Released 09/06/2026 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is supporting current and future generations of Canberrans to have the opportunity to own their own home.
The Housing Supply and Land Release program (2026-27 to 2030-31) released today, sets out a clear, forward-looking pipeline to increase housing supply.
The program outlines land releases to support close to 26,000 new homes to be built across Canberra over the next five years, alongside land for commercial, community and mixed-use development.
Through a combination of land release, planning reform, and direct investment through the Budget to deliver new public, community, and affordable homes, the Government will enable 30,000 new homes by the end of 2030.
The program is responsive to the Territory's growing population by delivering a mix of housing types, with most new homes being well-located within Canberra’s existing urban footprint, close to jobs, transport, and services.
Growth in greenfield areas including the Molonglo Town Centre and Macnamara is closely linked with the ACT Infrastructure Plan, ensuring new communities are set up to thrive with access to the transport and social infrastructure needed by growing populations in these regions.
Through the staged and consistent program of land release, urban renewal, planning reform, and direct investment, the Government is making it easier for Canberrans to find the home they need. This approach provides certainty to industry, and means supply is planned in a coordinated and sustainable way.
The 2026-27 ACT Budget includes $4.6 million in funding over the next two years that will support planning reform, technical studies and precinct readiness, accelerating housing delivery and maintaining momentum in the housing pipeline.
For more information and to view the latest Housing Supply and Land Release Program visit: https://www.planning.act.gov.au/professionals/land-release-sales/land-release.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
“Boosting housing supply is essential to improving affordability, when supply exceeds demand, prices stabilise and more people can access home ownership and more affordable rentals.
“This is a coordinated economic approach from the Territory Government aligning land release, planning and tax reform, and targeted investment to unlock more housing at scale. We are working with the Commonwealth, industry, community housing partners and universities to remove barriers to supply, including through planning, tax and regulatory reform.
“Reforming planning systems and improving tax settings are critical to accelerating delivery. We are also making approvals faster, supporting more diverse housing options, including student accommodation, and getting land development ready sooner.
“We’re working closely with our universities to expand housing options on and near campuses, helping to meet growing demand for student and academic accommodation and ease pressure on the broader rental market.
“A steady pipeline of housing supports jobs, drives investment and strengthens the ACT economy, while expanding choice for Canberrans. By aligning land, infrastructure and reform, we’re creating the conditions for sustained increases in housing supply in partnership with the private and community sectors.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry:
“This program sets out a clear, long-term plan to release land for close to 26,000 homes across Canberra, helping Government deliver on its commitment to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030.
“In 2026-27 alone, we’re planning to release sites for nearly 4,300 new homes, which will provide opportunities for both stand-alone and housing.
“Importantly, the program also reserves 15 per cent of suitable residential land releases for public, community and affordable housing, which is targeted to deliver nearly 300 of these new homes at sites across Canberra.
“Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. By unlocking more land and enabling the development of thousands of new homes, more Canberrans will have access to housing options that match their lifestyle.”
Quotes attributable to Treasurer and Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development, Chris Steel:
“The Government is enabling 30,000 homes through of land release, planning reform, and delivering more affordable and social housing with the Federal Government.
“The Government is playing a significant role in the housing market by ensuring that there is a direct investment in non-market housing to be delivered by the construction industry over the coming years.
“Planning reforms will unlock thousands of new homes on well-located privately leased land in Canberra over the coming decades.
“Together with a strong program of land release supporting 26,000 homes, this will provide the pipeline of homes our growing city needs.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases