Two significant ACT health projects, the Inner South Health Centre and the Northside Hospital Project have formally been declared Territory Priority Projects (TPPs) by the Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development.
These are the first Territory Priority Projects declared under the new Planning Act 2023, a process that is designed to expedite the development of significant infrastructure and facilities that benefit the community.
This joint declaration delivers on the ACT Government's commitment to provide modern, accessible health infrastructure to meet the needs of Canberra's growing population.
Northside Hospital Project
The Northside Hospital Project, located at Bruce Section 1 Block 4, will deliver a modern, integrated hospital with expanded emergency, surgical and inpatient services. The Northside Hospital Project includes early and enabling works to prepare the site, including the realignment of services, relocation of CAMHS, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services, and a childcare centre, as well as associated demolition.
Feedback received through public consultation on the TPP, which occurred in November 2025, raised matters such project scope, parking and potential construction impacts.
All feedback was considered prior to the joint declaration and will be responded to through the development application process, which will be subject to further consultation.
Inner South Health Centre
The Inner South Health Centre proposal at Blocks 33, 34 and 39 Section 78, located behind the local shops in Griffith, will provide services including oral health, pathology collection, post‑acute care, rapid access clinics and chronic disease management.
A Draft Major Plan Amendment (DPA‑06) proposing rezoning to Community Facility Zone to enable development of the health centre has also now been referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Planning for consideration.
Feedback received through public consultation on the TPP and DPA-06 for the Inner South Health Centre, which occurred over October and November 2025, raised matters such as parking, traffic management, building design and services.
All feedback was considered prior to the joint declaration and the matters raised will be responded to through the development application process, which will be subject to further consultation should the major plan amendment be approved by the Legislative Assembly.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said that the TPP declaration demonstrates the Governments focus on securing community access to vital health infrastructure as quickly as possible.
"These projects reflect our commitment to expanding and modernising both community-based and acute health services across the Territory," Minister Stephen‑Smith said.
"Both of these new facilities will make it easier for Canberrans to access care close to home, support our existing network of hospitals and community health centres, and help ensure the health system can meet the needs of a growing city.
"I want to thank all Canberrans who provided feedback, and I look forward to updating the community as planning and design for both projects progresses."
Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development Chris Steel said the declarations reflect strong community need and the importance of timely delivery.
"We've carefully considered all feedback received during consultation and we are satisfied that these projects meet the criteria in the Planning Act and represent a significant benefit to the people of the ACT," Minister Steel said.
"Declaration of these projects as Territory Priorities simply provides greater certainty that construction of significant infrastructure can proceed without delay if approval is granted.
"There has been sufficient consultation with the public, and Conservator of Flora and Fauna and the ACT Heritage Council, they achieve a government policy outcome, and there is alignment with relevant planning strategies.
"The community will be able to provide their comments on the projects again once development applications are notified, as part of the independent planning assessment process led by the Territory Planning Authority."
The Territory Planning Priority Declarations for the two projects and more information on the declaration process are available on the ACT Planning website at Territory Priority Project - City and Environment Directorate - Planning.
