An aerial photograph of Wintergarden Estate in Cook. Photo: Supplied The ACT government has purchased more than 100 hectares of central farmland in Canberra’s north for an undisclosed price in the millions.
The 104.17-hectare Wintergarden Estate in Belconnen will not be used for residential development and will retain its existing zoning as hills, ridges and buffer land between the districts of Belconnen and Molonglo, according to the Land Development Agency.
Community gardens, equestrian facilities and playing fields could be developed on the land in the future.
Land Development Agency chief executive officer David Dawes said the government would also undertake infrastructure works on the property, which comprises three blocks of land near Cook.
“As a long-term strategic purchase there are no immediate plans for the property but through this purchase the government has secured land necessary for important infrastructure works that will be associated with Molonglo Stage 3,” Mr Dawes said.
Wintergarden Estate, formerly named Hillview, passed in at $3.6 million at an auction on July 14.
The Land Development Agency bid up to $3.5 million on the estate – the first time the agency has participated in the auction of rural land.
Harcourts Kingston/Manuka selling agent Rhys Summergreene said the bidding climbed from an opening bid of $2 million, with four registered parties placing bids on the property during the auction.
He said Wintergarden Estate had attracted the interest of individuals and groups from within the region and overseas.
An agreement was reached with the Land Development Agency on Thursday with the approval of the agency’s board however, the price has not been disclosed.
The property was previously owned by the family of Cameron Tully for more than a century.
Tully was found guilty in 2014 of molesting eight girls in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Much of the abuse took place at the family farm while the childrens’ parents met for church group, ladies’ meetings and home birthing groups.
A bed and breakfast has operated at the estate off Skinner Street, which contains a number of historic buildings including two 1860s slab cottages.
The land has been used for cattle and sheep grazing and horse agistment and contains yellow-box red-gum grassy woodland.
The previous owners will continue to live at and maintain the property for the next 10 year however, the government can take control of non-residential parts of the land as needed.
Mr Dawes said the ACT government had taken into account the “strategic importance” of Wintergarden Estate before snapping up the blocks.
A number of works will be undertaken including a bulk water supply main, the repositioning of powerlines and a significant upgrade to the intersection of William Hovell Drive at Coppins Crossing Road (to be known as John Gorton Drive) and Coulter Drive.
“Community benefit was an important consideration in acquiring these blocks,” Mr Dawes said.
“Other potential uses for the blocks consistent with the National Capital Plan include horse agistment, community gardens, as environmental offsets and for educational or scientific research purposes.
“The government may also consider using a part of the purchased land for broader recreational pursuits that would service both Molonglo and West Belconnen. Location of equestrian or playing fields on this land could service both the Belconnen and Molonglo communities over the coming years.”