The ACT Government is investigating land to the west of Canberra's metropolitan area as we continue to plan for our city's future. A number of studies are being done over a number of years to identify possible future uses for the land, which may include nature reserves, environmental protection areas and potential urban areas.

Completed investigations

During 2020 and 2021, the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) undertook preliminary environmental, planning, heritage and infrastructure investigations.

These studies have provided an initial understanding of the values of the area and provide the basis for further detailed studies over the coming years.

View completed studies

The Western Edge investigation area was identified for investigation in the 2018 Planning Strategy. In 2020–21 the ACT Government engaged consultants to undertake preliminary background investigations to provide an informed understanding of the area. Further, more detailed environmental investigations are required and are planned to be undertaken.

Please note that these preliminary reports are consultant advice based on their specific focus of engagement. The reports do not represent the ACT Government’s position but will help inform future policy decisions.

Current investigations

The next step is undertaking a Capability and Suitability Assessment of the Western Edge to identify areas that may be suitable for new nature reserves, environmental offsets, heritage conservation, other uses (e.g. rural, broadacre, infrastructure, transport and services) and potential urban settlement. This assessment has started and is expected to be completed late this year. This will lead to further studies.

The current investigation program does not involve any statutory approval process for rezoning, environmental approvals or development. This is the beginning of a long-term planning process over many years for the Western Edge.

As the overall project progresses, community engagement will be undertaken at key stages.

Background

The ACT Planning Strategy set the direction for a sustainable future Canberra. To establish a compact and efficient city, the Planning Strategy included the key target of providing up to 70% of new housing within the existing urban footprint, with the remaining 30% to be delivered as greenfield development. To provide for continuing greenfield development once Gungahlin and Molonglo Valley are developed, the Planning Strategy identified the need to investigate land to the west of Canberra's metropolitan area—the Western Edge.

Specifically, the Planning Strategy's Action 1.2.1 states:

  • Undertake environmental, infrastructure and planning studies for the western edge of the city to identify suitable areas for:
    • potential urban areas (excluding Central Molonglo)
    • nature reserves
    • environmental offset and potential environmental offset areas
    • the consideration of cultural and heritage values
    • other uses, for example rural, broadacre, major infrastructure, transport and services.

Investigations of the Western Edge are needed to provide greater certainty about where future greenfield settlement may occur in the future.

Study Area

The Western Edge investigation area is approximately 9,800 hectares in extent. It is bordered by the Murrumbidgee River, and the existing urban areas of Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Belconnen, as shown on the map below.

Policy plan map

Why is ACT Government conducting investigations into the Western Edge?

The investigations are in response to an action item from the ACT Planning Strategy 2018 and to addresses a recommendation made by the ACT Auditor-General in 'Report No 8/2018 Assembly of rural land west of Canberra'.

Does this mean more development and more houses in the area?

These are preliminary investigations into the Western Edge to assess the suitability of the area for future development. Commonwealth and ACT statutory rezoning and environmental approval processes are not part of the current two-year program of investigations. These approvals would be required in the future before any land use change could occur in the Western Edge area.

How long is the project expected to take?

Funding of $1.15m, over two-years, was made available to EPSDD in the 2019-20 ACT Budget to undertake scoping and preliminary studies to assist in determining the long-term use of the land to the west of Canberra. Beyond this initial two-year program, further funding will be required to undertake more detailed studies. The nature of these more detailed studies will be determined through the current two-year program.