The ACT Government is proposing changes to the Territory Plan that will allow for the trial of all-electric energy to approximately 350 homes in Stage 1 of Ginninderry Estate, Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman announced recently.
Minister Gentleman explained that Draft Variation 356 will make the provision of gas utility services to blocks in Stage 1 of Ginninderry Estate optional rather than a mandatory requirement. Consultation on this draft variation is now open. The Minister went on to point out that the proposed changes will allow the pilot project of about 350 homes to assess whether they are efficient and cost effective without gas. This will be evaluated in terms of customer experience and energy use. The homes will be highly sustainable and will become energy generators in their own right.
“For future residents, this trial will mean access to affordable housing, diverse and sustainable design and savings to energy costs,” Minister Gentleman said.
Minister Gentleman said that given the increasing supply and affordability of renewable energy sources, mandating the provision of gas is not consistent with the vision of the West Belconnen Structure Plan. The proposed changes also support the ACT Government’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Minister added that the trial will be assessed following a reasonable time period to ensure it meets consumer needs and grid security requirements. This will include testing capacity and function in a range of climate conditions. The trial will also ensure higher design and insulation standards are set for any future proposals. Affordable sustainable living has been highlighted in this development with the ambitious vision to create a place underpinned by leading-edge design and development practices.
“The Ginninderry Estate Development is at the forefront of energy system design in Australia. This trial will mean higher design and insulation standards set for other developments in the ACT which will bring advances in sustainability, more affordable living and greater customer choice,” Minister Gentleman said.