A planning rule wouldn't bend so the lights at this Canberra oval had to
The light poles at Canberra's Manuka Oval lean inwards due to a strict planning rule that limits the height of structures in the Parliamentary Zone. This regulation, known as RL617, was established to preserve the natural landscape and the view of Parliament House. As Canberra's population grows, discussions are emerging about the need to adapt these planning rules for future urban development.
- ▪The light poles at Manuka Oval are designed to comply with the RL617 planning rule, which restricts building heights in Canberra's Parliamentary Zone.
- ▪RL617 sets a maximum height of 617 metres above sea level, preserving the views and natural environment around Parliament House.
- ▪Architect Rodney Moss had to design the light poles to lean inwards to meet the height restrictions while providing adequate lighting for night events.
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Lights at Canberra's Manuka Oval lean inwards thanks to strict planning ruleBy Lish FejerStatelineTopic:Urban Development and PlanningSun 31 May 2026 at 8:02amSun 31 May 2026 at 8:02amSun 31 May 2026 at 8:02amThe Maunka Oval light poles are curved in order to comply with a planning rule for Canberra's Parliamentary Zone. (Supplied: Ben Wrigley)abc.net.au/news/act-manuka-oval-lights-lean-inwards-strict-planning-rule/106737702Link copiedShareShare articleIf the six light poles skirting Canberra's Manuka Oval look like they're on a lean, that's because they are.The 47-metre-high lights lean inwards, because, if they were standing straight, they couldn't be approved under the city's RL617 rule.The strict planning regulation wouldn't bend, so the light poles had to.Hitting the grass…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).