the assessment of significant impacts in the context
of the Canberra area, the impact of the Lawson South development on the golden sun moth is not
considered significant.  The presence of good quality habitat immediately adjacent to the area, along
with the large and growing number of sites in the Canberra area, means that any reduction in site
area or moth numbers within Lawson South would have a very minor impact on the total ACT
population or the ability of the species to remain viable in the ACT region.

In the case of the natural temperate grassland, the proposed action would reduce the extent of the
endangered ecological community and according to criteria in Policy Statement 1.1 would therefore
result in a significant impact on community.  The total amount of natural temperate grassland within
the proposed development area is approximately 1 hectare.  In the wider context, the loss or
reduction in size of two very small patches of natural temperate grassland would have a negligible
impact on the endangered ecological community given the large area of high quality grassland in the
Commonwealth land adjacent to the area and the presence of grassland conservation reserves
throughout the entire ACT.

The proposed development area is adjacent to Commonwealth land and therefore may have the
potential to impact on that land, particularly the ecological values of the land.  These potential
impacts include changes in hydrology and the potential introduction of invasive species and have
been assessed to be minor in accordance with Policy Statement 1.2 (Ref. 16).  The proposed action
would not result in a significant impact on the adjoining Commonwealth land.

Based on the stated intention of the National Capital Authority that the majority of the
Commonwealth land in the northern part of the Lawson would remain as a grassland nature reserve
(Ref. 1), this could offer the opportunity for managing the grassland to enhance it both as a natural
temperate grassland community and as golden sun moth habitat, potentially offsetting the impacts of
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

page 16 of 22

developing Lawson South.  As it is Commonwealth land, however, such action is not within the
power of the ACT Government.  Other potential offset options on Territory land outside the Lawson
area would need to be addressed in the context of a broader strategy for golden sun moth
conservation in the Canberra area.

In summary, the main reason for considering the development of Lawson South to be a control ed
action is that it is likely to result in the loss of golden sun moth habitat.  While this may result in a
significant impact on the species in the local environment within Lawson South, it is not considered
significant at a strategic level within the ACT or nationally.
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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6 Environmental history of the responsible party


Yes  No
6.1  Does the party taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible
X
environmental management?

Provide details
Al  proposals by the Land Development Agency are subject to detailed
environmental analysis and planning, and are reviewed under ACT and
Commonwealth environmental assessment procedures.

6.2  Has the party taking the action ever been subject to any proceedings under a

X
Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the

conservation and sustainable use of natural resources?

If yes, provide details

6.3  If the party taking the action is a corporation, will the action be taken in accordance
N/A
with the corporation’s environmental policy and planning framework?

If yes, provide details of environmental policy and planning framework

6.4  Has the party taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, or
X

been responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act?
Land Development Agency

Provide name of proposal and EPBC reference number (if known)

Dunlop 5 (West) residential development, ACT. (EPBC Ref. 2007/3302)
Block 17, Section 102, Symonston, ACT. (EPBC Ref. 2007/3554)
Bonner residential development, Stages 1, 2 and 3, Gungahlin, ACT. (EPBC
Ref. 2008/4036).
Hume West industrial estate. (EPBC Ref. 2009/4766)
North Weston residential development, ACT. (EPBC Ref. 2009/4752)
Bonner Stage 4, Gungahlin, ACT. Site servicing and land release (EPBC Ref.
2009/4816)

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

page 18 of 22

7 Information sources and attachments

7.1 References

1.
Australian Government. Draft DCP No. 171/10/0003 Block 2 Section 6 Lawson and Block 1
Section 16 Lawson. Prepared by the National Capital Authority.  March 2010.
http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com content&view=article&id=1480:blo
ck-2-section-6-lawson-and-block-1-section-16-lawson-belconnen-naval-transmitting-
station&catid=78:public-consultation&Itemid=359

2.
ACT Government. Territory Plan
http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/tools resources/legislation plans registers/plans/territory plan

3.
ACT Planning and Land Authority. Lawson South Planning Study Final Report.  Prepared by
Land Policy Section Planning Services Branch in association with AECOM and Purdon
Associates.  October 2009

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant projects/planning studies/lawson planning s
tudy

4.
ACT Government.  Draft Variation to the Territory Plan No. 299 Changes to zoning at Lawson
South and introduction of a structure plan and concept plan.  Prepared by ACT Planning and
Land Authority.  October 2009.

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/tools resources/legislation plans registers/plans/territory plan
/current territory plan variations

5.
Australian Government National Capital Authority.  The National Capital Plan.
http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com content&view=article&id=372&Ite
mid=260

6.
ACT Government. The Canberra Spatial Plan.
http://apps.actpla.act.gov.au/spatialplan/introductory/index.htm

7.
Navin Officer Heritage Consultants Pty Ltd. Lawson, ACT Concept Planning Study. Cultural
heritage assessment of Territory Land. Prepared by Navin Officer Heritage Consultants Pty
Ltd for Maunsel  AECOM.  September 2009.
http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant projects/planning studies/lawson planning s
tudy/lawson consultants report contents

8.
Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd. Environmental Studies, Lawson Land Release (Project No. 205-
001).   Report prepared for ACT Planning and Land Authority.  May 2008.

9.
Hogg, D.McC. and McIntosh, J.  Lawson South.  Review of ecological information. Prepared
by David Hogg Pty Ltd for the Land Development Agency.  April 2010

10.
Sharp, S. Assessment of vegetation condition of grassy ecosystems in the Australian Capital
Territory. Ecological Management and Restoration Journal. Volume 7, pp. S63 – S65, June
2006.

11.
ACT Government. A vision splendid of the grassy plains extended: ACT Lowland Native
Grassland Conservation Strategy.  Action Plan No. 28, 2005. Arts, Heritage and Environment,
Canberra.
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/parks conservation and lands/conservation and ecologica
l communities/grassland conservation strategy
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

page 19 of 22

12.
Australian Government.  White Box – Yel ow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and
derived native grasslands EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.5. May 2006.
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/box-gum.html

13.
Rowel , A. Golden sun moth survey at Lawson  ACT .  Report to Land Development Agency,
December 2009.

14.
Hogg, D.McC. Assessing the significance of impacts on the golden sun moth in relation to the
EPBC Act. February 2010.

15.
ACT Government. Woodlands for Wildlife: ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy.
Action Plan No. 27, 2004. Environment ACT, Canberra.
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/pcl/conservation and ecological communities/woodlands s
trategy

16.
Australian Government. EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.2 – Actions on, or impacting upon,
Commonwealth land, and actions by Commonwealth agencies.  May 2006

17.
McIntosh, J. and Hogg, D.McC. Lawson intersection (Al awoona Street) ecological
assessment. Prepared by David Hogg Pty Limited for Cardno Young.  September 2009

18.
Australian Government. EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental
Significance.  May 2006

19.
Australian Government. EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 – Significant impact guidelines for
the critically endangered golden sun moth (Synemon plana).  December 2009

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/golden-sun-moth.html

20.
Hogg, D.McC.  A strategic approach to the conservation and environmental assessment of
golden sun moth sites in the Canberra area.  Prepared by David Hogg Pty Ltd on behalf of
Land Development Agency, February 2009.

7.2 Reliability and date of information

The ecological and general environmental information used to support this referral was obtained
largely from the Environmental Studies Report, dated May 2008, which was compiled through field
surveys undertaken between December 2007 and January 2008 (Ref. 7).  To confirm the information
provided in this report is stil  accurate and current, a field survey was undertaken on 22 February
2010 and a supplementary report was prepared by this firm in March 2010 to identify any apparent
changes in the ecological characteristics of the area over the intervening two year period (Ref. 8).
While the site experienced some changes that may have implications in relation to ACT legislation,
there were no changes within the site that are considered to be of consequence in relation to the
EPBC Act.

