8.1 Background

The importance of the natural setting of the National Capital has been recognised by the creation and formal adoption of the concept of the National Capital Open Space System (NCOSS). This system essentially comprises the inner hills and ridges which surround and frame the urban areas, the major lakes and river corridors, and the distant mountains and bushlands to the west of the Murrumbidgee River. Closely associated with NCOSS are the Territory's rural lands which also contribute significantly to the landscape setting.

There are four different types of open space in the NCOSS, each with its own planning and management requirements.

First, there are symbolic spaces that provide the unique and monumental landscapes necessary in a National Capital.

Conservation spaces protect the natural and cultural heritage of the ACT and consist generally of national park, heritage and wilderness areas, and nature parks and reserves.

Living space consists of the network of regional and metropolitan parks which are generally accessible for a broad variety of recreation and tourist uses.

Finally there are linking spaces consisting of fingers of urban land and open space that physically join and visually unite the city and the countryside.

Together these open spaces constitute a system which protects the environmental quality of Canberra's present and future water catchments, river systems, and important ecological and heritage areas from the increasing pressure of Canberra's growth. While each part has its own land use and character they are all interrelated as parts of a total system. It is important therefore that the system is planned, developed and managed on an integrated basis.

Mount Stromlo Observatory is within NCOSS. It is a nationally and internationally prominent centre for astronomical research. The amount of night sky light pollution suffered at the observatory impacts on the effectiveness of its operation. Two factors have bearing on this:

• the area of given urban development and its proximity to the observatory
• the nature of the development insofar as it affects the amount of light radiated into the night sky.

The gradual encroachment of urban development into areas previously undeveloped or used for non-urban purposes, has contributed to the deterioration of observing conditions. Because of the observatory's national significance, a measure of protection is necessary.

The principles and policies that follow establish NCOSS as a multiple-use system which protects the environment while providing for the recreational and other needs of the National Capital.

Planning and management for NCOSS in the interests of both the National Capital and Territory residents will require co-operation between Commonwealth and Territory authorities. The National Capital's requirements will be specified through its detailed land use policies in those parts of NCOSS which are Designated Areas, and through the general policies and special requirements of the National Capital Plan for other NCOSS areas. The Territory will provide for its requirements through the Territory Plan. Management plans, usually prepared by Territory authorities, will be the key to successful implementation of these policies and plans.

Consistency of planning and management and the realisation of an open space system which symbolises the character of the National Capital and provides a unique landscape for the city must be achieved through consultation and by means of joint studies in those areas where both the National Capital Planning Authority and Territory planning authority have a significant interest.

The National Capital Open Space System is incorporated in this Plan under four separate land use categories:

• Lake Burley Griffin (refer 1.2)
• Hills, Ridges and Buffer Spaces
• River Corridors
• Mountains and Bushlands.

Principles and policies for each of these categories are preceded by the following principle and policies for the National Capital Open Space System as a whole.

Protected airspace provisions in relation to Canberra International Airport apply to development independently of the National Capital Plan. To satisfy a requirement of the Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 1996, Canberra International Airport Pty Ltd has prepared a diagram prescribing protected airspace. The diagram is incorporated in the Airport Master Plan prepared under the Airports Act 1996. Detailed information may be obtained from the Commonwealth agency with responsibility for protected airspace (currently Department of Transport and Regional Services)

Click here to go to 8.2 Principle for the National Capital Open Space System