Heritage protection

The Cotter catchment holds deep cultural and historical significance, shaped by thousands of years of Ngunnawal custodianship.

Once a traditional dwelling place, the area has evolved through agriculture, forestry, and now serves as a national park and nature reserve. We believe this rich heritage deserves recognition and preservation for future generations.

During the construction and expansion of the Cotter Dam, we undertook extensive salvage and archival programs, including the collection of Aboriginal artefacts led by Ngunnawal representatives. Around 4,000 items (such as stone cutting tools, axe heads and grinding stones) were respectfully placed at a site overlooking the dam during a return to country ceremony in August 2013.

Today, we honour this cultural legacy through the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail. A 1.4 km walk that shares the area’s history, heritage and significance with the Canberra community.

 _{Caption: Outlook on the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail overlooking construction of the enlarged Cotter Dam.}

The Cotter Pumping Station Precinct is a valued part of Canberra’s heritage, officially listed on the ACT Heritage Register since 9 November 2000.

The listing recognises several key elements that contribute to the site’s significance, such as:

• The original pump house.
• The mechanical plant and pumping equipment.
• The transformer house, which now houses our salvaged hydro pump.
• The blockhouse ruin (the hydro pump’s original location).

We follow a conservation management plan to protect this important piece of local history. Staff responsible for these assets are trained in heritage awareness to ensure our infrastructure continues to serve the region, while preserving its historical value.

Pillar hydrants in heritage-listed areas are considered protected street furniture and contribute to the character and visual identity of certain suburbs.

They form part of the heritage aesthetic in several locations across Canberra, including:

• Wakefield Gardens Housing Precinct (Ainslie)
• Corroboree Park Housing Precinct (Ainslie)
• Braddon Housing Precinct
• Reid Housing Precinct
• Barton
• Kingston
• Forrest
• Red Hill

These hydrants are managed with care to preserve their historical value while continuing to support essential services.

Follow the steps below if you live in a heritage area and would like to maintain their appearance and function:

• A primer undercoat with rust treatment (or prevention) may be applied as a base layer to protect the hydrant.
• Use the original paint colours: Signal Red for the body and Signal White for detailing.
• Leave operational components unpainted to ensure they remain functional for firefighters.

By following these guidelines, you’re helping preserve Canberra’s heritage while supporting essential services!