The Ginninderry Joint Venture is proud to announce key developments marking the next phase in Ginninderry’s transformation into a vibrant, sustainable community.

Strathnairn School Opening in 2026

With the announcement of head contractor Icon Construction, construction commencement will see the opening of the ACT Government school in Strathnairn for the school year 2026, catering for 910 pupils from Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to Year 6. This school will be in the heart of the Strathnairn neighbourhood, providing a high-quality educational environment while also serving as a central gathering place for local families. Features of the school will include:

• 3,900m2 playing field, 860m2 kick about space, and an 850m2 combined basketball/netball court.
• Playgrounds, nature play area, sensory courtyard with equipment, handball court, additional informal outdoor play areas, as well as quiet zones.
• Gymnasium with basketball, netball, futsal and volleyball markings, hard court suitable for basketball and netball, kickabout spaces for ball sports and external play equipment.

Strathnairn School is crucial to Ginninderry’s vision to foster a connected, family-friendly community.

First Local Centre Set for 2027

In 2027, Ginninderry’s first local centre is expected to open, providing additional essential services and leisure opportunities. Located on the border of Strathnairn and Macnamara, this centre is proposed to feature a 1,500 sqm supermarket, a pub, and space for small retail outlets such as cafés, lifestyle services, and medical facilities. While the local centre is subject to multiple layers of consultation and approvals, the local centre is expected to cater to the needs of a growing community, enhancing the liveability of Ginninderry.

Stephen Harding, Development Director for Ginninderry, shared his excitement about both community assets:

“The opening of Strathnairn School and the local centre in the coming years represent key steps in our ongoing commitment to making Ginninderry a vibrant community. These projects reflect the heart of what we aim to achieve—a place where people can live, learn, work, and enjoy everything life has to offer, all within a sustainable environment.”

Proposal for Upper and Lower Tumut 330kV Transmission Line Realignment

Alongside these community developments, the Ginninderry Joint Venture is pleased to announce its intention to lodge a Development Application (DA) for the realignment of the 330-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines of the Upper and Lower Tumut networks. This project is planned to enhance the urban landscape and environmental conservation efforts in the region while improving infrastructure efficiency.

The proposed realignment – subject to DA and funding – would divert the Upper (Line 1) and Lower (Line 7) Tumut transmission lines near the ACT/NSW border, extending southeast across the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee Rivers and reconnecting at the Stockdill Substation in Belconnen. Additionally, the Lower Tumut Line (Line 3C) is planned to be strung past Stockdill Substation towards Canberra, utilising existing transmission towers to minimise impact.

The realignment, which has in-principle support of impacted landholders and infrastructure owner Transgrid, is designed to address several key benefits and mitigate potential risks.

• Enhanced Biodiversity: The relocation will improve biodiversity by reducing the impact on conservation areas, including the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor.
• Improved Urban Amenity: Removing transmission lines from urban areas will reduce noise and visual impacts, enhance neighbourhood quality and increase the value of surrounding land.
• Increased Housing Supply: The relocation will unlock land for approximately 430 additional dwellings, with 15% targeted as housing for low to moderate income households.
• Economic Impact: The project is expected to generate a $70 million net benefit for the community over its 50-year lifespan.

Stephen Harding commented on the transmission line realignment:

“By improving biodiversity, increasing housing supply, and enhancing neighbourhood amenities, we are not only planning to address current infrastructure needs but also laying the groundwork for a better community. This project embodies our commitment to balancing urban development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Ginninderry remains a place where people can thrive for generations to come.”

Subject to approval, the Ginninderry Joint Venture would fund the infrastructure work and will engage with stakeholders throughout the project, including a robust community consultation process to gather and incorporate feedback into the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a potential Development Application.

For more information about the relocation of the transmission towers, visit the Transmission Tower Relocation project page or go along to one of our community engagement sessions:

• 20 November, 4pm at The Link
• 21 November, 4:30pm at Uriarra Crossing.

Commitment to the Future

These developments underscore Ginninderry’s broader goals: to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community that balances urban growth with environmental stewardship. The Joint Venture will continue working with residents, service providers, and the ACT Government to deliver these transformative projects and ensure that Ginninderry remains a place where people thrive.