The Property Council of Australia says the ACT Government's 2026-27 to 2030-31 Housing Supply and Land Release Program, released today, puts partnership with the private sector, planning reform, and investment certainty at the heart of housing delivery in Canberra.
Property Council ACT and Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the Program was an important shift in recognising the role industry must play in addressing Canberra's housing challenges.
"For the first time, we're seeing clear recognition throughout the Housing Supply and Land Release Program that the private sector is central to delivering the homes Canberra needs," Ms Berry said.
"The Program outlines land releases to support close to 26,000 new homes to be built across Canberra over the next five years, as part of a broader strategy to enable 30,000 homes by 2030, as well as commercial, community and mixed-use developments.
"It's a mature and realistic understanding of how housing will actually be delivered in Canberra – recognising government doesn't build the overwhelming majority of homes – industry does."
Ms Berry said the Government should be commended for publishing a clear, forward pipeline of land release that provides greater visibility to industry and helps support long-term investment decisions.
"We're seeing genuine momentum around housing reform in the ACT and that is encouraging.
"The stronger focus on Missing Middle housing, urban infill, transit-oriented development and delivering housing close to jobs, transport and services reflects many of the reforms Property Council ACT has consistently advocated for.
"The Government understands housing supply isn't just about announcing targets – it needs feasibility, certainty and a planning system that supports delivery.
"A clear and consistent pipeline is critical to maintaining confidence across the development sector to make sure projects can be planned, financed and delivered over time."
Ms Berry said, however, that identifying land and housing opportunities is only the beginning of the process.
"A land release program is the first step, not the finish line.
"The critical next phase is ensuring this land is actually released to market, sold efficiently, and that the projects stack up from a feasibility perspective once developers factor in construction costs, planning delays, taxes, charges and financing costs."
While welcoming the broader housing reform direction, Ms Berry said the Program highlights the need for balanced long-term city planning, particularly around industrial and employment land.
"While the Program includes land for commercial and mixed-use development, the absence of any industrial land pipeline remains a concern for industry," Ms Berry said.
"Canberra cannot plan for housing in isolation.
"As our population grows, we also need industrial, logistics, warehousing, service and employment lands to support businesses, workers and everyday city operations.
"A growing city needs an integrated approach – aligning land release, infrastructure delivery and planning reform to support complete communities," she said.
