Narrabundah stormwater improvements


Current update

Work is continuing on the delivery of 2 retarding basins in the Throsby Lane Pedestrian Parkland 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.

From early August 2026, work will begin on this new playground in the urban open space at Throsby Park.

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of December 2026, weather and site conditions permitting. More information about construction is below.

Page last reviewed 03 Aug 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:

Narrabundah playing fields retarding basin

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.

General arrangements plan (PDF 826.2 KB)

Throsby Lane Pedestrian Parkland retarding basin and playground

Stormwater upgrade work at Throsby Lane Pedestrian Parkland (bordered by Throsby Lane and Throsby Crescent) will deliver a retarding basin within the urban open space. Construction of a retarding basin at Throsby Lane Pedestrian Parkland 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.

Construction of the new playground

From early August 2026, work will begin on a new playground in the urban open space at Throsby Lane Pedestrian Parkland, behind the Griffith shops.

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of December 2026, weather and site conditions permitting.

The current playground at Throsby Lane Pedestrian Parkland needs to be decommissioned to support delivery of a new stormwater retarding basin. This is why the playground is being built in a new location.

Work will be carried out as dayworks only between the hours of 7 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday. If required, work may be undertaken on weekends between 8 am and 4 pm.

The current playground will remain accessible at all times while the new playground is built.

There will be minimal impacts on traffic and pedestrians during the construction period. No road closures are expected however there may be temporary traffic changes, such as reduced speed limits, to allow construction vehicles safe exit/entry from the work site. Construction vehicle access will be via Throsby Lane.

Further updates about construction timing for the playground will be provided on this page once known.

Click on the images below to view full screen.

Landscape design of Throsby Park showing grass, trees, mulch and play equipment.

Throsby Park playground landscape design (IMG 1MB)

Location of the playground

Map showing the location of the playground.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.