ACT Border Properties
ACT/NSW Border
Border marker located on an ACT Border Property
Source: Biosis, 2014
Finance ID
Numbers
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DF61044 - Lot 1 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61045 - Lot 2 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61046 - Lot 120 DP751835, Urayarra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61047- Lot 3 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61048 - Lot 31 DP751835, Urayarra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61049 - Lot 4 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61050- Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong, Cooma-Monaro LGA
DF61052 - Lot 1 DP126138, Yarrowlumla, Yass Valley LGA
DF61053 - Lot 69 DP751838, Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro LGA
DF61054- Lot 50 DP751806, Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro LGA
DF61055- Lot 51 DP751806, Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro LGA
DF61056- Lot 23 DP659845, Urayarra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61058 - Lot 771 &772 DP1175598, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley LGA
DF61059 - Lot 165 DP754893, Majura, Palerang LGA
DF61060 - Lot 221 DP1116885, Molonglo, Palerang LGA
DF61061- Lot 293 DP754882, Goorooyarroo, Palerang LGA
DF61062- Lot 308 DP754882, Goorooyarroo, Palerang LGA
DF61063 - Lot 223 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley LGA
DF61064 - Lot 224 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley LGA
DF61065 - Lot 7306 DP1167499, Majura, Palerang LGA
DF61066 - Lot 7302 DP1167673, Ginninderra, Yass Valley LGA
DF61067 - Lot 7302 DP1148086, Kowen, Palerang LGA
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Commonwealth
Heritage List
(CHL) Place ID
Number
The ACT Border Properties are not included on the Commonwealth Heritage List.
Current Status
(including CHL
Place ID Number)
The Finance-managed ACT Border properties are not listed on the National
Heritage List, Commonwealth Heritage List or NSW/ACT state registers.
Ownership
The ACT Border Properties are managed by the Department of Finance on behalf
of the Commonwealth.
Location
The ACT Border Properties include lots of land in:
The Urayarra Valley Cultural Landscape (which includes Commonwealth Lot 23
DP659845, Urayarra, Yass Valley) has been nominated to the ACT Heritage
Register by the ACT National Trust for its cultural values as a landscape
encompassing pastoral, forestry and recreational activities. This nomination is
still under assessment.
• Yarrowlumla, Yass Valley
• Urayarra, Yass Valley
• Cuppacumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
• Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
• Kowen, Palerang
• Goorooyarroo, Palerang
• Molonglo, Palerang
• Ginninderra, Yass Valley
• Majura, Palerang
These are remnant portions of land on the NSW side of the ACT/NSW Border,
which were acquired by the Commonwealth upon the establishment of the ACT.
Map of Act Border Properties
Source: Department of Finance, 2014
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Description
There are 23 properties within the Finance-managed portfolio, known as the
ACT Border properties, of which, 21 have potential heritage values including
Federal Capital Territory border markers and/or Indigenous artefacts.
Historic cultural heritage – Federal Capital Territory Border Markers
All ACT Border Properties, with the exception of Lot 221 DP1116885, Molonglo,
Palerang have historic cultural heritage associated with border markers. The
border markers range from concrete blocks with lockespits, galvanized iron
pipes with wooden marker points, stone lockespits and a survey tree (a yellow
box tree with a surveyor's blaze).
From Finance’s last site inspection, some border markers could not be located on
site due to the density of vegetation across the site. It is assumed that the
wooden peg border markers recorded at Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong,
Cooma-Monaro would have been burnt during the 2003 Canberra bushfires.
Indigenous artefacts
Some ACT Border Properties have a range of Indigenous cultural heritage values
including high levels of isolated Indigenous flaked stone artefact scatters, and
scarred trees.
Landscape Setting
Yass Valley
Some Yass Valley sites contain pink-tailed worm lizards, listed as vulnerable per
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Lot 1 DP126138, Yarrowlumla is part of the former Urayarra Pine Plantation and
was formally used as part of the Urayarra State Forest. A portion of the site is
planted with eucalypt trees.
Lots 1 – 4, 31 and 120 Urayarra are intersected by Swamp Creek and have a
history of large-scale tree clearance and stock grazing. Some remnant
woodland/forest patches remain. These sites are currently being used for
grazing by the neighbouring station.
