Released 01/07/2019
Today it was wonderful to be joined by Gough Whitlam’s family to turn the first sod for the new suburb named for former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, set to be the home for 2,100 families.
The sod turning marks the commencement of construction for Canberra’s newest suburb, Whitlam, in Molonglo Valley with the first land release planned for 2020 and an expected 600 homes built for the suburb in 2021.
In November 2015, the Chief Minister announced the intention to name the suburb to commemorate Mr Whitlam’s legacy, in November 2017 the naming of the suburb was made official and today we are here to turn the first sod in honour of The Honourable Edward Gough Whitlam AC QC, a former Australian Prime Minister.
Gough Whitlam was a one-of-a-kind person and Prime Minister, who helped Australia re-think the way we approach ideas relating to inequality and social justice. It is fitting he is being honoured in this way.
The ACT Government will look to develop further plans for Whitlam including a local public primary school and a local shopping centre, as well as establish a Whitlam Mingle program to help connect future residents.
Whitlam will take advantage of its beautiful natural landscape including Deep Creek, Kama Nature Reserve and natural ridges, as the first suburb in the valley north of the Molonglo River. These are all key attributes of the surrounding areas that will be a key environmental focus in developing this new Canberra suburb.
Mature trees have been retained where possible and many additional trees will be planted. Excess rock from the development will be stockpiled for the ACT Parks and Conservation Service and be used as habitat restoration along the Molonglo River for the vulnerable Pink-Tailed Worm-Lizard.
Construction contracts have been awarded for Stage 1 to two local companies, BMD Construction Pty Ltd and Group One Pty Ltd.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
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