The planned Over 55s village development at the Federal Golf Club has passed a number of approval processes that required thorough vetting including: 

• the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water decided that no approval was required under the EPBC Act as it was determined that the proposed development is not likely to have a significant impact on any matters of National Environmental Significance i.e., listed threatened species including the Superb Parrot, the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the Grassy Woodland; 
• the ACT government provided an Environmental Significance Opinion that the proposed development is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact;
• On 9 June 2023, the ACT Territory Plan was amended to provide for;
  • a 125-unit retirement village including an access driveway from Kitchener Street Garran;
  • the retention of an 18-hole golf course;
  • limiting the range of commercial uses on the golf course lease by excluding hotels, motels and further clubs; and 
  • requiring protection of the key ecological values on the site, which includes a raft of rules aimed at minimising the impact of the proposed development on trees, threatened species, wildlife corridors and the ecological values of the site.

The developer for the proposed village, Mbark, is now undertaking the required lead-in Development Application consultation process. Should this proceed without issues, a formal Development Application would be submitted, possibly as early as August 2023.

Information sessions are being held on 26 July, 2 Aug: 
.  Wednesday 26 July 2023 from 12.30pm via Zoom.
.  Wednesday 2 August 2023 Public forum: 7pm Woden Valley Community Council.
You can register your interest to attend a session via email at taniaparkes@taniaparkes.com.au
More information can be found at: https://www.activeandconnected.com.au/consultation

One of the approved Territory Plan variations for the Red Hill Integrated Plan includes the transfer of about 10ha of golf club lease to the Red Hill Nature Reserve. Some of this area needs rehabilitation and we met with Mbark and the Federal Golf Club to discuss this and to learn about the current plans for the proposed village development. While the development will involve the removal of a number of mature trees, there are a number of compensations planned and we are happy with progress on plans for both the village and the rehabilitation & transfer of lease to the Reserve. There has been research undertaken of the wildlife in the proposed development area that has demonstrated limited impact including with regard to the threatened Gang-gang cockatoo. 

We are not aware of any developments in the Deakin Section 66 around the Telstra building. Our understanding is that some land will be transferred to the Nature Reserve and the remainder will allow for a similar development as on the other side of Kent Street around Phipps Close.