Molonglo 3 East Commended by the Planning Institute of Australia

Molonglo 3 East has been recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia, receiving a commendation in the Strategic Planning category.

The judges praised the project as a leading example of strategic infrastructure design and integrated water quality management in the early stages of a new neighbourhood’s planning.

This recognition underscores the innovative and forward-thinking approach taken by SMEC’s Urban Communities Team and the ACT Environment, Planning, and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD).

Molonglo 3 East (M3E) is a significant urban development project within Canberra’s Molonglo Valley, representing the third stage of the area’s expansion, and three future suburbs. The Molonglo Valley district is projected to grow to more than 70,000 people by 2050, with about 30,000 residents within M3E. The planning and delivery of M3E requires well considered design to ensure infrastructure is planned to interface seamlessly with adjoining development, including the planned Molonglo Town Centre.

SMEC worked closely with ACT Government stakeholders and Icon Water to develop a strategic design that was shaped around well considered road, active travel and public transport networks, blue-green infrastructure to overcome urban heat island effect, schools and local centres distributed throughout the suburbs and on main transport corridors and an overarching focus on water in the landscape and a distributed WSUD strategy.

Collaboration was at the heart of the project. Extensive engagement with government agencies and utility providers will enable optimised infrastructure placement and long-term cost savings. Stakeholder workshops elevated the design outcome to ensure a fully integrated strategic design considering the needs of the future community. A key aspect of the SMEC deliverables was a Cost Effectiveness Analysis of the proposed WSUD treatments, in comparison to large pond systems that are a typical feature of suburban development in the ACT.

SMEC project Manager Sophie Quinn reflected,

“This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships and proactive planning can deliver exemplary urban design that benefits the community. The Molonglo 3 East strategic design sets a strong foundation for detailed neighbourhood planning, ensuring the precinct’s design complements Canberra’s natural environment, particularly the Molonglo River and surrounding green spaces like the Arboretum.”

Judges of the PIA awards added,

“The strategic infrastructure design is key to providing strong foundations for the subsequent detailed neighbourhood planning to set the parameters for the fabric of a place, its structure and its relationships to green and blue networks, such as the Molonglo River.

Molonglo 3 East Strategic Design project is a demonstration example of taking a strategic approach to key infrastructure planning and water quality management.”

Molonglo 3 East Strategic Design serves as a model for future urban development, showcasing how climate-adaptive and community-focused design can shape vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods.

Location

Australia

Event

Planning Institute of Australia Awards

Project

Molonglo 3 East

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