9.1 Background

Much of the Territory's rural land has the potential to support agriculture on a long term sustainable basis and this should be supported in leasing and other arrangements. However some provision will be necessary for future National Capital and Territory needs but these should be planned for and located so that rural activities can be continued and the distinctive rural landscape character of each area retained.

These rural lands, and the wider National Capital Open Space System, provide a unique and dramatic setting for Australia's National Capital, one which increasingly marks this city as internationally distinct and at the same time one of Australia's most significant achievements.

The ACT contains a number of national communication installations which, to operate efficiently, require protection from the effects of urban settlement and associated development.

The Commonwealth has obligations to protect tracking stations from any electrical or other interference from urban settlement, power transmission lines, radio transmitters or electrical, scientific, medical and industrial equipment. The Tidbinbilla Deep Space Communication Complex will be protected.

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).

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