The background information in the golden sun moth strategy paper (Ref. 20) is current as of
February 2009, but does not include approximately 20 additional golden sun moth sites reported
during late 2009.  Even if those sites were included, it is unlikely to provide a comprehensive list of
all of the sites in the Canberra area supporting golden sun moth populations, as there are many
potential habitat sites which have not yet been surveyed under suitable conditions.
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

page 20 of 22

7.3 Attachments


attached
Title of attachment(s)
You must attach
figures, maps or aerial photographs
Figure 1.  Location

showing the project locality (section 1)


figures, maps or aerial photographs
Figure 2.  The Lawson
showing the location of the project in
South study area
respect to any matters of national
Figure 3. Preliminary
environmental significance or important
concept plan
features of the environments (section 3)

Figure 4.  Ecological

features
Figure 5. Golden sun
moth records in 2007
Figure 6.  Golden sun
moth records in 2009
If relevant, attach
copies of any state or local government

approvals and consent conditions (section
2.3)

copies of any completed assessments to

meet state or local government approvals
and outcomes of public consultations, if
available (section 2.4)

copies of any flora and fauna investigations
Environmental Studies
and surveys (section 3)
Lawson Land Release
(Ref. 8)
Lawson South.  Review
  of ecological
information (Ref. 9)
GSM survey at Lawson
(Ref. 13)

technical reports relevant to the
Assessing the
assessment of impacts on protected
significance of impacts
matters and that support the arguments
on the Golden Sun
and conclusions in the referral (section 3
Moth in relation to the
and 4)
EPBC Act (Ref. 14)


A strategic approach to
the conservation and
environmental
assessment of golden
sun moth sites in the
Canberra area (Ref. 20)

report(s) on any public consultations

undertaken, including with Indigenous
stakeholders (section 3)
LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

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8 Contacts, signatures and declarations

Project title:
LAWSON SOUTH RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, BELCONNEN, ACT
8.1  Person proposing to take action

Name  Chris Reynolds

Title  General Manager Development

Organisation  Land Development Agency

ACN / ABN (if applicable)  20 419 925 579

Postal address  Level 6, TransACT House
470 Northbourne Avenue
DICKSON  ACT  2602

Telephone  62075432

Email  chris.reynolds@ act.gov.au

Declaration  I declare that the information contained in this form is, to my knowledge, true and not
misleading. I agree to be the proponent for this action.

Signature
Date

8.2  Person preparing the referral information (if different from 8.1)

Name

Title

Organisation  David Hogg Pty Ltd

Postal address  PO Box 213, Jamison Centre, ACT 2614

Telephone

Email

Declaration  I declare that the information contained in this form is, to my knowledge, true and not
misleading.

Signature
Date

LAWSON SOUTH REFERRAL – DRAFT 21/5/10

page 22 of 22

From:
McKeown, Helen
To:
Bootes, Trish
Subject:
FW: DV299 - Lawson south - response to Conservator"s comments URGENT
Date:
Monday, 14 September 2009 9:39:14 AM
Attachments:
Conservator comments and response - DV299.doc
Lawson South Concept Plan - Public consultation version.doc
Lawson South Draft Variation to the Territory Plan No.299 - Public consultation version.doc
Importance:
High
Trish
Would you like to cast your eye over this and see if we are happy with their response?
Helen McKeown
>Environment & Recreation Planning and Conservator Liaison Officer
Licencing & Compliance
Land Management and Planning
Ph: 6207 2247 Fax: 6207 5956
-----Original Message-----
From: McFarlane, Trina
Sent: Thursday, 10 September 2009 2:49 PM
To: McKeown, Helen
Subject: DV299 - Lawson south - response to Conservator's comments
Importance: High
Helen
Attached is a response to the Conservator's comments (email dated 3/9/09) on DV299 - Lawson south structure
plan and concept plan.
I have also attached the revised draft variation document and the concept plan with relevant changes made in
response to comments from the Conservator and government agencies.
As discussed, I would appreciate a quick response, since we have tight deadlines on this DV.
Thanks,
Trina McFarlane | Senior Planner | Land Policy | Planning Services Branch | ACT Planning and Land Authority
| T 02 6207 1920

DV299 - GOVERNMENT AGENCY COMMENT AND RESPONSE
(MANDATORY REFERRAL UNDER S61(b) OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2007)
AGENCY
COMMENT
RESPONSE
Conservator The proposed development of south Lawson
Agree. A 30 metre wide buffer zone
(Robert Neil
is adjacent to the Commonwealth owned
along the northern boundary within
A/g
former Belconnen Naval Transmission
Lawson south will maintain the integrity
Conservator
Station (BNTS) that contains Natural
the natural temperate grasslands and
of Flora and
Temperate Grassland (NTG), an endangered habitat for endangered species on the
Fauna)
ecological community, and one not well
Commonwealth land, and assist with
represented in the ACT. The grasslands are
bushfire protection in Lawson south.
rated as Category 1 Conservation Class (the

highest level possible) in the ACT Lowland
There is some flexibility built into the
Native Grassland Conservation Strategy
planning of Lawson south to
2005. To be rated Category 1, Core
accommodate any possible future
Conservation, it is necessary to meet the
development of the BNTS site. If the
following criteria:
Commonwealth land is not developed,
•
high botanical significance rating (BSR
the buffer will extend for the entire
of 1 or 2), but may contain or adjoin
length of the boundary. If the
areas of lower rating; or
Commonwealth land is developed, the
•
key threatened species habitat; or
eastern portion will be zoned
•
large sites (more than 100 ha) with a
residential. The most appropriate way
BSR of 3.
for the eastern section of the buffer to

be indicated on the proposed Territory
Nineteen sites in the ACT meet the criteria
Map is as residential zoning. There is
and these sites represent the core group of
enough of a safeguard of providing for
areas needed to ensure conservation of the
continuation of the buffer along the
best quality natural temperate grassland and
boundary to ensure if no development
the major habitats for grassland threatened
occurs, the buffer will extend along the
species. The former BNTS site forms the
entire length of the boundary.
core conservation area for Striped Legless
Lizard, Golden Sun Moth and Perunga
Grasshopper and must be protected from
impacts of development.

The draft Variation allow for the provision of
a grassed buffer zone along the boundary
with the BNTS for the majority of the
interface and states that the buffer will be
extended to the entire northern boundary of
Lawson south if the Commonwealth land is
not developed. However, the Draft Territory
Plan Map indicates that RZ4 – Residential
(Medium Density) development is proposed
within Lawson south along the north eastern
boundary adjacent to the BNTS pre-empting
that residential development will occur within
the eastern portion of the BNTS. The Striped
Legless Lizard (Delma impar), a nationally
threatened species, has been found in the
NTG in this eastern portion of BNTS and any
development on this portion of the BNTS
would require referral to the Commonwealth
under the EPBC Act. To ensure protection of
the grasslands it is recommended that the
concept plans and land use zoning on the
draft variation be changed and that the
residential development on the north east

boundary be replaced with a grassland buffer
zone (minimum 30 metres wide) with a Hills
Ridges and Buffer land use. It is also
recommended that all references to potential
future connections to possible future
development in the BNTS site be deleted.
The rules and criteria provided in the
Concept Plan, that will form the Precinct
Code for future development, needs to reflect
the requirement for a minimum of 30 metre
wide grassland buffer for the entire boundary
with the Commonwealth land and this must
be a mandatory requirement.

There must also be a requirement that no
This is beyond the scope of the
services are to traverse the adjoining
concept plan. Servicing for Lawson
grasslands as any trenching will have an
south would be fully independent of
unacceptable impact on the grasslands.
Lawson north and would not encroach
into Lawson north.