Lot 23 DP659845, Urayarra, Lot 771 - 772 DP1175598, Goorooyarroo, Lot 7302
DP1167673, Ginninderra and Lot 223 - 224 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo, Yass
Valley have been historically cleared and used for pastoral grazing. Following
the resumption of land for the formation of the ACT, this land has continued to
be used for pastoral purposes by neighbouring landholders.
Lot 771 &772 DP1175598, Goorooyarroo includes EPBC listed Box-Gum Grassy
Woodland, Red Stringybark Dry Forest (not of specific conservation significance)
and Golden Sun Moth. Golden Sun Moth are also present at Lot 223 and 224
DP1174527, Goorooyarroo.
Cooma-Monaro
Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong is covered by a mix of native and plantation
pine regeneration. It contains ACT listed vulnerable species, Silky Swainson-pea
recorded in high numbers.
Lot 50, 51 DP751806 and Lot 69 DP751838, Bumbalong was historically part of
a summer pastoral run. It is largely unmodified and is densely vegetated with
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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subalpine woodlands with a partly overgrown fire trail.
Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong, Lot 50, 51 DP751806 and Lot 69 DP751838,
Bumbalong contain EPBC listed Yellow Box - Red Gum Grassy Woodland.
Palerang
Lot 293 and 308 DP754882, Goorooyarroo has not been cleared and consists of
predominantly undisturbed native vegetation. Although no threatened species
are on either site the property supports a highly diverse vegetation community
in good condition, predominantly unmodified Red Stringybark - Scribbly Gum Bundy Dry Forest.
Lot 308 DP754882, Goorooyarroo and Lot 221 DP1116885, Molonglo, have been
subject to selective clearing and historically used for pastoral grazing. Naturally
regenerating native trees and vegetation are present.
Lot 221 DP1116885, Molonglo contains an EPBC Act listed endangered species,
Hoary Sunray. It also includes EPBC listed Box-Gum Grassy Woodland, and Red
Box - Scribbly Gum Dry Forest.
Lot 7302 DP1148086, Kowen has also been historically for pastoral grazing and
is still used as a softwood plantation within the Kowen Forest following the
resumption of land. During this period, the majority of native vegetation was
cleared, and pines were planted and access roads and forestry infrastructure
constructed. Past remnants of the previous occupants in the form of huts and
yards were also demolished during this period. Lot 7302 DP1148086, Lot 7306
DP1167499, Majura and Lot 165 DP754893, Majura also include predominantly
unmodified Brittle Gum - Red Stringybark Dry.
Lot 165 DP754893, Majura has been cleared and some road building activities
have taken place along the southern boundary, the ground surface is otherwise
relatively undisturbed, consisting of native vegetation and regrowth.
Native vegetation has been cleared at Lot 7306 DP1167499, Majura and used for
pastoral grazing.
Heritage Objects
and Collections
The ACT Border Properties contain heritage objects that are important to local
indigenous communities. Some of the ACT Border Properties have identified
Indigenous cultural heritage sites within the search area some of which
contained open campsites, artefacts and open scatters.
The border markers vary in their individual composition including wooden pegs,
iron spikes, concrete posts, galvanised iron pipes, stone cairns, stone lockespits
and blazed marker trees. The condition of the border markers range from
degraded to excellent.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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L to R: Swap Creek Artefact Scatter and a Survey Tree
Source: Biosis, 2014
History and
Summary of Uses
Yass Valley
Lot 1 DP126138, Yarrowlumla, Lot 1 – 4 DP126547, Urayarra, Lot 31 DP751835,
Urayarra , Lot 120 DP751835, Urayarra, Lot 7302 DP1167673, Ginninderra and
Lot 23 DP659845, Urayarra are located within the traditional lands of the
Ngunnawal people and were first impacted by European settlement of the area
in the 1830s.
This high elevated area was used for pastoral grazing as part of the extended
holdings of the MacDonald family of Urayarra Station, with the exception of Lot
7302 DP1167673, Ginninderra Portion 50 which was selected by Mr William
Gillespie.
Lot 223 and 224 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo cover the remnant portions of
portion 223 and 224 respectively in the Parish of Goorooyaroo. Portion 223 and
224 were selected by Mr Henry Murphy in 1902. The Murphy family owned
adjacent properties on portions 80, 85, 224, 298, 225, and 226. Their property
was known as Oakey Hill and had been established in the 1890s.
