Paul Keir, who breeds Australian stock horses at Majura for polocrosse tournaments, has an optimistic view of the new dual highway cutting through the valley.
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After a masters tournament in Hall, Mr Keir brought visitors from Roma, Queensland, to the top of Mount Majura among fat old gum trees, where he prepares his horses, to show them the panorama across farmlets on either side of the $288 million parkway.
"They have a mindset about Canberra, it really broke that mindset," Mr Keir said. "They were amazed. I explained you could keep a horse in a couple of government horse paddocks at the base of the mountains on the Duntroon side and western side as well. They found that really interesting.
"They had this view of politicians and public servants in Canberra. I was able to show them the real bush capital. They loved it. I have ridden up the middle of the new new road. You will get a fantastic view of this beautiful valley when you drive along it. We hope in the future to keep some of the rural areas viable so people can enjoy that view."
Mr Keir bought a short-term lease on "Springfield", in the valley 17 years ago, where the McIntosh family had previously run the Majura post office. After an old elm tree crashed over the top of the post office, he restored it with the help of a carpenter.
"When the new Majura Parkway opens, we would hope to trim the elm trees at the front of the building so people using the old Majura Road can actually see it. At the moment we have it sheltered from the road because the elm trees at the front have grown like a hedge."
He expects cyclists and people driving along the quieter Majura Road will be more inclined to stop and look out at the cattle and egg farms, winery, truffle farm and on Springfield, where he breeds and prepares heavy horses for shows like the upcoming Sydney Royal Easter Show. He also breeds Angus cattle.
"They fatten extremely well on this country, the prices are pretty good but you know what? Those same prices were around 20 years ago."
He and his brother Shane farm two blocks on either side of Majura Road and one near Gunning. Mr Keir says criticism of short-term lease holders wanting 99-year leases for a discount is unwarranted, and that it would be hard to value land under a flight path.
"The government has their major infrastructure in place. They have ideas about the fast train which may happen in 25 years, you can never say no. They have substantial planning in the valley, I think you need to embrace the tourism side of the valley. You have to give people a break to be able to do that."