Cat containment is supported, however, to
Noted. The concept plan was amended
be effective it would need to be applied
accordingly to ensure cat containment
across the whole suburb. Cats have been
is applied across the whole of Lawson
known to range for more than one kilometre
south.
and their presence in Lawson south could
pose a significant threat to the endangered
grassland reptile species and Golden Sun
Moths in BNTS.

The north eastern corner of Lawson south is
Noted. The water quality control pond
in a separate drainage catchment from the
would be located within the 30m wide
rest of the site. The area drains towards the
grassland buffer zone along the
north east into the BNTS site which contains
northern boundary within Lawson
nationally threatened NTG and the Striped
south. The concept plan was amended
Legless Lizard. Runoff from urban
accordingly to highlight the location of
development will have an adverse impact on
the pond.
the NTG and habitat of the Striped Legless
Lizard. It is noted that Element 4, Rule R40
indicates that a water quality control pond
should be provided in the north-eastern
corner of Lawson South. It is recommended
that the water quality control pond is located
within the grassland buffer zone that should
be provided along the north eastern
boundary of Lawson south.

Lawson South Concept Plan

September 2009

Public consultation version

A5059026

Amendment history: This version of the Lawson South Concept Plan commenced on (date)
following a variation to the Territory Plan (reference).
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Introduction

Due to its location and accessibility to Canberra City centre and Belconnen town centre,
Lawson south will serve as a higher density residential area with associated community facilities and
the possibility of small scale retail/commercial uses in defined locations.

Application
This plan applies to land at Lawson south in the district of Belconnen, as shown on Map 1. The plan
does not apply to Lawson north, which is Commonwealth-owned land and the site of the former
Belconnen Naval Transmission Station.
Parts A and B of this plan apply only to the future urban area (FUA) within North Weston. The FUA
will diminish in size as estate development plans are approved, and final zones established under part
5.5 of the Planning and Development Act 2007.
Parts C and D of this plan apply to the whole of Lawson south, as defined by Map 1.
This plan contains rules, which provide the quantitative or definitive controls for development, and
criteria, which provide qualitative controls for development. In some instances rules are mandatory.
Mandatory rules are marked by the words “This is a mandatory requirement. There is no applicable
criterion” in the adjacent criteria column. Non-compliance with a mandatory rule will result in the
refusal of a development application. In other instances the words “There is no applicable rule”. In
this case the proposal is assessed against the relevant criterion. Where both rule and criterion apply,
compliance with the rule is deemed to satisfy the particular requirement. A departure from strict
compliance with the rule can be allowed provided that the relevant criterion is met.

Map 1: Location of Lawson south in district of Belconnen
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Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to:
a.
guide the design and assessment of estate development plans (subdivision proposals) in
Lawson south
b.
inform the allocation of final zones at the time when a parcel of land ceases to be part of the
future urban area following subdivision
c.
guide the development of individual blocks in concert with other relevant codes under the
Territory Plan
d.
guide the development and management of the public domain.
Desired planning outcomes
The purpose of the development controls (i.e. rules and criteria) is to:
a.
provide diverse housing zones, types and densities to meet the changing needs of the
community
b.
allow for zoning to accommodate higher residential densities and building heights generally close
to public transport routes, retail/commercial centres and areas of high amenity
c.
provide for community facilities and small scale retail/commercial uses
d.
provide safe, compact, walkable residential precincts with convenient vehicular, pedestrian, cycle
and public transport access to recreational, retail/commercial and community facilities
e.
adhere to the principles of a child-friendly city promoted by UNICEF
f.
encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport
g.
incorporate principles of contemporary best practice for energy efficiency, water conservation,
solar access and ecological sustainability
h.
retain significant elements of the site as part of the urban open space network that connects to
adjacent suburbs with public access and high levels of amenity and safety
i.
minimise the impact of arterial traffic noise on residential development
j.
provide for effective buffers between residential development and high value grassland
k.
provide for effective buffers between residential development and electrical infrastructure
l.
ensure protection of areas or items of heritage significance
m. provide a legible road network that integrates safe and adequate pedestrian and cycle access to
the precinct and connectivity to adjacent areas including the suburb of Kaleen, Lake Ginninderra,
and the University of Canberra
n.
employ stormwater management measures
o.
encourage efficient use of water through water sensitive urban design
p.
encourage the efficient use of energy through block ratings and the integration of public transport
Code hierarchy
This concept plan is deemed to be a precinct code under the Planning and Development Act 2007.
More than one type of code may apply to a particular development proposal. Occasionally
inconsistencies between the provisions arise, particularly where a precinct code seeks to apply
special provisions in response to particular local circumstances or planning issues. Where this occurs,
a precinct code prevails over a development code and a general code, but only to the extent of the
inconsistency.

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e)  accessible
f)  in accordance with the principles for
landscape precincts (refer to C12-21).
R11
C11
There is no applicable rule.
Edge roads with address frontage, street trees
and indented on-street car parking are provided
adjacent to areas of open space to maximise
passive surveillance of open space including:
a)  main water quality control pond at the
confluence of College Creek and Lake
Ginninderra
b)  along College Creek and chain-of-ponds
c)  30 metre wide grasslands buffer in Lawson
south along the northern boundary
d)  Reservoir Hill
e)  along Baldwin Drive and Ginninderra Drive.
R12
C12
Lake Ginninderra eastern foreshore (Map 5 -
Lake Ginninderra eastern foreshore (Map 5 -
precinct 1) has the following characteristics:
precinct 1) has the following characteristics:
a)  minimum 80 metre wide corridor between the
a)  a setback from the lake foreshore edge that
lake foreshore edge and leased block
ensures leased block boundaries are not
boundaries
within the open space PRZ1 zone, and are
above the 100 year flood level of College
b)  minimum 30 metre wide landscape buffer
Creek and Lake Ginninderra
from the lake foreshore edge.
b)  a landscape buffer that ensures retention of
existing forward plantings
c)  continuous pedestrian/cycleway
d)  seating to take advantage of water views
and shade from plantings
e)  access to the water for canoes and kayaks
f)  existing plantings retained where possible
g)  water quality control pond at the confluence
of College Creek and Lake Ginninderra,
with a boardwalk over the pond, and
recreational area and mixed use
development on the south side to maximise
northern orientation and water views
h)  predominantly native plantings with exotic
tree cover restricted to more developed
spaces near the mixed use development
and water quality control pond.

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R13
C13
There is no applicable rule.
Lake Ginninderra western foreshore (Map 5 -
precinct 1) has the following characteristics:
a)  minimum 30 metre wide landscape buffer
from the lake foreshore with native planting
b)  continuous pedestrian/cycleway
c)  incidental seating at rest points
d)  provision for pedestrian, cycle and
vehicular access to the lake.
R14
C14
There is no applicable rule.
College Creek corridor (Map 5 - precinct 2) has
the following characteristics:
a)  spaces for active and passive recreation,
informal seating areas and opportunities for
community gardens
b)  primarily native landscaping, with
deciduous planting at nodes such as play
spaces
c)  measures to enhance stormwater flows
and improve water quality and landscape
amenity, including a chain-of-ponds.
R15
C15
There is no applicable rule.
The historic windbreak (Map 5 - precinct 3) is
retained with an ongoing management strategy
for replacement plantings to ensure public
safety, with species selection in accordance
with requirements of TaMS.
R16
C16
There is no applicable rule.
Reservoir Hill (Map 5 - precinct 4) has the
following characteristics:
a)  retains views out of Lawson south
b)  predominantly open character with
plantings of local eucalypt species
c)  footpaths connect to University of Canberra
and College Creek corridor, and via the
historic windbreak to the eastern part of the
Commonwealth land.