Lot 23 DP659845, Urayarra is the remnant of Portion 23 in the Parish of
Urayarra, County of Cowley. This area was used for pastoral grazing prior to the
formation of the ACT and formed part of the Fairlight Station under the
ownership of the Webb family settled in the 1840s. Mr George Webb purchased
land at Urayarra from the 1840s. The Webb family were a prominent family of
the area and acquired over 10,000 acres by acquisitions of adjoining lands.
Following the formation of the ACT in 1913, most of these properties were used
for pine plantation forestry as part of the Urayarra pine plantations. Following
the acquisition of the land by the Commonwealth Lot 7302 DP1167673,
Ginninderra and Lot 223 and 224 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo have been used for
pastoral grazing. These plantations were destroyed in 2003 by the Canberra
bushfires and the area, which had previously supported pine plantation and has
since been replanted with eucalypts.
Cooma-Monaro
Lot 50 and 51 DP751806, Bumbalong and Lot 69 DP751838, Bumbalong are
located within the traditional lands of the Ngarigo people. These properties are
the remnant of portion 50 and 37 in the Parish of Bumbalong, County of Cowley,
and are located along the ACT/NSW Border at high elevation. This land was first
used by Europeans from the 1830s as part of the large pastoral run of
Bumbalong, which was run was owned by the Peden family and covered the
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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land from Left Hand Creek across to the Murrumbidgee. Mr Peden sold
Bumbalong to Mr Roseby in 1918 and the Cotter family settled the adjacent
property, Demandering of the Booth family, in the 1830. The area was used for
seasonal grazing, with stock returning to the lower pastures during the winter
months.
Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong is located along the ACT/NSW Border and
consists of old Portion 76 Parish of Cuppacumbalong, County of Cowley NSW.
This property was used for pastoral grazing prior to the formation of the ACT
and formed part of the Cuppacumbalong Pastoral Run under the ownership of
the De Salis family, settled in the 1830s. This large pastoral run covered the area
from the confluence of the Murrumbidgee and Gudgenby Rivers south until it
joined the Bumbalong and Demandering Pastoral Runs. The earliest parish map
of the district (1894) shows the name of Charles Dyball having selected the area
in 1887. This property was used for pine plantation as part of the Ingledene
plantation until the Canberra bushfires of 2003. The plantation has not been
replanted and the area is undergoing native regeneration and regeneration of
pine tree wildings across the previous plantation areas.
Palerang
Located within the traditional lands of the Ngarigo people.
Lot 221 DP1116885 is the remnants of Portion 221 in the Parish of Molonglo.
Portion 221 in the Parish of Molonglo formed part of the large Campbell family
estates. Prior to possession by the Campbell’s, the land was in the name of Mr
John Lamkin who also owned the neighbouring Portion 222. Portion 293 in the
Parish of Goorooyaroo formed part of the Oakview Estate under the ownership
of Mr William Darmody. The Darmody family started to acquire land in the
1870s under the Robertson Land Act of 1861.Mr John Gallagher whom also
selected adjoining blocks and established a large holding in the Dairy Station
Creek catchment selected Lot 7306 DP1167499, Majura. The earliest settlers in
the Kowen Plateau were the McInnes family in 1868, and went on to own three
portions by 1873 in the area of the Kowen Homestead built by Mr McInnes. By
1879, a further six neighbouring portions had been added to the McInnes’ estate
and was adjacent to the property, which was owned by the O'Rourkes family. Mr
George Sparrow selected Portion 15 and 16 in 1855 and subsequently
purchased adjoining blocks. In 1859, he had built and operated the Hibernian
Hotel located along the Queanbeyan/Bungendore Road. By 1888, the Sparrow
family owned a large estate totalling 2014 acres and covering the area of the
upper catchment of Dairy Station Creek.
This area was used for pastoral grazing prior to the formation of the ACT.
