ACT earmarks land to build 20k new homes

The major releases will occur in new suburbs well-suited for additional housing such as Macnamara in Ginninderry, Jacka in Gungahlin, and Denman Prospect, Whitlam, and the future Molonglo Town Centre in the Molonglo Valley.

Altogether, it’s anticipated that the release will primarily support a diverse array of housing, including single-residential builds, multi-unit dwellings and medium-density townhomes.

Almost 97,000 square metres of the land is set to be released in 2024–25, with at least 608 of the homes constructed to be dedicated community, public, or affordable homes.

Currently, demand for new homes across the territory is high, with the federal capital expected to be home to 500,000 people by the end of 2027, from an estimated 475,000 currently.

ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, said that the rapid growth speak of the liveability of the city over which he presides.

“Canberra is a fantastic place to live which is why we’re seeing tremendous population growth projected. This plan aims to provide more housing for Canberrans, where they want to live.”

He noted that the government would also work alongside the private sector to meet the territory’s housing goals.

“Developments in existing areas on privately owned land will continue to play a role in developing our city,” he said.

Moreover, ACT Minister for Planning, Chris Steel, noted that the government is taking steps to reduce urban sprawl and ensure new construction of any kind is well-located.

“Working towards delivering 70 per cent of new housing within our existing urban footprint, we will continue to plan for housing and land release around key precincts, rapid transport corridors and shops close to services,” he said.

Steel added that the government would soon release design guidance to facilitate new development, particularly of low-rise “missing middle” homes like duplexes, townhouses and row houses in established and new suburbs.