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R17
C17
The boundary of Lawson south with the
The boundary of Lawson south with the
Commonwealth land (Map 5 - precinct 5) has the
Commonwealth land (Map 5 - precinct 5) has
following characteristics:
the following characteristics:
a)  30 metre wide grasslands buffer within
a)  no tree planting in the 30m wide grasslands
Lawson south along the boundary with the
buffer, but include native grass species in
Commonwealth land
the buffer using seed collected from the
natural temperate grasslands on the
b)  the buffer is to extend along the entire length
Commonwealth land
of the boundary if the Commonwealth land is
not developed; or extend along the western
b)  edge road in Lawson south located outside
part of the boundary, and not the eastern part
the buffer, with footpaths located on the
of the boundary, if the Commonwealth land is
residential side of the edge road
developed.
c)  a boundary fence is to be provided to the
satisfaction of the Territory that will restrict
public access to Commonwealth land.
R18
C18
There is no applicable rule.
Ginninderra Drive edge treatment (Map 5 -
precinct 6) has the following characteristics:
a)  minimum 10 metre and maximum 20 metre
wide landscape buffer
b)  additional native planting consistent with
existing forward planting species,
particularly where housing faces
Ginninderra Drive, to include canopy trees
and with a shrub layer varying in height up
to 5 metres
c)  plantings at Aikman Drive intersection to
include large deciduous trees, such as
Plantanus species backed by native tree
plantings, to highlight the entry to Lawson
south
d)  plantings at collector road in Lawson south
opposite Allawoona Street to continue the
theme from University of Canberra.
R19
C19
There is no applicable rule.
Baldwin Drive edge treatment (Map 5 -
precinct 7) has the following characteristics:
a)  minimum 8 metre and maximum 12 metre
wide landscape buffer
b)  edge planting to be mainly native trees with
minimal understorey planting of native
shrubs to provide screening to adjacent
residents along Baldwin Drive, with an
emphasis on Ginninderra Drive intersection
c)  continue the existing theme of rows of local
eucalypt species in dryland grass
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Map 2: Concept plan

Map 3: Development precincts

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Map 4: Open space network

Map 5: Landscape precincts

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Map 6: Movement network – pathways

Map 7: Movement network – gateways

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Planning & Development Act 2007

Draft
Variation to the
Territory Plan
No. 299

Lawson South Structure Plan and
Concept Plan

September 2009

Table of Contents
1.  INTRODUCTION
1
1.1
Summary of the Proposal
1
1.2
Outline of the process
1
1.3
This document
2
1.4
Public Consultation
2
2.  EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
3
2.1
Background
3
2.2
Site Description
4
2.3
Proposed Changes
6
2.4
Reasons for the Proposed Draft Variation
7
2.5
Planning Context
8
2.6
Interim Effect
9
2.7
Consultation with Government Agencies
10
3.  DRAFT VARIATION
12
3.1
Variation to the Territory Plan Map
12
3.2
Variation to the Territory Plan Written Statement
13

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1.  INTRODUCTION
1.1  Summary of the Proposal
This draft variation proposes to change the residential RZ1 suburban zone in
Lawson south to a range of urban zones to enable higher density urban
development, whilst protecting significant natural features and open spaces and
retaining the services TSZ2 zone as the site of the electrical substation.

The purpose of the draft variation is to provide greater guidance for urban
development at Lawson south through the introduction of more specific urban
zones - including low, medium and higher density residential, urban open space,
community facilities, commercial mixed use and transport - a structure plan and a
concept plan (precinct code).

The draft variation responds to the strategic direction provided by The Canberra
Spatial Plan (2004) for higher densities within a 7.5 kilometre radius of the
Canberra City centre. Specifically, Lawson south is identified as a future
greenfield residential area.

1.2  Outline of the process
The Commonwealth’s Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land
Management) Act 1988 allows for the Legislative Assembly to make laws to
establish a Territory Planning Authority and for that Authority to prepare and
administer a Territory Plan. The Planning and Development Act 2007 (the P&D
Act) establishes the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) as the Authority
which prepares and administers the Territory Plan, including continually
reviewing and proposing amendments as necessary.

The Territory Plan is comprised of the written statement and a map. The written
statement contains a number of parts, namely Governance; Strategic Directions;
Zones; Precinct Codes; General Codes; Overlays; Definitions; Structure Plans,
Concept Plans and Development Codes for Future Urban Areas.

The Territory Plan Map graphically represents the applicable land use zones
(under the categories of Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Community Facility,
Urban Parks and Recreation, Transport and Services and Non Urban), precincts
and overlays. The zone, precinct and overlay requirements are detailed in the
volumes of the Territory Plan.

Draft variations to the Territory Plan are prepared in accordance with the P&D
Act. Following the release of the draft variation under section 63 of the P&D Act,
submissions from the public are invited. At the conclusion of the consultation
period the ACTPLA submits a report on consultation and a recommended final
variation to the Minister for Planning for approval. The Minister has the discretion
to determine if referral to the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on
Planning, Public Works and Territory and Municipal Services is warranted prior to
approval, depending on the nature and significance of the proposal.
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If the draft variation is referred to the Committee by the Minister or otherwise, the
Minister must consider the findings of the Committee before deciding whether to
approve the draft variation. If the Minister approves the variation, the variation
and associated documents will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. Unless
disallowed by the Legislative Assembly within five sitting days, the variation
commences on a day nominated by the Minister.
1.3  This document
This document contains the background information in relation to the proposed
variation. It comprises the following parts:
•
Part 1 - This Introduction;
•
Part 2 - An Explanatory Statement, which gives reasons for the proposed
variation and describes its effect; and
•
Part 3 - The Draft Variation, which details the precise changes to the
Territory Plan that are proposed.
Copies of all written comments received from the public will be made available
for public inspection at the ACTPLA’s Customer Service Centre, Dickson, during
normal office hours for a period of not less than 15 working days after the closing
date listed above.
1.4  Public Consultation
Comments from the public are invited on the draft variation. Subject to
consideration of responses received, the Authority proposes to submit this draft
variation to the Minister for Planning in accordance with the P&D Act.
The documents relating to this draft plan variation may be obtained from:
•
the Authority’s website at http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/your say ; or
•
the Authority’s Customer Service Centre, Ground Floor, South Building,
Dame Pattie Menzies House, 16 Challis Street, Dickson (opposite the Motor
Registry), 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays.

Note that access to the Internet is available free of charge at all ACT Public
Libraries during library opening hours.

Written comments from the public are invited on the draft plan variation by
    2008. Comments should include reference to this draft variation, a return
postal address, and be addressed to:
The Manager, Development Policy Section
ACT Planning and Land Authority

Comments may be submitted in one of the following ways:
•
Hand deliver to: The Authority’s Customer Service Centre, 16 Challis Street,
Dickson
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•
Post to: GPO Box 1908, Canberra ACT 2601
•
Email:  xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

Copies of all written comments received from the public will be made available
for public inspection at the Authority’s Customer Service Centre, Dickson, during
normal office hours for a period of not less than 15 working days after the closing
date listed above.

2.  EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
2.1  Background
The ACT Government announced in 2007 that it would proceed with a planning
study to identify opportunities for future urban development in the southern part
of Lawson. ACTPLA engaged a consultant team to prepare the study in
August 2008 and released a draft report for public comment in April 2009. The
Lawson South Planning Study Final Report (September 2009) is available from
the ACTPLA website
actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant projects/planning studies/lawson planning study

The overall objectives of the study were to:
•
analyse the site from social, environmental, economic and governance
perspectives within its local and regional context, and identify and address
opportunities and constraints for development;
•
produce an agreed set of planning goals, objectives, principles and policies
that will shape future development;
•
undertake public consultation in relation to the planning studies; and
•
to inform the preparation of a precinct code (concept plan) to be
incorporated into the Territory Plan to guide the development of Lawson
south via a draft variation.

