The ACT Government's 2025-26 Budget offers stability in uncertain times, balancing fiscal discipline with investment in critical services, but the challenge remains to deliver real outcomes, the Property Council of Australia said today.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director, Ashlee Berry, said the Budget sets a pragmatic course forward - one that could have been much worse given the cost pressures - but the focus now needs to turn to implementation.
"This is the Budget we had to have," Ms Berry said.
"It's steady, it's cautious, and it gives us the right foundations - but now we need to get to work."
The Budget confirms rate increases for both residential and commercial property which will affect both households and businesses.
"No one likes price rises - but this could have been more aggressive. The pressure on owners and tenants is real and the Government will need to be transparent about how this revenue supports long term economic resilience," Ms Berry said.
Ms Berry said the Budget maintained commitments to major infrastructure - including previously announced funding for the Convention Centre precinct, the Canberra Theatre development and ongoing light rail investment - with continued allocations for critical projects like the stadium.
On housing, the Budget backs in recent zoning reforms and sets the stage for more housing choice across Canberra.
"The Government should be congratulated for taking positive steps on planning reform and housing diversity. But the next step must be delivery," she said.
"We need to stand up the new Directorates and put delivery systems in place - and we'd again urge the Government to consider a dedicated ACT Housing Taskforce, modelled on the successful NSW approach, to unblock approvals and get homes underway.
"In NSW, a coordinated taskforce helped move more than 30,000 homes in just six months. We need that same delivery focus here in Canberra," Ms Berry said.
"We welcome continued funding for affordable and community housing but note the absence of reforms to the Lease Variation Charge or any new investment levers to support project viability in the private market," Ms Berry said.
"Canberra's economy is growing, our population is rising, and housing affordability is worsening. The path forward is clear - it's time to turn plans into homes," she said.
