New planning rules allowing the trial of all-electric energy to around 350 homes in the new Ginninderry Estate in West Belconnen have been announced by Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman.
Draft Variation 356 will make the provision of gas utility services to blocks in Stage One of the development optional rather than a mandatory requirement, with consultation on the draft variation now open.
Mr Gentleman said the proposed changes would allow the pilot project to assess whether the homes were efficient and cost effective without gas.
He said this would 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,” Mr Gentleman said.
“For future residents, this trial will mean access to affordable housing, diverse and sustainable design and savings to energy costs.”
He said the trial would be assessed following a reasonable period to ensure it met consumer needs and grid security requirements, which would 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,” Mr Gentleman said.
“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.”
He said the Ginninderry Estate Development is at the forefront of energy system design in Australia, and 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.
The 20-page Draft Variation can be accessed at this PS News link and consultation is open until 22 June.