Consultation was undertaken as part of the planning process to consider and
address issues raised by the community and government agency stakeholders.
Consultation sessions were attended by local residents and representations were
made by a wide range of community groups and individuals.

The vision for Lawson south is a liveable, sustainable ‘urban village’ that
minimises the impact on the surrounding environment and maximises the
positive aspects of the suburb. A number of sustainability initiatives and higher
density development are proposed in this location close to public transport,
Lake Ginninderra, Belconnen Town Centre, University of Canberra, and other
significant services and facilities. Planning for Lawson south envisages a well
connected, integrated and compact neighbourhood, where residential densities
are higher than surrounding established suburbs, thus providing more
sustainable development and residential choice. The proposed development
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meets the broad objectives of the Spatial Plan for higher density residential
development within a 7.5 kilometre radius of Canberra City centre.

2.2 Site Description
The southern part of Lawson, the subject of this variation, is located in the district
of Belconnen in the ACT (refer to Figure 1.1). The site is Territory land and is
currently vacant except for some electrical infrastructure. The northern part of
Lawson is Commonwealth-owned land and the site of the former Belconnen
Naval Transmission Station. The future of the Commonwealth land is currently
not known, and therefore is not included in the area subject to this draft variation.

Figure 1.1 Location of Area Subject to Draft Variation in District of Belconnen
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2.2.1 Current Territory Plan Provisions
The area subject to the draft variation and the current Territory Plan for this area
is indicated in Figure 1.2. The main current Territory Plan zoning of the area is
residential RZ1 suburban. The objectives of this zone are to create a wide range
of housing choices within a low density residential environment. The site of the
electrical substation is also part of the area and is currently zoned TSZ2 services.

The changes proposed in this draft variation will permit medium and higher
density development and greater building heights than under the current zoning.
The changes will also create a community facilities site and mixed use site.

Figure 1.2 Current Territory Plan Zones Map for Area Subject to Draft Variation
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2.3 Proposed Changes
2.3.1 Proposed Changes to the Territory Plan Map
Lawson south could currently be developed exclusively for low density residential
development under the residential RZ1 suburban zoning of the Territory Plan.
However, it was thought prudent to undertake a planning study for Lawson south
to determine the best land use for the area, taking into account issues of
economic, environmental and social sustainability. On the basis of the
recommendations of the study, changes proposed to zoning in Lawson south will
include a future urban area overlay and new provisions that will meet the
objectives of the study.

The proposed changes to the Territory Plan map are indicated in Figure 3.1 at
Part 3 of this document and are detailed as follows:

Retain residential RZ1 suburban zone for low density residential development,
generally located around Reservoir Hill in the eastern part of Lawson south, for
Lawson Section 13 part Block 2. This zoning limits residential development to a
maximum of two storeys, which will ensure the top of Reservoir Hill will be
retained as the skyline when viewed from the lake foreshore and surrounding
areas.

Remove residential RZ1 suburban zone from Lawson Section 13, part Block 2,
and insert a future urban area overlay for the whole area subject to the draft
variation and insert the following zones:

Residential
•
residential RZ4 medium density residential, located at various points along
both sides of the main collector road through Lawson south connecting
Aikman Drive to Maribyrnong Avenue to provide connection with public
transport and community and commercial facilities, and an urban edge to
major roads, and for greater dwelling choice.
•
residential RZ5 high density residential, located along the eastern foreshore
of Lake Ginninderra in areas of higher amenity, close to Lake Ginninderra
and other open space, and major roads and public transport.

Urban open space
•
urban open space PRZI, located at the significant open spaces in Lawson
south that are to be retained and form part of the open space network.

Hills, ridges and buffer
•
hills, ridges and buffer NUZ3, located in Lawson south along the boundary
shared with the Commonwealth land in Lawson north. A 30 metre wide
buffer zone in Lawson south will maintain the integrity of habitat for
endangered species on the Commonwealth land and will assist with
bushfire protection. If the Commonwealth land is not developed, the NUZ3
buffer will extend for the entire length of the boundary. If the Commonwealth
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land is developed, the eastern portion will be zoned residential RZ3 medium
density or residential RZ4 high density.

Commercial mixed use
•
commercial CZ5 mixed use, located on the eastern foreshore of Lake
Ginninderra south of College Creek at the point where the creek meets the
lake to provide opportunities convenient access to shops in Lawson south.

Community facility
•
community facility CFZ, located along the southern side of the main
collector road and near mixed use development in Lawson south to provide
opportunities for a strong local identify and focus on community activity.

Transport and services
•
transport TSZ1, located along route of the two collector roads in Lawson
south to provide the main transport routes through the suburb.
•
services TSZ2, the site of the electrical zone substation in Lawson south.

The draft variation map indicates the proposed zone boundaries as accurately as
possible, but may be subject to adjustments following detailed surveys.
2.3.2 Proposed Changes to Territory Plan Written Statement

It is proposed to vary the Territory Plan Written Statement in the following
manner:
•
at Part 14 Structure Plans, insert 14.11 Lawson South Structure Plan; and
•
at Part 15 Concept Plans (Precinct Codes) for Section 93 of the Planning
and Development Act 2007, insert 15.13 Lawson South Concept Plan.

2.4 Reasons for the Proposed Draft Variation
This draft variation proposes to change the residential RZ1 suburban zone in
Lawson south to a range of urban zones to enable higher density urban
development, whilst protecting significant natural features and open spaces.

The purpose of the draft variation is to provide greater guidance for urban
development at Lawson south through the introduction of more specific urban
zones - including higher density residential zones, urban open space zone,
community facilities zone, commercial mixed use zone, and transport and
services zone - a structure plan and a concept plan (precinct code).

This will provide for a diversity of housing types and densities close to a
commercial centre (Belconnen town centre) and adjacent to major transport routes.
This will increase housing choice, provide opportunities for affordable housing and
encourage some intensification of development, whilst maintaining residential
amenity in accordance with the strategic directions contained in the Territory Plan.
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2.5 Planning Context
2.5.1 National Capital Plan
The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
established the National Capital Authority (NCA) with two of its functions being to
prepare and administer a National Capital Plan (NCP) and to keep the NCP
under constant review and to propose amendments to it when necessary.
The NCP, which was published in the Commonwealth Gazette on 21 January
1990 is required to ensure that Canberra and the Territory are planned and
developed in accordance with their national significance. The Planning and Land
Management Act 1988 also required that the Territory Plan is not inconsistent
with the NCP.
Under the National Capital Plan the subject site falls within the Urban Area
classification and is located in Belconnen. Under Section 4.4 Policies for Urban
Areas in the National Capital Plan sub-section (b) states that:
“The planning of urban areas should seek to introduce measures through
which urban consolidation may occur.”

It is considered that the changes proposed in the draft variation by encouraging
intensification of development in the residential RZ2 low density, residential RZ4
medium density and residential RZ5 high density zones, will support this policy
and is therefore consistent with the provisions of the National Capital Plan.
2.5.2 Territory Plan

The proposal is consistent with the Territory Plan’s statement of strategic
directions in terms of environmental, economic and social sustainability and
spatial planning and urban design principles, particularly the following:
“Planning policies will seek to ensure the efficient use of all resources and
to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources. Waste minimisation,
reuse and recycling will be encouraged, whilst energy-rating and
conservation measures will be applied wherever appropriate, particularly in
transport, subdivision planning, and building design and construction.
“Urban expansion will be contained in order to minimise impacts on valuable
natural and rural areas.
“A variety of open space types will be provided in each district or local area
to meet the diverse recreational needs of residents and visitors, and to
contribute to community health.
“New suburban areas will be planned with a legible and permeable
hierarchy of roads; conveniently located commercial and community
facilities; a network of open spaces; an off-road system for pedestrians and
cyclists; and provision for accessible public transport.
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“A wide range of housing types will be permitted in identified residential
areas close to commercial centres and some major transport routes to
increase choice; maximise opportunities for affordable housing; and secure
some intensification of development consistent with maintaining residential
amenity. Outside of these areas, planning policies will protect the typically
low density, garden city character of Canberra’s suburban areas.
“Higher density development will be encouraged within and near major
centres, and in other suitable locations that are well served by public
transport.
“Development will be planned to encourage use of public transport, walking
and cycling, including commuter cycling. ….”

