Construction work has begun on the Capital Region’s newest master planned development representing a major milestone for the Ginninderry project, which is set to deliver a substantial proportion of Canberra’s greenfield land supply and offering affordable, sustainable and innovative housing.

The Ginninderry Joint Venture has awarded local civil engineering company Huon Contractors Pty Ltd, a $30Million plus contract to complete civil construction for the development’s first suburb, Strathnairn.

Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry was on site at Ginninderry today to congratulate members of the project team before cutting the ribbon, on what stands as the project’s first sod turning ceremony.

“With a focus on innovation, Huon will deliver road infrastructure and servicing for the first 350 dwellings associated with stage 1 of Canberra’s first 6-star Green Star development.

“The 18-month civil works contract is also tipped to provide a significant boost to local employment and the Canberra economy, with Huon to draw on its established team of experienced home-grown talent to fulfil project requirements.”

“Not only has the Ginninderry joint venture committed to delivering a new vibrant, connected and contemporary community, it will also continue to be a source of jobs for Canberrans by requiring that 250 of the jobs for the Stage one project to be local jobs,” she said.

Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA’s) CEO Romilly Madew also attended proceedings, where she praised the project team for their outstanding commitment to delivering on the vision of creating a sustainable community of international significance.

“GBCA’s mission is to accelerate the transformation of Australia’s built environment into one that is healthy, liveable, productive, resilient and sustainable. Partnerships such as those between GBCA and the six-star Green Star awarded Ginninderry development are integral in helping us to achieve that,” said Ms Madew.
 

In keeping with the development’s commitment to providing training and employment opportunities for locals, the project’s SPARK initiative will also see 10 work experience placements and five job opportunities created for program participants and graduates.

Riverview Developments Managing Director David Maxwell thanked the ongoing commitment of his team, saying “Today marks an important day for the project team, whose efforts to date have culminated in this milestone moment. Today, we witness the beginning of something great – not only for the project but for future developments nationally and internationally, as a new benchmark is set in the creation of sustainable, liveable, environmental and people-focused developments.”

The first stage will also formalise public access to the Murrumbidgee River corridor, which will be protected and enhanced by the establishment of a Conservation Management Trust.

Ginninderry is a Joint Venture between the ACT Government (60%) and the Riverview Pty Ltd (40%) and will deliver approximately 11,500 dwellings over a 37 year period. Ginninderry stretches from the north western suburbs of Canberra (Holt and Macgregor) across the ACT/NSW border into a part of the Yass Valley. It is bounded on two sides by the Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek.

Watch the full sod-turning event here.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Niva Pryor | niva@ginninderry.com | 0409 918 392