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A vision to reinvigorate Tharwa to once again become a weekend destination for Canberrans is on the cards with the government releasing a draft variation to the village plan on Sunday. Recommendations in the plan suggest five residential blocks will be released for development, a new nature play park will be built using old bridge timber, and cycling and pedestrian paths will be improved. Long-time resident Matthew Gregory said the town had stagnated in recent years, but it appeared opportunities were on the horizon. "I think most of us would support modest development," Mr Gregory said. "We just need to make sure we don't lose the character, the authenticity, I guess the charm of the village. "We could make the river more appealing for people to come for a swim in the summer then get a coffee or an ice cream. "I think there's room to move in areas like that." With the arrival of Mr Gregory's grandchildren there have been six generations of his family in Tharwa, where he currently farms Merino sheep and Angus cattle. He said he was not opposed to the proposed development of the five residential blocks outlined in the village plan. "That's five new families, that'd be great," Mr Gregory said. "I think that would fit right in." He was looking forward to a cafe hopefully opening soon at the old store and with the artisans that inhabit the area Tharwa could reclaim its heyday as a perfect weekend destination for Canberrans. After years of back and forth, the Tharwa Village Plan was released on Sunday. The plan was launched at the Tharwa Village Fair by planning minister Mick Gentleman, with planning experts joining the community to hear feedback and sell their vision for the small town on the banks of the Murrumbidgee. Residents have previously expressed concerns over the government's plans for the village with fears future development could spoil the legacy of the area as a hub of artistic and cultural endeavour. Mr Gentleman said he shared the passion of Tharwa residents to preserve the character of the village and that the plan was aimed at enhancing what the village has to offer. "The plan recommends the enhancement of the village core as an attractive, social, recreational and creative hub for the local community while also attracting visitors to experience the qualities of a rural village," Mr Gentleman said. The plan opens up five vacant blocks of land for residential development and includes infrastructure upgrades to make non-potable water available for firefighting. There are currently no refilling points for firefighters in the township. Fire crews currently rely on hydrant connections in Banks. The five residential blocks, on Tidbinbilla Road, Bridge Street and three blocks on Clarrie Lane, are zoned for residential use and any development would be limited to single dwellings and would be encouraged to reflect the existing rural character of Tharwa, a spokesman for the planning minister said. Mr Gentleman said the plan had a strong focus on enhancing Tharwa as a recreation area including the path improvements and nature play playground. The plan also proposes improvements to connect the village with Cuppacumbalong Homestead in the hope of bringing more visitors to precinct. The homestead was sold last year to Tharwa Valley Forge owner Karim Haddad who said he wanted to make it more appealing and accessible. During consultation to create this version of the village plan, residents expressed concern over plans to rezone the tennis courts for commercial purposes. The spokesman said the plan, launched on Sunday, abandoned the rezoning and the tennis courts would be kept for community use. Written comments about the draft plan can be submitted until October 24 and Mr Gentleman encouraged all Tharwa residents to review the plan and provide their feedback. The Tharwa Fair runs until 2pm on Sunday at North Street, Tharwa.

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