Following the acquisition of land for the establishment of the ACT, these
properties were the remnants of Parish of Goorooyaroo. With the establishment
of the ACT, Lot 7302 DP1148086, Kowen, was resumed but leased back for rural
activities. In 1926, the Kowen Forest, consisting mainly of Radiata pine
plantations was established to provide softwood and firewood to Canberra. The
forestry operations gradually expanded, reaching the most intensive period in
the 1950s, when old homesteads such as the Kowen Homestead was destroyed
to make way for new forestry buildings such as the Kowen Forestry Buildings.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Department of Finance’s (Finance) updated heritage assessment
Gazetted
Statement of
Significance Commonwealth
Heritage List
The following Statement of Significance and criterion applies to the following ACT
Border Properties:
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Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
Lot 23 DP659845, Urayarra, Yass Valley
Lot 50 DP751806, Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
Lot 69 DP751838, Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
Lot 293 DP754882, Goorooyarroo, Palerang
Lot 308 DP754882, Goorooyarroo, Palerang
Lot 7302 DP1148086, Kowen, Palerang
Lot 771 &772 DP1175598, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley
Lot 7302 DP1167673, Ginninderra, Yass Valley
Lot 223 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley
Lot 224 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley
Lot 165 DP754893, Majura, Palerang
Lot 7306 DP1167499, Majura, Palerang
The border markers date from 1910-1915 and are associated with the
establishment of the Federal Territory for the site of the National Capital. The
border markers are amongst the earliest surviving structures erected after the
founding of the ACT. They continue to define the ACT-NSW border on the ground
today and are directly associated the determination of the territorial boundary in
1909, which was dictated by the need to protect Canberra's water supply. The
markers were installed by Percy Sheaffe who played a significant role in the
profession and his survey for the Commonwealth Territory exhibited outstanding
technical ability and dedication.
Criterion A Processes
The markers reflect surveying in an era which has now passed with the use of
manual theodolite and calculation. The type of markers used at the time is
demonstrated with markers ranging from wooden pegs, iron spikes, concrete
posts, stone cairns, stone lockespits and blazed marker trees.
The border markers are associated with the establishment of the National
Capital and are amongst the earliest surviving structures from the founding of
the Commonwealth Territory.
Criterion B –
Rarity
The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet this criterion.
Criterion C –
Research
The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet this criterion.
Criterion D –
Characteristic
The border markers demonstrate the survey techniques of the time and provide
examples of the types of markers used to blaze or mark locations.
Criterion E –
Aesthetic
characteristics
The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet this criterion.
Criterion F –
Technical
achievement
The survey of the Federal Territory Border was undertaken in extremely rugged
country to a high degree of technical accuracy.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Criterion G – Social The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet this criterion.
Value
Criterion H –
Significant people
The border markers are associated with the original survey of the
Commonwealth Territory in 1910-15 and have connection to the persons of
Charles Scrivenor, Percy Sheaffe and the surveyors of the Territory border.
Criterion I Indigenous
tradition
The sites represent a common site type that provides little further information on
the occupation of the area or Indigenous culture. They are important to the local
Indigenous community as holding local significance.
This criterion applies to the following ACT Border Properties:
 Lot 1 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley
 Lot 2 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley
 Lot 3 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley
 Lot 4 DP126547, Urayarra, Yass Valley
 Lot 31 DP751835, Urayarra, Yass Valley
 Lot 120 DP751835, Urayarra, Yass Valley
 Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
NSW/ACT Heritage Register
Non-Statutory Listings
Statement of
Significance
The following Statement of Significance criterion applies to the following ACT
Border Properties:
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Lot B DP409699, Cuppacumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
Lot 23 DP659845, Urayarra, Yass Valley
Lot 50 DP751806, Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
Lot 69 DP751838, Bumbalong, Cooma-Monaro
Lot 293 DP754882, Goorooyarroo, Palerang
Lot 308 DP754882, Goorooyarroo, Palerang
Lot 7302 DP1148086, Kowen, Palerang
Lot 771 &772 DP1175598, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley
Lot 7302 DP1167673, Ginninderra, Yass Valley
Lot 223 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley
Lot 224 DP1174527, Goorooyarroo, Yass Valley
Lot 165 DP754893, Majura, Palerang
Lot 7306 DP1167499, Majura, Palerang
The border markers in this group, dating from 1913-15 are associated with the
establishment of the National Capital and its surrounding territory, and are
among the earliest surviving structures erected after the founding of the ACT.
They continue to define the ACT-NSW border on the ground today and are
directly associated with the determination of the territorial boundary in 1909,
which itself was dictated by the need to protect Canberra's water supply. The
markers were installed by surveyors who subsequently played a significant role
in their profession or in the development of the territory.
The group contains many good examples of the types of markers used by
surveyors of the time, including some rare mile reference trees whose engravings
(like the engravings on the timber border markers and the reference trees for the
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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border markers) display skilful use of mallet and chisel.
