The Western Edge Investigation Area
Expanding Canberra’s urban footprint to the west of the city is not sustainable development. Any development that takes place must not happen at the expense of natural values.
In the ACT we are privileged to enjoy a rich natural landscape and vibrant city simultaneously. However, we are challenged by the increasing pressures of a growing population, and the associated demands for housing and services.
The ACT Government has flagged plans for the Territory’s urban footprint to expand to the west of the city which will destroy a number of natural areas and increase the city’s ecological impact.
Bordered by the Murrumbidgee River and the regions of Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Belconnen, the landscape of the Western Edge is home to some of the ACT’s most significant natural places.
Ecological values of the Western Edge
Canberra’s Western Edge has been identified as having significant environmental value. Bluetts Block – Piney Ridge, a site that sits mostly within the western edge, represents the important conservation values in the area and highlights the huge risks associated with continuing urban sprawl.
Bluett’s Block-Piney Ridge should become a nature reserve. Importantly, protection of this site alone will not protect all of the natural value of the western edge.
If development of Canberra’s Western Edge proceeds, there needs to be a full environmental assessment to identify areas of environmental value and significance. There should also be swift action to manage the conservation value of the area. Some investigation is already underway, you can find preliminary ACT Government investigation into the Western Edge here.
Canberra is Australia’s second least dense city. As we respond to increased population pressure, strengthening our commitment to urban infill will reduce pressure on natural ecosystems.
High quality urban development must be accompanied by a commitment to diversifying medium density housing options to provide better choices for the community.
Urban greenspace will help to build resilience against the impacts of climate change, enhance connectivity across the urban landscape, and deliver quality-of-life benefits to the community. Green space, trees and shrubs provide vital refuge for wildlife and pollinators across the urban landscape, cool the urban environment, and slow urban water flows.
Latest News
New Planning Laws Need a Stronger Focus on Climate and Nature
Planning laws must have a stronger emphasis on preventing carbon emissions, preparing our city for the impacts of climate change over the next decades, and the protection of nature in and around our urban areas.
Canberra’s Western Edge: the new urban development frontier
Bordered by the Murrumbidgee River and the regions of Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Belconnen, the “Western Edge” refers to 9,800 ha of undeveloped land to the west of Canberra. Much of the area is made up of rural leasehold land whose purchase by the Suburban Land Agency in 2015 garnered much public interest. Despite, at the time, stating that there were no plans for the land to be developed for 20-30 years, the 2021 Budget announcement indicates that early planning studies are afoot.
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