Mature native and exotic canopy trees make a magnificent statement across the Gungahlin Homestead Estate. Many have stood tall for almost two centuries. Our commitment to preserving 90 per cent of existing trees means weaving our new community amongst these natural treasures rather than clearing them for development.
The estate hosts a remarkable collection of native and exotic species. Twenty-six Yellow Box and Blakely's Red Gum remnant trees provide homes for local wildlife. The exotic species planted during the Colonial era are equally impressive, creating an experience reminiscent of a botanical garden or arboretum.
Many trees around the heritage buildings are labeled with their botanical names, a legacy of the site's scientific research period. Dense vegetation and mature oak trees line the site boundary, creating a natural buffer from Barton Highway and Gungahlin Drive while providing habitat for birds and small mammals.
Rather than treating trees as obstacles to development, we are designing our community to showcase them. This means:
• Streets aligned to protect significant trees
• Housing clusters configured around existing tree groups
• Parks and reserves located around clusters of significant species
• Individual homes positioned to preserve the trees on each lot
The heritage carriageway, which has an impressive tree canopy along its full length, will be enhanced by connecting to ecology corridors, becoming a central walking spine through our community.
As well as preserving environmental heritage, we are also committed to creating new habitat areas. Our landscape strategy includes establishing greenways that provide ecological connectivity, planting native species that support local wildlife, and creating diverse microclimates that benefit both people and animals.
This approach ensures that our development actually improves the site's ecological value while providing residents with the mental and physical health benefits that come from living in a thriving natural landscape.
