The land was used for pine forests prior to the devastation caused by the 2003 Canberra bushfires ; leaving the land empty and ready for potential development . To accommodate future expected population growth and housing demand , '' The Canberra Spatial Plan '' , already in development at that time and formally released during 2004 , proposed increased urban density along established ( road ) transport corridors . Further land releases were proposed , including continuing development in the district of Gungahlin by maintaining the 1967 " Y-Plan " ; and the development of new releases in the Molonglo Valley , previously set aside as green corridors
2003 Canberra bushfires
2003 Canberra bushfires
Molonglo Valley