Recent Projects

ROLE:  Project Design Director and Lead Urban Designer

CLIENT:  Canberra Investment Corp/PEET/Mirvac

Googong Township is a vibrant and meticulously planned community that blends natural beauty with modern conveniences. Spanning over 780 hectares and ultimately accommodating over 18,000 residents, its design emphasizes sustainable living and harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

AECOM was commissioned to prepare a master plan for the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. David led the design process, which included an inquiry-by-design workshop process supported by visits to exemplar projects around Australia. The town centre includes over 15,000 sqm of retail, higher-density housing, new civic spaces and schools, all focused on a new ornamental lake.  

The site investigations revealed the opportunity to minimise cut and fill across the town centre while making the water-sensitive urban design the community's identifying feature.

Googong is designed around traditional town-making principles, with a primary focus on walkability and accessibility for young and old. One of Googong’s standout features is its commitment to green spaces and conservation areas, which comprise over a third of its total land area. Residents enjoy access to numerous parks, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails that wind through native bushland, fostering a deep connection to nature right at their doorstep.

The town centre rezoning and following development application have been approved and construction is underway. The success of Googong is a result of our close collaboration with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and the NSW State Government, who have been instrumental in supporting the project vision and innovation embedded into the community. 

“The sense of belonging and community pride is a hallmark of the project and has become a valuable asset. Being “Googonian” is a big attractor for residents and new buyers.”

Malcolm Leslie, Project Director - Googong