2026-04-30
The ACT Greens have long pushed for 'missing middle' housing that works for people and the planet. Today's committee report is the next step in that journey.
We have long advocated for both an increase in density and the establishment of an urban growth boundary in Canberra. We took these policies to the last election and we are pleased to see the Government adopt them in principle.
"The ACT Greens have consistently argued that we can build more homes in existing suburbs while protecting our valuable environment. That means introducing new types of dwellings that give the community more choice – townhouses, low-rise units, terraces – and putting those homes close to jobs, public transport, community facilities and open space. The 18 recommendations tabled today prove it's possible," said ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay.
"In 2023, I called on the Assembly to move forward with missing middle initiatives – because Canberrans deserve better housing choice and environmental protection than the status quo has been delivering. Had we moved then, we could have had the first missing middle housing built by now.
"In 2025, the Greens secured Government commitment to set an urban growth boundary to prevent needless sprawl. The Government is progressing studies to establish a boundary, but we need to progress more quickly on this," said Ms Clay.
"Canberrans have been loud and clear for years: they want more housing choice close to the things they need. And they want to stay true to our roots as the bush capital."
Key recommendations include tracking and mitigating cumulative impacts on Canberra's urban forest and tree canopy; more public, community and affordable housing; better services alongside densification; heat bank impact accountability; open space; and protecting neighbourhood character.
Read the full report.