2.5.3 Planning Strategy for the ACT

Spatial Plan

The Canberra Spatial Plan (2004) is the Territory’s key strategic planning
document for directing and managing urban growth and change over the next
30 years and beyond. The Spatial Plan outlines the strategic direction for growth
to achieve social, environmental and economic sustainability for Canberra.

The proposed development in Lawson south meets the broad objectives of the
Spatial Plan for a compact city and higher density residential development in a
residential intensification line within a 7.5 kilometre radius of Canberra City
centre. The Spatial Plan also identifies the protection of biodiversity as an
important element of sustainability. The proposed development in Lawson south
will ensure protection and enhancement of the significant ecological resources
and areas of high conservation value. Development in Lawson south will also
improve water quality of Lake Ginninderra and College Creek through water
sensitive urban design measures to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff.

Sustainable Transport Plan

The proposed development meets the broad objectives of the Sustainable
Transport Plan in terms of providing higher density residential development and
greater housing choice, and encouraging the use of more sustainable modes of
transport (such as walking, cycling and public transport). This is appropriate on
the basis of the site’s location in close proximity to the Belconnen Town Centre,
major transport corridors and other significant services and facilities.

2.6 Interim Effect
The draft variation does not have interim effect and therefore section 65 of the
P&D Act does not apply. The current Territory Plan will continue to apply while
the variation remains in draft form.
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2.7 Consultation with Government Agencies
2.7.1 National Capital Authority
In preparing this draft variation, ACTPLA is required under section 61(b)(ii) of the
P&D Act to consult with the NCA in relation to the proposed draft variation.
The NCA provided the following comments on 24 August 2009:

“The variation is not inconsistent with the National Capital Plan, and the NCA has
no objection to DV299 proceeding. The NCA supports the intent of the variation
in facilitating urban consolidation and increasing residential densities, and
supporting mixed use development in a key location.”

Response:
Noted.

2.7.2 Conservator of Flora and Fauna
In preparing this draft variation, ACTPLA is required under section 61(b)(iii) of the
P&D Act to consult with the Conservator of Flora and Fauna in relation to the
proposed draft variation.
The Conservator made the following comments on XXX 2009:
“Copy Conservator’s comment.”
Response:
?????

2.7.3 Environment Protection Authority
In preparing this draft variation, ACTPLA is required under section 61(b)(iv) of the
P&D Act to consult with the Environment Protection Authority in relation to the
proposed draft variation.
The Environment Protection Authority provided the following comments on
4 September 2009:

“The EPA finds no new areas of concern raised in this draft variation. Our
previous comments on the Lawson South Planning Study are to stand, including
the following requirement regarding contaminated sites:

The Contamination Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) referred to in
section 2.2.6 of the Planning Study must be prepared by a suitably qualified
environmental consultant and endorsed by the EPU prior to redevelopment of the
site. The CEMP must include details of the proposed validation methodologies
for the areas of potential concern based on past studies.”

Response:
Noted.
Draft Variation No.299
Public consultation version
Last edited on 2/08/2018

Page 10 of 13

2.7.4 Heritage Council
In preparing this draft variation, ACTPLA is required under section 61(b)(v) of the
P&D Act to consult with the Heritage Council in relation to the proposed draft
variation.
The Heritage Council provided the following comments on X XX 2009:

“Copy Heritage Council’s comment”

Response:
????

2.7.5 Land Development Agency
In preparing this draft variation, ACTPLA is required under section 61(b)(v) of the
P&D Act to consult with the Land Development Agency in relation to the
proposed draft variation.
The Land Development Agency provided the following comments on
8 September 2009:

“The LDA supports the draft variation, noting that a number of detailed matters
are still to be resolved by ACTPLA, as per our email response of
4 September 2009.”

Response:
Noted. The comments emailed by the LDA on 4 September 2009 related to the
contents of the structure plan and concept plan, and were responded to by
ACTPLA in preparing this version of the draft variation. Other comments provided
related to process and land release and will require further discussion between
the relevant government agencies.
Draft Variation No.299
Public consultation version
Last edited on 2/08/2018

Page 11 of 13

3. DRAFT VARIATION
3.1 Variation to the Territory Plan Map
The Territory Plan map is varied as indicated in Figure 3.1. This map indicates
the proposed land use zone boundaries as accurately as possible, but may be
subject to adjustment following detailed surveys.

Figure 3.1 Proposed Changes to Territory Plan Map for Area Subject to Variation
Draft Variation No.299
Public consultation version
Last edited on 2/08/2018

Page 12 of 13

3.2 Variation to the Territory Plan Written Statement
The Territory Plan Written Statement is varied at:
•
Part 14 Structure Plans, by inserting 14.11 Lawson South Structure Plan;
and
•
Part 15 Concept Plans (Precinct Codes) for Section 93 of the Planning and
Development Act 2007, by inserting 15.13 Lawson South Concept Plan.

Interpretation service

Draft Variation No.299
Public consultation version
Last edited on 2/08/2018

Page 13 of 13

From:
Bootes, Trish
To:
McKeown, Helen
Cc:
Baines, Greg; Evans, Murray; Lane, Sharon
Subject:
Lawson
Date:
Tuesday, 1 September 2009 4:18:28 PM
Attachments:
South Lawson DV 299 - Structure Plan & Concept Plan - R&P comments 31 Aug 09.doc
Helen,
Comments from R&P attached.
cheers
Trish Bootes
Senior Strategic Planner
Research & Planning
Parks, Conservation and Lands
ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services
Tel:  (02) 6205 0805
Fax:  (02) 6207 2122
Email:  xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

Draft Variation to the Territory Plan No. 299
Lawson South Structure Plan and Concept Plan
Research and Planning comments 31 August 2009

Research and Planning has provided advice to ACTPLA on previous planning
studies for Lawson south. We note that the Draft Variation to the Territory
Plan No. 299 has partially addressed one of the key issues raised in our
previous submissions, that is, provision of a buffer zone along the entire
northern boundary of Lawson south if the Commonwealth land on the former
Belconnen Naval Transmission Station (BNTS) is not developed. However,
the Draft Variation still pre-empts that residential development will occur within
the eastern portion of the former BNTS by zoning the area as residential land.

Variation to the Territory Plan Map, figure 3.
The Draft Territory Plan Map indicates that RZ4 – Residential (Medium
Density) development is proposed within Lawson south along the north
eastern boundary adjacent to the Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station
(BNTS).  The eastern portion of the BNTS contains Natural Temperate
Grassland (NTG), an endangered ecological community, and one not well
represented in the ACT. The grasslands are rated as Category 1
Conservation Class (the highest level possible) in the ACT Lowland Native
Grassland Conservation Strategy 2005, prepared by the Conservator of Flora
and Fauna under the Nature Conservation Act 1980. To be rated Category 1,
Core Conservation, it is necessary to meet the following criteria:

•  high botanical significance rating (BSR of 1 or 2), but may contain or
adjoin areas of lower rating; or
•  key threatened species habitat; or
•  large sites (more than 100 ha) with a BSR of 3.

