2025-04-10
The ACT Greens have today secured protections for Bluetts Block, and the need to protect the Western Edge, by the setting of city growth limits – ensuring our bush capital remains naturally beautiful as we continue to build homes for our growing population.
Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens Jo Clay said endless sprawl is not sustainable and that we can balance the rights of the environment and a right to housing with the implementation of an urban growth boundary.
“Homes don't need to come at the expense of the environment. As the bush capital of Australia, we have a responsibility to lead the nation in the fight against climate change and protect our natural environment,” Ms Clay said.
“But construction on the fringes of our city has pushed many people further away from the services they want and need in their neighbourhood – and pushed many native ecosystems into increasingly precarious situations.
“We have 1% of our grasslands left in the region. Government has removed habitat where critically endangered and vulnerable animals live, wombat burrows have been destroyed, and development runoff has degraded our water quality.
“We can’t continue to bulldoze endangered grasslands and woodlands, further push species into extinction, and push people away from the services they need. No one wins this way.”
The motion protects Bluetts Block and also supports the need to preserve farmland as established in the Eastern Broadacre study, which spans from Majura Valley to Hume.
“Canberrans deserve more than piecemeal protections for our environment. The protections secured today for the whole of Bluetts Block and need to protect the Western Edge is a win for our community. It’s a testament to their hard work to keep our environment something future generations can also enjoy.
“All across Australia, our over-development and environmental laws are not protecting our environment. Today the whole of Canberra can be proud to say we have taken action to truly care for our bush capital.”
An urban growth boundary supports the ACT Government’s vision for Canberra to be a compact and efficient city.
“Homes near job, shops, community infrastructure, parks and public transport have a lot of benefits. It encourages active travel to reduce harmful emissions and promotes healthier lifestyle habits and reduces the cost of living,” Ms Clay said.
“Greenfield development costs the ACT Government significantly more than infill as it requires new roads, sewage and stormwater networks, and schools. The average cost to Government in Whitlam is $68,000 per dwelling, compared to $6,500 per dwelling in Woden.
“When density is done well, we will protect green spaces, grasslands and bushland, limit urban sprawl, reduce travel times and car dependency, and ensure we have homes for those who need one.”
The ACT Greens committed to set an urban growth boundary for Canberra in the 2024 election and secured commitment from Labor in a supply and confidence agreement.
“With Greens in the balance of power, we continue to lead the way in the ACT on environment. This is a great outcome for both community and environment being prioritised over unnecessary development,” Ms Clay said.
“We can’t keep paving over our environment. Here in Canberra, the Greens continue to lead the way to protect and restore the environment."