New residential development along Canberra’s western edge is possible following this week’s release of preliminary environmental and planning studies.

Planning has been underway since 2020 and provides initial insights into air quality, site contamination, cultural heritage, bushfire risk, ecological and environmental factors, along with other opportunities and limitations.

Known as the western edge, the 9,800-hectare area borders the Murrumbidgee River and Belconnen, Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek, and Kambah.

ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said sustainable urban growth is the government’s focus.

“Our aim is for 70 per cent of new housing to be developed within our existing urban area and 30 per cent of greenfield sites, like those along the western edge of Canberra,” Mr Gentleman said.

“Sustainable growth depends on the careful balancing of our need for more homes with environment, heritage, planning, transport, and infrastructure considerations.

“Our commitment to a compact, accessible, liveable Canberra means our new suburbs will need good access to town centres, jobs and public transport, as well as the potential for social infrastructure such a schools, shops and community facilities.”

Mr Gentleman said that protecting biodiversity, mitigating the risk of bushfires, storms, and other natural risks, and minimising emissions are also “key drivers in decision-making”.

“Identifying new areas for development takes careful planning and these studies are the first step in a significant process,” he said.

“To make sure any potential risk of harm to people, animals or the environment can be effectively managed on a greenfield site, longitudinal research is needed. For example, changes in flora and fauna activity or waterflows need to be monitored across different seasons and then verified in comparison to previous years.

“Research into the potential for residential development in the western edge area will still take some time yet. This needs to happen before any decision can be made about where development might be feasible or what that development would look like. Nonetheless, these studies are an important step forward in planning and preparing housing options for Canberrans.”

To see the western edge planning studies, visit the EPSDD website.

Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.