Nineteen sites in the ACT meet the criteria and these sites represent the core
group of areas needed to ensure conservation of the best quality natural
temperate grassland and the major habitats for grassland threatened species.
The former BNTS site forms the core conservation area for Striped Legless
Lizard, Golden Sun Moth and Perunga Grasshopper. The Striped Legless
Lizard (Delma impar) has been found in the NTG in the eastern portion of
BNTS. Any development on this portion of the BNTS would require referral to
the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act.

Recommendations:
•  It is recommended that the RZ4 Residential land use zone be removed
from the Territory Plan Map in the north eastern corner of the Lawson
south site and replaced with a 30 metre wide (minimum) buffer zone of
NUZ3 – Hills Ridges and Buffer Zone.

1

Lawson South Concept Plan
Part A – Precinct Controls

Map1.2: Concept Plan and Map 1.3: Housing Precincts
These maps show proposed medium density residential development in the
north eastern portion of the Lawson south site and potential future road
connections to the former BNTS site. It is not certain that the land that will be
developed and is more likely that it will not be developed given the ecological
constraints.

Recommendations:
•  It is recommended that the concept plans be changed and that the
residential development on the north east boundary be replaced with a
grassland buffer zone (minimum 30 metres wide).
•  It is recommended that all references to potential future connections to
possible future development in the BNTS site be deleted.

Element 2
At the end of the Rules and Criteria tables, a Note has been inserted which
states
“Twenty-four (24) hour cat containment measures are included for all
individual residential blocks in Lawson south that border the high value
conservation area in the Commonwealth land, in accordance with the
requirements of TaMS”.

Cat containment is supported, however, to be effective it would need to be
applied across the whole suburb. Cats have been known to range for more
than one kilometre and their presence in Lawson south could pose a
significant threat to the endangered grassland reptile species and Golden Sun
Moths in BNTS.

Recommendation:
•  It is recommended that cat containment be made a condition for the
entire Lawson south development.

Element 4
The north eastern corner of Lawson south is in a separate drainage
catchment from the rest of the site. The area drains towards the north east
into the BNTS site which contains nationally threatened NTG and the Striped
Legless Lizard. Runoff from urban development will have an adverse impact
on the NTG and habitat of the Striped Legless Lizard. We note that the
Element 4, Rule R40 indicates that a water quality control pond should be
provided in the north-eastern corner of Lawson South.

Recommendation:
•  That the water quality control pond is located within the grassland
buffer zone that should be provided along the north eastern boundary
of Lawson south.

2

From:
Baines, Greg
To:
Bootes, Trish
Subject:
Lawson
Date:
Wednesday, 20 May 2009 4:05:55 PM
Recommendation
1. The Laswon site supports endangered ecological communities and threatened species. Research and Planning
believes that the consultant report has overlooked an area of the White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum
Grassy Woodland EEC in the central northern portion of the development area. This site meets the following
requirements for classification of the EEC; Yellow Box is at least one of the most common overstorey species,
the patch has a predominantly native understorey, the patch is more than 2 hectares in size and there is natural
regeneration of the dominant Eucalypt (refer to: EPBC Act Policy Statement for White Box - Yellow Box -
Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived grasslands). For this reason we reiterate the need for the
development to be referred to the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts.
2. Potential Road connections in the north east corner of the development leading into the current Belconnen
Naval Transmission Site should be removed from the concept plan and a continuous buffer establish along the
northern side of the ring road. The grasslands that will be impacted by the proposed road linkage are rated as
Category 1 Conservation Class (the highest level possible) and is contiguous with similar vegetation that forms
the core conservation area for Striped Legless Lizard, Golden Sun Moth and Perunga Grasshopper. Striped
Legless lizard has been found on this area.
Cheers
Greg Baines
Wildlife Ecologist
Research and Planning
GPO Box 158, Canberra 2601
ph. 6207 2116
fax. 6207 2122

From:
Hughes, Stephen
To:
Lane, Sharon; Steward, Fay
Cc:
Bootes, Trish
Subject:
RE: Lawson north
Date:
Tuesday, 6 April 2010 11:32:59 AM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
Fay
We will prepare a budget bid in 09/10 to manage this land

Stephen Hughes
Acting Director
Parks Conservation and Lands
Department of Territory and Municipal Services
Ph: 02 62075486
Fx: 02 62075366
www.tams.act.gov.au
From: Lane, Sharon
Sent: Monday, 5 April 2010 3:12 PM
To: Steward, Fay; Byles, Gary
Cc: Hughes, Stephen; Bootes, Trish
Subject: RE: Lawson north

Fay and Gary

The Belconnen Naval Transmission Station (BNTS) (recently very contaversial for the culling of 400
kangaroos on the site) is currently Commonwealth land managed by the Defence Department.
Approximately 100 ha of the site is endangered Natural Temperate Grassland. Three threatened
species have also been recorded on the site, including Golden Sun Moth which occurs there in
healthy numbers. The email below refers to this area as being environmentally sensitive and
therefore it is proposed to transfer it to the Territory at no cost. The area is zoned as future urban
under the Territory Plan which I've never really understood how this could be, as no other
Commonwealth managed land is zoned as such and the ACT Government has made several public
statements committing the Territory to protecting the grasslands. I doubt whether the Territory would
ever be granted compensation for the loss of developable land as the Commonwealth would never
approve the destruction of this grassland for housing.

A much smaller portion of the Defence site is of lower conservation value (although Striped
Legless Lizard occurs in part of it) and Defence Housing is planning to develop a 'boutique housing
development' on part of that area.

Adjacent to the area is ACT land where the new suburb of Lawson has been planned. It contains two
small patches of Natural Temperate Grassland and Golden Sun Moth so there are some issues to
work through with the Commonwealth before development will ultimately go ahead.

The BNTS site could provide an important offset area for the loss of Golden Sun Moth habitat that is
likely to be lost in other development areas.

In terms of the implications for TAMS we would inherit:

100 ha of natural temperate grassland to manage;
A captive kangaroo population (some are fertility control research animals which we have been
supporting - CSIRO is doing the research);
Heritage listed buildings - relics of the Defence Communications base;
Perimeter fence that currently keeps people out of the site (it would be best if the fence was
retained so that research can continue on the site and to protect it from dogs, cats and
people).

The base also contains extensive copper wiring which would be a very attractive magnet for
theives and vandals.

Sharon Lane
Manager, Research and Planning
Parks Conservation and Lands
PO Box 156
Canberra 2601
6207 1911

From: Steward, Fay
Sent: Wednesday, 31 March 2010 1:57 PM
To: Hadinnapola, Jeevani
Subject: FW: Lawson north
Importance: High

Jeevani would you mind following through re request below?
thanks

From: Watkinson, Russell
Sent: Wednesday, 31 March 2010 1:40 PM
To: Steward, Fay
Subject: FW: Lawson north
Importance: High
Fay,
Stephen or Jeevani will be better placed to direct these inquiries.
Samantha is strongly focussed on our business support systems and reporting.
Sharon should be able to answer this.

Russell Watkinson
Director- Parks, Conservation and Lands
Department Territory and Municipal Services
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: 02 6207 5486
Location: L8 Macarthur House 12 Wattle Street Lyneham
www.tams.act.gov.au

From: Black, Samantha
Sent: Wednesday, 31 March 2010 12:57 PM
To: Watkinson, Russell
Subject: FW: Lawson north
Importance: High

Russell, this is out of scope for my area (ie. I have no idea!), can you please advise Fay?
Thank you,
Samantha Black
Manager, Organisational Support
Parks, Conservation & Land Management
Territory & Municipal Services
Email: xxxxxxxx.xxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

From:
McKeown, Helen
To:
Bootes, Trish
Subject:
RE: South Lawson Planning Study
Date:
Wednesday, 20 May 2009 2:21:02 PM
Trish

A thought - the Planning Authority won't change the Territory Plan to include nature reserve over
National Land.  They will wait until it is handed to the Territory.  The proposal may be inconsistent
with the National Capital Plan as it stands at the moment so we may have to write to the NCA as well
(it is shown as urban area in the National Capital Plan)

Helen McKeown
Environment & Recreation Planning and Conservator Liaison Officer
Licencing & Compliance
Environment & Recreation
Ph:  6207 2247  Fax:  6207 5956

From: Bootes, Trish
Sent: Tuesday, 19 May 2009 10:28 AM
To: McKeown, Helen
Cc: Lane, Sharon; Baines, Greg
Subject: South Lawson Planning Study
Hi Helen,

Our previous advice is below and in the attachment.
We also had intended to have the Conservator send a letter to ACTPLA requesting
that the Defence land be re-zoned from Residential RZ1 Suburban to Non-Urban
NUZ3 Hills, Ridges and Buffer with a Public Land Overlay of Pc - a nature reserve.
We did not get past a draft letter at that stage.

