ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the final draft reform package reflects many of the recommendations put forward by the Property Council and its members during consultation.
"This is a big win for housing choice in the ACT and a clear example of government and industry working together to deliver meaningful reform," Ms Berry said.
"We strongly support the government's decision to press ahead with these reforms, and we're pleased to see so many of our priorities reflected in the final draft package – from clearer design guidance to more flexible subdivision rules," she said.
"Importantly, we urge all members of the Legislative Assembly to recognise both the urgency of the housing crisis and the depth, breadth and quality of consultation already undertaken on these reforms - there's no time to waste and no need for any further deliberation or inquiry," she said.
The revised policy allows for more townhouses, duplexes, row houses and low-rise apartments to be built in areas previously limited to detached homes. It also includes updates to the Missing Middle Housing Design Guide and Territory Plan to support good design.
"This is the most significant modernisation of Canberra's residential zoning in decades – it offers the chance finally to unlock the potential of thousands of underutilised blocks," Ms Berry said.
"Allowing subdivision before construction, clarifying solar protections and recognising diverse block sizes are practical changes that will make it easier for Canberrans to deliver more homes."
While the reforms build on the Property Council's Unlocking 60,000 Homes report released last year, which showed zoning reform could deliver more than half of the ACT's infill housing needs to 2060, Ms Berry warned zoning reform alone won't fix the Territory's housing supply issues.
"This must be the start of a new chapter, not the end. With building approvals at record lows and housing starts down more than 50 per cent in just two years, we need to focus now on delivery."
The Property Council has called for a formal monitoring framework to track how many new homes are approved, started and completed under the reforms, alongside practical changes to planning processes and economic settings.
"This is a huge and positive step, and we look forward to working with government to make these reforms work in practice – and to help deliver the homes, infrastructure and vibrant communities our growing city needs," Ms Berry said.
