National Capital Development Commission

The National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) was an Australian Commonwealth Government body created to complete the establishment of Canberra as the seat of government. It was created in 1957 through the National Capital Development Commission Act 1957.

Under the control of the NCDC Canberra grew from a population of 40,000 to 300,000. The NCDC was responsible for the development of Canberra's satellite cities; Woden Valley, Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin. The NCDC also oversaw construction of Lake Burley Griffin and New Parliament House.

The NCDC had four Commissioners:

• Sir John Overall, Commissioner, 1958-1972
• W.C. Andrews, Commissioner, 1972-1974
• Tony Powell, Commissioner, 1974-1985
• Malcolm Latham, Commissioner, 1985-1989

The NCDC was advised by the National Capital Planning Committee which was chaired by the NCDC Commissioner and composed of six nominated representatives of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the Institution of Engineers, Australia and the Royal Australian Planning Institute plus two other members with special knowledge and experience in cultural matters.

The NCDC was abolished after the ACT Act 1988, and most of its functions passed to the new ACT government and the National Capital Authority.

Predecessors and successors of the NCDC:

• 1921-1924: Federal Capital Advisory Committee
• 1925-1930: Federal Capital Commission
• 1938-1957: National Capital Planning and Development Committee
• since 1989: National Capital......
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