The man, who cannot be named, appeared before Magistrate Peter Dingwall in the ACT Magistrates Court.

He was charged over an offence from over five years ago, in October 2007, when he is alleged to have performed an indecent act on an 11-year-old girl who was his direct lineal descendant.

The prosecution described the matter as "highly sensitive", and argued for strict bail conditions.

Magistrate Dingwall told the man he was not to come within 100 metres of the victim or the defendant's past address, except to collect his belongings.

He was also told he must not be alone with anyone under the age of 16.

That age was lowered from 18 after the defence argued it would be near impossible for the defendant to distinguish between an 18-year-old, a 19-year-old, and a 17-year-old.

The man was bailed and will appear before court again next month.

In an unrelated case, a second man also appeared before he ACT Magistrates Court on incest and indecent act charges.

That man was charged in relation to two acts of indecency and committing incest with someone under the age of 10, who was a lineal descendent.

He was bailed on strict conditions that included staying 100 metres away from the victim, staying away from schools or adjacent areas, not being alone with anyone under the age of 16 without another adult present, and continuing to reside at his north-side home.

He will also appear in court again next month.