For years, conservationists, city planners and Canberrans alike have been calling on the ACT government to stop the unchecked urban sprawl in Canberra. Now, the ACT government has taken a huge step in the right direction, drawing a physical and metaphorical line in the sand by committing to introduce a hard edge to Canberra’s spread of urban development. The move comes after the passage of a motion presented by Greens Deputy Leader, Jo Clay, which called on the Government to agree to release an amendment to the Territory Pan to establish the urban growth boundary by June 2027.
This is a massive win. A hard boundary recognises what many have known for a long time: we cannot continue bulldozing to solve our own mistakes in city planning. Now, there will be a clear limit on how far Canberra can expand.
As habitat loss and environmental degradation are the primary means by which species become threatened, the prevention of further urban sprawl is vital for the protection of biodiversity and Australian ecosystems like the box-gum woodlands. The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services report on the Inquiry into Nature in our City has recently stated:
“The settlement and growth of the city, however, has meant that much of the region’s natural habitat has inevitably been degraded and fragmented by the urban environment.”
This action has come better late than never. Canberra has already expanded to the size of greater London whilst only having a twentieth of the population. As Minister for Planning, Chris Steel recognises that we “can’t rely on new greenfield suburbs alone” and that we cannot “accept unrealistic political promises of new far-ranging suburbs”. The solution to Canberra’s urban development comes from looking inward, not outward.
Minister Steel has also added that Canberra has a “missing middle” when it comes to property development; a range of “duplexes, townhouses, terraces and also low rise apartments” will be extremely vital for ensuring the needs of the Canberra resident can be met, whilst minimising fruitless expansion. The Minister’s proposed changes also allow broader block consolidation, which is a welcome step toward filling the gap between single homes and high-density apartments. By enabling more low-rise, medium-density housing across Canberra, these reforms will help create a more balanced, sustainable and inclusive urban landscape that doesn’t require endless urban sprawl and environmental destruction.
While it’s all good in theory, the job is far from done. The ACT’s land is precious. Now more than ever, we must make smart, compact planning decisions that protect nature. The ACT government has not committed to keeping the beautiful Western Edge and core parts of the Eastern Broadacre outside of that boundary, and this must change.
The Western Edge
The commitment to a boundary is, in itself, an achievement, although the placement of that boundary matters enormously. As it stands, the ACT government has not ruled out the placement of this boundary beyond the Western Edge. This is unacceptable.
The “Western Edge” refers to 9,800 ha of undeveloped land to the west of Canberra. Although undeveloped, it is not simply empty but a mosaic of native Australian flora and fauna (including the rare marsupial populations of Dunnart and Antechinus). The ACT government has acknowledged the incredibly biodiverse nature of this region and the importance of its defence in the protection of Bluetts Block, although this is not enough. If the ACT government is sincere in its desire to protect the Australian bushland surrounding Canberra, it must draw the line before the western edge.
What Can We Do?
The ACT Legislative Assembly will call on the government to establish the urban boundary before the 2028 election, and the Territory Plan amendment is due by mid-2027. This means we have time to use our voices and public consultation as a force for good. As Independent MLA Thomas Emerson said:
“It’s on us to make the decision to build our city in a way that brings people together and protects the threatened species that call our territory home.”
We are calling on the ACT Government to unequivocally exclude the Western Edge and Eastern Broadacre from urban sprawl. We will need your help to support this process. Conversing with politicians, engaging in community consultation, and showing public support for planning that puts nature first are all valuable ways of showing your commitment to the protection of Australia’s beautiful environment.
We’ve come too far to let urban sprawl creep any further. The line must be drawn. We must protect the Western Edge.