I have not yet spoken to Sharon but I'm sure we will be making further comment
and we will probably redraft the Conservator letter to ACTPLA to incorporate some
of the findings of the Commissioner's Grassland Inquiry.
I will get back to you as soon as I have an opportunity to draft some further
comments and discuss them with Sharon.

Cheers

Trish Bootes
Senior Strategic Planner,
Research and Planning
Parks, Conservation and Lands
ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services
Tel:  (02) 6205 0805
Fax: (02) 6207 2122

Email: xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

From: Lane, Sharon
Sent: Tuesday, 17 March 2009 5:00 PM
To: Frazer, Bruce
Cc: Baines, Greg; Bootes, Trish
Subject: FW: Comments on Draft Lawson South Planning Study
Attachments: Lawson R&P vegetation assessment(final).doc
Bruce

Trish Bootes and Greg Baines have undertaken an assessment of the Lawson site that
was recently investigated in your planning study. See Trish’s email below and the
attached ecological assessment undertaken by Greg. By and large it aligns with your
consultant’s report with a slight difference in the ratings for ecological value for the
grassland area.

Happy to discuss further if required.

Regards

Sharon Lane
Manager
Research and Planning
Parks, Conservation and Lands
Department of Territory and Municipal Services

Phone: 6207 1911
Mobile: 0407 958 146
Fax: 6207 2122
Email: xxxxxx.xxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

PO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601

From: Bootes, Trish
Sent: Wednesday, 4 March 2009 3:06 PM
To: Lane, Sharon
Subject: FW: Comments on Draft Lawson South Planning Study

Hi Sharon,
I propose to send the following email to Bruce Frazer or you could send it if you are happy with it.

Bruce,

Further to your telephone discussion with Sharon Lane about the ecological values of the South
Lawson site, and further to comments that Research and Planning previously submitted to Deedman
on 13 February, we provide the following information.

Our Senior Grassland and Woodland Ecologist, Greg Baines has considered in detail, the
Environmental Studies that you provided with the Draft Planning Study. He has advised us that his

opinion on the Botanical Significance Rating of the floristic condition of the vegetation at South
Lawson differs slightly from that expressed in the Environmental Studies Report. In analysing the
report he has reached the conclusion that the Lawson site does support endangered ecological
communities and threatened species and should therefore be referred to the Commonwealth
Department of Environment Water and Heritage under the EPBC Act. Please see attached a copy of
the document summarising his considerations and recommendations regarding the site.

Research and Planning would be grateful if you could consider this additional information and we will
be happy to provide further input into this project to ensure the best possible conservation outcomes
for the site.

Trish Bootes
Senior Strategic Planner
Research & Planning
Parks, Conservation and Lands
ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services
Tel:  (02) 6205 0805
Fax:  (02) 6207 2122
Email:  xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

From: Bootes, Trish
Sent: Monday, 16 February 2009 9:27 AM
To: Deedman
Subject: FW: Comments on draft Lawson planning study

I hope that these comments will be accepted. I used the incorrect email address on Friday.

Trish Bootes
Senior Strategic Planner
Research & Planning
Parks, Conservation and Lands
ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services
Tel:  (02) 6205 0805
Fax:  (02) 6207 2122
Email:  xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

From: Lane, Sharon
Sent: Friday, 13 February 2009 7:02 PM
To: 'xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx'
Cc: Bootes, Trish
Subject: Comments on draft Lawson planning study

To Deed Management

The Draft Lawson Planning Study generally reflects comments previously made by Research and
Planning. We are pleased to note that a 30 metre wide buffer zone has been located inside the ACT
land adjacent to Defence land to protect the Golden Sun Moth and Natural Temperate Grassland on
the Defence land. It would be preferable that this buffer zone be increased to incorporate the small
pocket of Natural Temperate Grassland located to the north of the site in the vicinity of the Stock
Route.

It is preferable that the buffer zone should extend for the entire length of the boundary with the
Defence land to the north, including along the boundary in the north eastern corner.

The Concept Plan indicates that there will be potential future access roads in the north eastern corner

of the proposed development giving access to the Defence land. Access to the Defence land and
development of this area of Defence land is not supported as it is located in an area of high quality
Natural Temperate Grassland which is also Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) habitat.

The collector road that is indicated as forming a 4 way signalised intersection with Maribyrnong
Avenue could function as an urban edge road in the north eastern corner of the development site.

Any development within the north eastern corner of the Lawson South development site must not
alter the drainage characteristics of Defence land to the north.

The preferred land use zoning for the buffer strip is Urban Open Space.

Regards

Sharon Lane
Manager
Research and Planning
Parks, Conservation and Lands
Department of Territory and Municipal Services

Phone: 6207 1911
Mobile: 0407 958 146
Fax: 6207 2122
Email: xxxxxx.xxxx@xxx.xxx.xx

PO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601

From:
Mulvaney, Michael
To:
Liston, Tegan; Bootes, Trish
Cc:
Teasdale, Jonathan; Peterson, Belinda
Subject:
RE: SUPP-201200117-REVISED EIS-ADDENDUM REPORT-01
Date:
Tuesday, 14 January 2014 10:01:00 AM
Thanks Tegan

CPR has commented on the EIS and an early version of the ecological report. We made some
minor suggestions which have been taken on board or addressed. CPR is comfortable that the
statement under Item 2 can’t be supported and is also comfortable that the EIS and addendum is
accepted given the wealth of information and measures taken relevant to these species from
South Lawson.

Cheers Michael Mulvaney

Phone 02 62059964 |
Conservation Planning and Research, Natural Policy Branch | Environment and Sustainable Development | ACT
Government
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | www.environment.act.gov.au

From: Liston, Tegan
Sent: Monday, 13 January 2014 5:01 PM
To: Mulvaney, Michael
Cc: Teasdale, Jonathan; Peterson, Belinda
Subject: FW: SUPP-201200117-REVISED EIS-ADDENDUM REPORT-01

Hi Michael,

Attached is the EIS Addendum Report (which was provided in place of a revised EIS) for the
Lawson South 132kV Power Line Relocation project.

I just wanted to check item 2 with you. The consultant has provided comments on the impacts
from noise, vibration and lighting on Golden Sun Moth, Striped Legless Lizard, Grassland Earless
Dragon and Regent Honeyeater. They have stated that “these fauna are mobile and if they were
present in the vicinity of the construction works, would likely temporarily move away from
development areas into adjacent habitat if disturbed by construction noise”. I am aware that
GSM in particular is not a mobile species and as such I was concerned about this statement.
However, enough information has been provided to address the issue of impacts on these
species from noise etc. The EIS and addendum provide survey information, impacts and
mitigation measures and there is an offset associated with the residential development which
covers the impacts on this area.

Are you comfortable with us stating in our assessment report that this statement is not
supported, but accepting the EIS and addendum given the other information which is provided
to address this issue?

Appreciate your advice on this.

Cheers, Tegan