Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025C00174:front:0:p18
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025C00174
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 48475–51472

National Capital.
Together these open spaces constitute a system which protects the environmental quality of Canberra's present and future water catchments, river systems, and important ecological and heritage areas from the increasing pressure of Canberra's growth. While each part has its own land use and character they are all interrelated as parts of a total system. It is important therefore that the system is planned, developed and managed on an integrated basis.
Mount Stromlo Observatory is within NCOSS. It is a nationally and internationally prominent centre for astronomical research. The amount of night sky light pollution suffered at the observatory impacts on the effectiveness of its operation. Two factors have bearing on this:
       * the area of urban development and its proximity to the observatory
       * the nature of the development insofar as it affects the amount of light radiated into the night sky.
The gradual encroachment of urban development into areas previously undeveloped or used for non‑urban purposes, has contributed to the deterioration of observing conditions. Because of the observatory's national significance, a measure of protection is necessary.
The principles and policies that follow establish NCOSS as a multiple‑use system which protects the environment while providing for the recreational and other needs of the National Capital.
Planning and management for NCOSS in the interests of both the National Capital and Territory residents will require co‑operation between Commonwealth and Territory authorities. The National Capital's requirements will be specified through its detailed land use policies in those parts of NCOSS which are Designated Areas, and through the general policies of the Plan for other NCOSS areas. The Territory will provide for its requirements through the Territory Plan. Management plans, usually prepared by Territory authorities, will be the key to successful implementation of these policies and plans.
Consistency of planning and management and the realisation of an open space system which symbolises the character of the National Capital and provides a unique landscape for the city must be achieved through consultation and by means of joint studies in those areas where both the National Capital Authority and Territory planning authority have a significant interest.
The NCOSS is incorporated in the Plan under four separate land use categories:
       * Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores
       * Hills, Ridges and Buffer Spaces
       * River Corridors
       * Mountains and Bushland.
Principles and policies for each of these categories are preceded by the following principle and policies for the NCOSS as a whole. General policies for the Hills, Ridges and Buffer Spaces, River Corridors, and Mountains and Bushland categories follow.
Policies for Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores are included within the Lake Burley Griffin and Foreshores Precinct Code (refer Part Four of the Plan) as this area