More than 1000 new homes a step closer with East Lake precinct

The ACT Government has released a final place plan for the East Lake precinct today providing a new vision for more housing in Canberra’s inner-south.

“The plan has been developed after extensive consultation and expert advice through technical assessments and site investigations,” said Minister for Planning Chris Steel.

“This final piece of important documentation brings our city a step closer to securing more housing, community services, parks and additional infrastructure.

“As one of the fastest growing jurisdictions in the country, it’s a critical that we address the issue of housing supply head-on. This will be accomplished by providing both by new and diverse housing options to meet the needs of all Canberrans.”

The first major plan amendment for the East Lake precinct under the new interim Territory Plan is also being released for public comment.

The amendment proposes changes to The Causeway area to facilitate the first stages of renewal in the area with the potential for between 1,200 and 1,500 new homes.

“In addition to this substantial housing investment plan, we’re also examining opportunities for a new Canberra Railway Station which could be redeveloped as a mixed-use transport hub,” said Minister Steel.

“The Plan includes improved links within the East Lake area to surrounding suburbs by introducing new streets, cycle and pedestrian pathways.

“Other actions include the development of the existing Fyshwick CIT campus as a future innovation precinct and exploring different recreational uses of the former landfill site.”

East Lake is identified as an area of change within the Inner South District Strategy and the place plan is delivering on the key directions set out in the strategy.

The Draft Plan Amendment for East Lake released today is the first step in realising the vision outlined in the East Lake Place Plan. It focuses on The Causeway Area as the first area in the East Lake for land release by the 2025-26 financial year.

“There will be plenty of opportunities in the broader East Lake area for business, light industry and education, and I thank everyone that had their say in the extensive consultation on the place plan. There is a bright future for residents and businesses in the area,” said Minister Steel.

Some of the changes that are being proposed within the draft amendment include:

  1. Zoning changes such as the introduction of a mixed-use residential zone
  2. Introducing new measures to mitigate potential impacts to the environmental values in the area including the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Lake Burley Griffin
  3. Providing community and recreational facilities, including an early childhood education and care facility and a linear park which will include water sensitive urban design measure.

/Public Release. View in full here.