Greater Canberra is aware that a protest was held today to oppose a proposed mixed-use development in the Gungahlin Town Centre on the corner of Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Gribble Street.
Protest leaders argue the project - which includes 11 parking spots and 45 accommodation units - will have unacceptable impacts on local parking. These claims are nonsense. The project is in an ideal location for access to public transport and amenities. It is less than a 10 minute walk from the light rail, the bus interchange, and multiple shopping centres.
Unnecessary parking makes developments much more expensive and less sustainable, especially in locations like the Gungahlin Town Centre that have excellent public transport connectivity. Developments that embrace public and active transport mean more customers for the many local businesses that rely on foot traffic.
The tiny turnout at today’s protest suggests that these misguided concerns are not the issues that are top of mind for most Canberrans.
Thankfully, the development application has already been approved, and is not subject to potential nuisance lawsuits due to its location in the Gungahlin Town Centre. Many other projects in this city - including much-needed public and community housing developments - are not so lucky. It is a sad fact of our ACT planning laws that they recognise the rights of well-off existing residents to hold up new housing and community facilities at the expense of future Canberrans.
As we approach the 2024 ACT election, we call on all candidates to distance themselves from misguided NIMBY talking points and car-centric urban sprawl, and instead embrace planning policies that will deliver abundant housing and a more sustainable, liveable city for all Canberrans.
The above statement is attributable to Greater Canberra.
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About Greater Canberra
Greater Canberra is a community advocacy group committed to affordable and high-quality housing in Canberra. We believe in a future where housing is abundant, and where everyone can enjoy a more sustainable and liveable city. For more information, see https://greatercanberra.org.