Criterion A importance to the
course or pattern
of the ACT’s
cultural or natural
history
The markers reflect surveying in an era which has now passed, the methods and
equipment for surveying being very different from today's electronic and
satellite-based survey practice.
The border markers represent the defining of the State/Territory borders and
the jurisdiction of the ACT.
Criterion B - has
uncommon, rare
or endangered
aspects of the
ACT’s cultural or
natural history
The border markers are associated with the works of Percy Sheaffe – a leading
surveyor in his profession
Criterion C potential to yield
information that
will contribute to
an understanding
of the ACT’s
cultural or natural
history
The marking of the border represents a high degree of technical achievement.
Criterion D importance in
demonstrating the
principal
characteristics of a
class of cultural or
natural places or
objects
The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet this criterion.
Criterion E importance in
exhibiting
particular
aesthetic
characteristics
valued by the ACT
community or a
cultural group in
the ACT
The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet this criterion.
Criterion F importance in
demonstrating a
high degree of
creative or
Currently no other border markers are listed in NSW and they are therefore
considered to be a rare site type.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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technical
achievement for a
particular period
Criterion G - has a
strong or special
association with
the ACT
community, or a
cultural group in
the ACT for social,
cultural or
spiritual reasons
The border markers show the range of survey marks in use at the time of the
border surveys in 1910-1915.
Criterion H - has a
special association
with the life or
work of a person,
or people,
important to the
history of the ACT
The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet this criterion.
Criterion I – L
The Finance managed Border Properties do not meet these criterion.
Non-Statutory Listings
NSW AHIMS
database
There is a single listed Indigenous cultural heritage site located within a 2km
radius of Lot 1 – 4, 31 and 120 Urayarra, Yass Valley. These sites are listed on the
NSW Indigenous Heritage Information Management System database.
Additional information
Property Access
The ACT Border properties are Commonwealth property and not accessible to
the public.
Consultation
When completing 2014 Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment,
Reports the Department of Finance consulted with relevant Indigenous
Community Groups, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, ACT Heritage Unit,
National Native Title Tribunal, ACT National Trust and the ACT Heritage Unit and
ACT Planning and Land Authority. Finance also consulted with community
organisations including the ACT National Trust and Canberra District Historical
Society, as well as internal Finance stakeholders and contractors.
Any additional external consultation with other interested parties should include
the Compliance, Environment and Heritage team, Department of Finance.
Conservation
Documents/
References
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Properties 2 to 7, Finance Property 10103600 – Lot 1 DP126547/
Finance Property 10103700 – Lot 2 DP126547/ Finance Property 10103800 –
Lot 3 DP126547/ Finance Property 10103900 – Lot 4 DP126547/ Finance
Property 10104600 – Lot 31 DP751835/ Finance Property 10104700 - Lot 120
DP751835, Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment, Report for ACT
Border Property 1 - Lot 1 DP 126138 Finance Property: 10103500, Department
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 9 - Lot 23 P659845 Finance Property: 10104300, Department
of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 10 - Lot 50 DP751806 Finance Property: 10104400,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014)Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 11 - Lot 51 DP751806 Finance Property: 10104500,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 12 - Lot 69 DP751838 Finance Property: 10104800,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 15 - Lot 221 DP 1116885 Finance Property: 10105300,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 20 – PT Lot 223 DP754882 Finance Property: 10107000,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 21 – PT Lot 224 DP754882 Finance Property: 10107100,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 18 – PT Lot 77 DP754882 Finance Property: 10106400,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 16/17 - Lot 7302 DP1148086 Finance Property:
10106200/10106300, Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 19 – PT Lot 50 DP754880 Finance Property: 10106700,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 22 – Pt Lot 165 DP 754893 Finance Property: 10107300,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 13 – Pt Lot 293 DP 754882 Finance Property: 10105000,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 14 – Pt Lot 308 DP 754882 Finance Property: 10105200,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report for ACT
Border Property 23 - Lot Pt Lot 211 DP754893 Finance Property: 10107400,
Department of Finance.
Biosis (2014) Ecology, Ecology, Contamination and Heritage Assessment Report
for ACT Border Property 8 – PT Lot B DP409699 Finance Property: 10104100,
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Department of Finance.
More information
For further information regarding ACT Border Properties, please contact the
Department of Finance.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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