1 week Ago By Lucinda Garbutt-Young
A well-known natural landmark just kilometres from the nation's capital has been listed for sale. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Ginninderra Falls, a 55-hectare site, has come to market for the first time in more than 40 years.
The freehold land on Parkwood Road, Wallaroo, includes several waterfalls, walking tracks, and frontage onto both the Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek. In a once-secluded area, the falls will now form the centrepiece of the approved Ginninderry housing development, which will be home to about 30,000 people once complete. A sales listing describes the site as a "once in a generation" sale.
Current owners Anna and John Hyles purchased the property in 1983. Ginninderra Falls has ample space for lifestyle activities, once reopened. Pictures supplied Mr Hyles said in a statement that the family had worked tirelessly to preserve the land.
"[We] hope to see its full potential realised by a new owner," he said. The Hyles have used Ginninderra Falls as an investment whilst focusing on their family owned red granite quarry and superfine merino operation, Booroomba Station. Mr Hyles said their three adult children had now taken on other ventures, so it was time to "hand over the reins" on the falls.
The falls house a number of Aboriginal artefacts and more than 1200 pieces of Indigenous history - mainly flaked stone - have been collected from the surrounding area. The falls used to be a popular swim spot, but were closed to the public in 2004 because of public liability concerns. Several people had fallen at the site.
Riverview Projects - the developer behind the massive cross-border development, Ginninderry - is funding the reopening of the falls as a recreational and educational destination. Current owner Anna Hyles at the site in 2018. Picture by Jamila Toderas The location of the property also presents a challenge; though it can only be accessed through the ACT , it is NSW land.
But the block has been zoned by Yass Valley Council for housing, a resort and tourism development, according to the listing. It also had sought-after environmental zoning, preserving areas of the falls for years to come. When asked on October 16 if the ACT government would consider buying the property, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said it was not "on our radar in any way".
Mr Barr said he would see how the selling process of the falls went, Noting the government was in caretaker mode. The current government would be open to working with a private owner to reopen the falls. "I'm not announcing any acquisition of anything today," Mr Barr said.
The site has kilometres worth of water frontage. Picture supplied The falls sit about 23 kilometres to the north-west of Canberra city, making them well within commuting distance. The property will be sold via expressions of interest, which close on November 28.
Helicopter rides to the property are being marketed ad part of the sale campaign. Selling agent George Southwell, of Ray White Rural, was tight-lipped on an expected price for the property. "This is a priceless asset.
All offers will be welcomed due to the changed direction of the Hyles family," he said. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Lucinda Garbutt-Young Journalist Lucinda is The Canberra Times' property reporter. She was previously a producer at this masthead and a reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
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au Lucinda is The Canberra Times' property reporter. She was previously a producer at this masthead and a reporter at the Newcastle Herald.Got a tip? Email: l.
[email protected].
