Current update
Work is continuing on the delivery of 2 retarding basins in Throsby Park and the Narrabundah playing fields following the completion of the retarding basin in Sprent Park. Procurement for these new retarding basins is expected to occur in 2026.
A new playground will also be built in the urban open space in Throsby Park to replace the existing playground required to be removed to support the Throsby Park retarding basin.
More information on these projects is below.
Page last reviewed 18 May 2026
Project description
Design is underway on Narrabundah stormwater improvements.
The ACT Government is improving capacity in the ACT's stormwater network to make it safer for Canberrans and more friendly for the environment.
Following flood modelling undertaken for the whole of Narrabundah in 2019 a number of priority upgrades were identified. Upgrades along McKinlay Street in the open space at Sprent Park were completed in early 2023. The following 2 projects are continuing:
- retarding basin at the Narrabundah Playing Fields along Captain Cook Crescent
- retarding basin within the urban open space in Throsby Park behind Griffith shops.
Narrabundah playing fields retarding basin
Overview
Many sportsgrounds across Canberra act as retarding basins. This includes Southwell Oval in Lyneham and Duffy Oval. Construction of a retarding basin at the Narrabundah Playing Fields would include adjustments to the perimeter of the playing fields so as to increase water storage capacity. Various other supporting works would also be undertaken inclusive of new pipes, stormwater pits and various kerb, footpath and verge works as required.
Designs
Throsby Park retarding basin and playground
Overview
Stormwater upgrade work at Throsby Park (bordered by Throsby Lane and Throsby Crescent) will deliver a retarding basin within the urban open space. Construction of a retarding basin at Throsby Park would include adjustments to the perimeter of the park to increase water storage capacity. Various other supporting works would also be undertaken including new pipes, stormwater pits and kerb, footpath and verge works as/where required.
A new playground is also planned for the urban open space at Throsby Park. You can view the landscape design below. The current playground at Throsby Park needs to be relocated to support delivery of a new stormwater retarding basin which will help address flooding issues in the area.
Further updates about construction timing for the playground will be provided on this page once known.
Designs
Click on the image below to view full screen.
Throsby Park playground landscape design (IMG 1MB)
Stay updated
If you’d like to stay updated on this project, bookmark this page or email us at communityengagement@act.gov.au to be included on any project updates.
Frequently asked questions
What approvals were required for this project?
What approvals were required for this project?
Development applications are required for all proposed retarding basins and have been granted conditional approval.
Any/all other relevant approvals are progressed in parallel with the DA and include agreement from service providers (e.g. ICON), agreement from various areas within the Directorate including Urban Trees (tree removal and replacement), playground compliance agreement from City Services and stormwater/retarding basin acceptance from Roads ACT.
How many trees will be removed and how will these impacts be offset?
How many trees will be removed and how will these impacts be offset?
Any trees that must be removed for an infrastructure upgrade would be replaced at a 2 to 1 planting ratio. All efforts are made during the design stage of a project to avoid interactions with trees, though sometimes it is unavoidable. If the required planting ratio is not possible due to space or other constraints, justification would need to be provided.
For the two remaining retarding basin projects in Narrabundah (Throsby Crescent and the Narrabundah Playing Fields), the current status of each design indicates that tree impacts will be minimal, and the replanting ratio will be achievable. Further updates will be provided on the webpage as the projects evolve.
Will we still have the open spaces for recreation purposes once they are a retarding basin?
Will we still have the open spaces for recreation purposes once they are a retarding basin?
Yes. Only during extreme storm events when there may be water present in the basin will usage be compromised. Noting, though, the proposed new playground will be relocated away from any potential lingering water in the basin so it should be accessible following virtually any rain event, excluding a massive storm.
The retarding basin will fill and become a safety hazard. What safety precautions will be in place?
The retarding basin will fill and become a safety hazard. What safety precautions will be in place?
Retarding basins are similar to other bodies of water in Canberra including water quality ponds located at Lake Tuggeranong, North Weston Pond, Lake Ginninderra and Yerrabi Pond as well as playing fields which are often used for retardation.
Whilst education is a key component of teaching children and adults to take care around bodies of water, signage will be erected once construction is complete warning of potential hazard when flooded.
Why do we need to improve this stormwater infrastructure?
Why do we need to improve this stormwater infrastructure?
Narrabundah was established in the 1950s, however development continues today. At the time of establishment, stormwater infrastructure was built to the standards and requirements of the time. However, not only is the infrastructure not meeting today’s standards, but it is also incapable of providing flood protection to some residential properties during extreme storm events. Upgrades to the stormwater network in Narrabundah will provide improved flood protection for residents in businesses reflective of current standards and possible impacts from climate change.
