Western edge investigation

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.

The Government has not decided if any development will happen in the WEIA.

The current studies do not include approvals for rezoning, environmental checks, or building work. This is the start of a long-term planning process that will take many years.

As the project moves forward, the community will be asked for input at key stages.

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.

Completed investigations

During 2020 and 2021, the ACT Government 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 (WEIA) was identified for investigation in the 2018 Planning Strategy. The ACT Government engaged consultants to undertake preliminary background investigations to provide an informed understanding of the area. Further, more detailed environmental investigations are planned to be undertaken as required.

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 including placement of a future urban growth boundary.

Current investigations
  • Western Edge Utility Options Study
  • Traffic Impact Assessment
  • Social Needs Assessment
  • Economic and Market Analysis
  • Ecological Values and Constraints Assessment

Urban Growth Boundary

On 10 April 2025, the Legislative Assembly passed measures to protect the Western Edge and Eastern Broadacre area and to set an urban growth boundary.

The resolution says that in setting the boundary, we should consider land with environmental value, future land needs, protecting the Western Edge, and keeping farmland in the Eastern Broadacre area. The studies in the WEIA will help inform where the urban growth boundary should go.

Learn more about the urban growth boundary Resolution.

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 (Action 1.2.1 ) identified the need to study the western edge of the city to find the best areas for different uses. These include possible new urban areas, nature reserves, land for environmental offsets, places with cultural or heritage value, and other uses like farming, 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.

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?

There has been no Government decision made as to whether any development will proceed in the WEIA.

These are preliminary investigations into the Western Edge to assess the suitability of the area for future development to inform future Government decisions. 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 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 was made available in the 2024-25 ACT Budget to undertake more detailed studies. Planning studies are important in understanding the area, and these will take several years to complete, to support informed and considered assessment of the area. Community engagement will be undertaken at key stages as the overall project progresses.