Page 884 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 March 2016
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Many key elements of the Tharwa village are registered on the ACT heritage register, including the Cuppacumbalong Homestead and its formal gardens; the De Salis cemetery, which I was able to visit last year; the Tharwa cemetery; and the Tharwa bridge. Tharwa village has also been nominated for the ACT heritage register.
As stated earlier, the ACT government is committed to retain the function and identity of regional villages like Tharwa as distinct places within the ACT. The ACT planning strategy recommends that when studies are done, such as master plans, they set out guidelines to retain the character of these villages while allowing for limited and sustainable growth.
The ACT government recognises the significance of the Tharwa village and its role as one of Canberra’s oldest European settlements. The government is committed to the protection of the village’s unique character and to the value it adds in terms of tourism and recreation for the Tuggeranong area.
The village, with its picturesque rural landscape setting, is also an important link to Canberra’s history and development time line. In recognition of this, the Environment and Planning Directorate is currently preparing a village plan for Tharwa, as part of the ACT government’s master planning program, to guide the ACT government in its decisions and planning around Tharwa for years to come. A village plan is the most appropriate master planning mechanism to use for the nature and existing scale of a rural village such as Tharwa. Village plans are a common strategic mechanism used by governments to support smaller townships that face location, infrastructure and investment challenges similar to those faced by Tharwa.
The Tharwa village plan study currently underway will provide a shared long-term vision and planning framework to allow for the enhancement and sustainable growth of Tharwa. It aims to define what is important about the village and how its rural character and qualities can be maintained and improved. The Tharwa village plan will also look at locally based economic, tourism, recreation and community opportunities for Tharwa’s long-term viability. The development of this village plan for Tharwa is a vital and great opportunity for the community to contribute to and have a say about the future of their village.
The village plan for Tharwa seeks to identify opportunities to enhance the existing open spaces and recreation areas, particularly alongside the Murrumbidgee River. It will aim to improve tourism opportunities in the village, recommend support strategies for development of new businesses and community initiatives, and address infrastructure needs in order to deliver the village plan’s goals and aspirations.
The ACT government recognises the important role that local communities and businesses play in shaping future plans. I am pleased to confirm that the Environment and Planning Directorate has already provided opportunities for the community to present their ideas for Tharwa’s future. I consider that the consultation process for the Tharwa village plan is a well done consultation process but it is not over yet and I look forward to the next phase.
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