Property Council welcomes CSIRO Ginninderra acquisition as major housing supply milestone

Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the acquisition marked the culmination of years of advocacy from across the development sector to bring the strategically located site into public ownership and prepare it for future residential development.

“The acquisition of the Ginninderra East site is a major win for Canberra’s future and an important step towards addressing the Territory’s housing supply challenge,” Ms Berry said.

“This is one of the most significant housing-enabling land transactions in the ACT in recent years and demonstrates what can be achieved when governments work together to unlock supply.

“For years, the Property Council has argued this is exactly the type of well-located urban land that should be brought forward to support new housing, including social and affordable homes.

“This site represents a rare opportunity to masterplan a brand-new community within Canberra’s existing urban footprint, close to established infrastructure, services and employment centres.”

The 243-hectare Ginninderra East site is expected to accommodate more than 3,000 homes, including around 15 per cent affordable, community and public housing, and has long been identified as one of the ACT’s most significant future housing opportunities.

Ms Berry said the commitment to deliver around 15 per cent affordable, community and public housing across the precinct was a positive step towards improving housing choice for Canberrans.

“Canberra needs more housing of every type and tenure, and this project provides an opportunity to increase supply across the market while supporting those most in need of affordable housing options,” she said.

Ms Berry said the acquisition should now be followed by a clear roadmap for delivery, infrastructure planning and engagement with the private sector to ensure homes can be brought to market as quickly as possible.

“Securing the land is an important milestone, but it’s only the first step,” she said.

“The challenge now is turning this land acquisition into housing outcomes. That means timely planning, infrastructure coordination and a clear pathway to bringing homes to market.

“We need a genuine partnership between government, industry and the community to deliver a new precinct that sets the benchmark for housing choice, affordability and sustainability.”

Ms Berry said the site offered a unique opportunity to increase housing supply while showcasing innovative urban planning and environmentally sustainable development outcomes.

“This precinct has the potential to become a model for how Canberra grows in the decades ahead, delivering much-needed housing while creating a connected, liveable community that reflects the best of contemporary city-building.

“With careful master planning, it can highlight best-practice sustainability, transport connections, housing diversity and community design while helping meet Canberra’s long-term housing needs.

“We congratulate the ACT Government, the Commonwealth Government and CSIRO on reaching this agreement and look forward to working with all stakeholders on the planning and delivery of a new community that supports Canberra’s housing future.”