Canberra’s newest northern residential pocket will take shape across 240 hectares of former CSIRO agricultural land, where 3,000 homes are slated for development between Belconnen and Gungahlin, region.com.au reported.
The ACT Government acquired the site for $385 million in July, representing slightly more than a third of the broader 700-hectare holding.
Planning authorities are asking residents to help shape the major plan amendment that will govern Ginninderra East. The consultation process, which runs until December 17, invites feedback on necessary community infrastructure, local shops, walking and cycling connections, and the preservation of natural assets.
While the overall development footprint, urban density scale, and protected nature reserve boundaries are already locked in, the community has a direct line to influence what happens on the former Ginninderra Police Station site. At least 15 per cent of the total housing yield must be dedicated to affordable housing, encompassing both public and community housing.
Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Chris Steel emphasized the rarity of the planning undertaking. “This is a rare opportunity to plan and design new suburbs close to an established part of Canberra and we want the community’s input,” he said, according to region.com.au.
Suburban Land Agency CEO Adam Davey said the project offers an opportunity to build a connected and sustainable neighborhood. “We’d like people to imagine themselves in Ginninderra East in the future and to share their ideas about what would make it a great place to live, work and spend time,” he stated, as reported by region.com.au.
The site’s housing mix—including the specific ratio of detached dwellings versus townhouses and apartments—is excluded from this consultation phase. Instead, the dialogue focuses strictly on public amenities, recreational ovals, parks, and active travel routes across the Barton Highway corridor.
According to Canberra CityNews, the north-west Canberra project will accommodate roughly 3,000 residences alongside a designated school site, commercial spaces, and community facilities.
Residents can participate through a survey hosted on the YourSay website, by registering interest for the Ginninderra East Community Panel, or by attending upcoming public information sessions.
Pop-up consultation events are scheduled across the region, beginning in Charnwood on November 19, moving to Casey on November 20, and concluding at Gold Creek on December 6, before submissions close on December 17.
