2023-12-18
Two new Canberra Tracks signs have been unveiled for the heritage-listed Canberra Garbage Incinerator and Northbourne Housing Precinct Representative Sample.
Minister for Heritage Rebecca Vassarotti said the signs are the latest to mark the many historical sites around the ACT.
“Canberra Tracks signs shares the rich stories of many different locations, with eight trails across the territory to take you on a journey through dozens of lookouts and historical sites telling the tales of our early inhabitants,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Two new signs have been added to these trails for Canberrans and visitors to come and learn new stories about our city and those who were here before us.
“The early days of our city’s foundation saw a huge influx of newcomers arriving with many people living in construction workers’ huts due to a shortage of available housing. The Northbourne Housing Precinct was designed by Sydney Ancher along Bauhaus principles and completed in 1962 to help house the rapidly expanding public sector workforce at the time.
“Most of the 150 dwellings were demolished in 2016, however a sample of five different building types were heritage listed to mark the importance of the site during this period in Canberra’s history.
“Canberra’s Garbage Incinerator in Yarralumla operated between 1939 and 1959, primarily used for destroying government classified waste in its later years. A little-known building made of bricks from the nearby Canberra Brickworks, the structure was designed by architect Eric Nicholls who worked closely with Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.
“After it was decommissioned, it was purchased by the Royal Canberra Golf Club for only £100 while it was due for demolition. It was heritage listed in 2011.
“These are just some of many sites around Canberra with fascinating histories. I encourage everyone to visit these sites and others around the ACT and delve into Canberra’s history to learn what came before us.”
For more information on the signage at Canberra’s historic sites, visit the Canberra Tracks website.