This week, the ACT Government abandoned plans to convert open green space next to Cooleman Court shopping centre to a bitumen car park following a determined community campaign led by local residents.
News of the decision to back down on the carpark was published in the Canberra Times.
While access to shops and services is important, urban green spaces need to be protected for the many amenities they provide – recreation space, shade, and urban trees that help support biodiversity. As density increases, we need to prioritise active and public transport options and infrastructure over private car use.