Ginninderry, Googong: the changing face of Canberra and Queanbeyan

From tramlines to new suburbs, stunning aerial imagery shows how the nation’s capital has changed over the last decade. Take a look.

Stunning aerial photographs illustrate the extensive development of Canberra and the surrounding region over the last decade.

We take a look at some of the most extraordinary changes to the nation’s capital and surrounds over the last decade, thanks to the incredible images from Nearmap.

Light Rail

One of the most obvious changes in the ACT is the establishment of Canberra’s first light rail route.

Opening in 2019, the single tram line runs between Civic and Gungahlin city centre.

The aerial images show how Northbourne Ave has significantly changed since the establishment of the route.

The National Arboretum

Aerial photographs show a stark change at the national arboretum.

Executive Branch Manager of National Arboretum Canberra and Stromlo Forest Park Scott Saddler AM said the site had changed “exponentially” over the last nine years.

“We will celebrate our 10th birthday in 2023 since our public opening,” Mr Saddler said.

“Initially there was one million visitors expected in the first five years, however cumulatively the National Arboretum Canberra has attracted over 5.3 million visitors, including locals, domestic and international guests.

“We are setting up to future proof the site with over 750,000 annual visitors and expecting over one million visitors into the near future.”

Mr Saddler said the site was an “environmental showcase” that boasted some of the best views in Canberra.

The National Arboretum Canberra has over 44,000 trees including rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around the world and visitors can enjoy these tree species in mono-culture forests (one tree species per forest).

This site is on the land of the Ngunnawal people and is embraced by community as a culturally safe space.

Mr Saddler said the arboretum supported the wellbeing of Canberrans and proved very popular as a place to exercise during the lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is the place many Canberrans take their visiting friends and family for a coffee to showcase the best of Canberra, he added.

Acton

The inner-north suburb of Acton is home to the Australian National University and the trendy New Acton arts and culture precinct.

In 2019 the ANU opened its Kambri precinct.

Work on the Acton waterfront on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin is currently underway.

Whitlam

Whitlam in the Molonglo Valley is one of Canberra's newest suburbs, with its first residents moving into the area in September 2021.

Throsby

Located on the north east edge of Canberra’s Gungahlin region Throsby welcomed its first residents in 2018.

Taylor

Located in Canberra’s far north residents began living in Taylor in 2020.

Strathnairn

Strathnairn is the first suburb built in the new region of Ginninderry which welcomed its first residents in 2020.

Ginninderry project director Stephen Harding said Strathnairn was now home to about 1100 Canberrans.

“Ginninderry’s vision is to create a sustainable community of international significance in the Capital Region,” he said.

“Our 6 Star Green Star Communities accreditation, the highest possible, by the Green Building Council of Australia recognises this endeavour.”

Mr Harding said focusing on achieving best practices in sustainability, design, construction and innovation was key to create a world class community.

“Eventually accommodating 11,500 homes and 30,000 people over the next 30 years, the size and scale of Ginninderry allows us to continually improve, evolve and implement new best practice technologies and initiatives over time to ensure we continue to uphold our bold vision,” he said.

Denman Prospect

Developed by the Canberra Airport Group, Denman Prospect is located in the Molonglo Valley region of Canberra.

It welcomed its first residents in 2013.

Tuggeranong

While Canberra’s west and far north has seen the establishment of entirely new suburbs, aerial images of Tuggeranong show very little change in the region.

Despite this Census data from 2021 shows areas in Tuggeranong are still growing in population.

The suburb of Greenway had the third highest growth rate in the ACT of 180 per cent.

Capital region

It’s not just Canberra that has seen enormous changes in the last decade, with neighbouring communities in NSW being a site of major developments.

Here are just some of the examples of the changing face of Queanbeyan.

Jerrabomberra

Aerial images depict a new local shops precinct and the establishment of Environa Drive in Jerrabomberra.

Karabar

Images from 2011 and 2011 from the Queanbeyan suburb of Karabar shows the creation of the Edwin Land Parkway.

The parkway was opened in 2012 by then Queanbeyan City Council Mayor Tim Overall and is now a vital arterial road.

Googong

Located 10km south of Queanbeyan central business district the township of Googong began welcoming residents in 2014.

Only two years after the establishment of the township the 2016 census recorded 2690 people living there, with the population expected to grow significantly.

Aerial images show a stark change with hundreds of homes built in a decade, with many more homes on the way.