Gungahlin Suburb Guide

Forde is named in honour of Frank Forde, a politician who was Prime Minister of Australia for a week in 1945 following the death of John Curtin.

Forde is adjacent to the suburbs of Amaroo, Throsby and Bonner. It is bounded by Horse Park Drive and Gundaroo Road. On its completion in 2013 Forde will occupy 131ha and is expected to accommodate approximately 2,500 people. The suburb abuts the Mulligans Flat Reserve.

Europeans first settled Canberra and surrounding region during the 1830s which was known as Ginninderra. A road between Murrumbateman and Bungendore passed through nearby Mulligans Flat. A row of mature trees mark the alignment of the coach route to Bungendore. The remains of the historic site of the Mulligans Flat schools as well as hut sites, old fences, drays, sheep shearing sheds and farm machinery area are also scattered across the area.

Three farms namely Stray Leaf, East View and Mulligans Flat predate the founding of the suburb.

Forde will be a community dedicated to green open spaces, with every home within 200 metres of a landscaped park, wetland or nature reserve. Twenty-nine percent of the site will be green open space comprising 11 main parks and 39 hectares of wetlands and nature reserves with trails designed for eco-activity.

Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve compasses natural habitat, rich Indigenous history and reflects a colourful European heritage. The reserves is also one of the best bird-watching sites in the ACT, and home to the rare Regent Honeyeater and Forde's own Superb Fairy Wren. The nature reserves at Mulligans Flat and nearby Goorooyarroo, include four native bird species and populations of rare shingleback lizard, echidna, frog and reptile species. In 2005 the ACT Government passed the Domestic Animals (Cat Containment) Amendment Act into law which requires residents in Forde and nearby Bonner to keep any cats indoors or in an outdoor enclosure 24 hours per day.