‘Not in our backyard’: Why Canberra’s newest housing projects face fierce community pushback—both sides explained

Plans to replace a strip of low-rise shops on Hibberson Street in Gungahlin with a ten-storey apartment complex have sparked a new wave of community opposition, igniting a broader debate over Canberra’s development trajectory and intensifying pressure on the territory’s planning authorities.

The stalemate over the Gungahlin proposal, lodged in late June by Greenpoint Developments, comes as the ACT government faces mounting calls to address chronic housing shortages and spiralling prices—yet finds itself tangling with residents determined to protect local character and green space. The stakes are visible not just in rapidly expanding fringe precincts, but also along the established boulevards of Belconnen, where similar rezoning bids have drawn evening crowds to Knox Street’s community hall.

‘Enough is enough’: Residents rally against high rises

At the heart of the tug-of-war is a 214-apartment project earmarked for the north side of Gungahlin’s town centre. Local group Our Gungahlin has gathered more than 1,400 signatures urging the government to halt what they describe as “tower block creep”. The campaign recalls a similar fight two years ago in Belconnen’s Emu Bank precinct, where longtime residents objected to shadowing and traffic risks—worries echoed by Peter Yu, president of the Belconnen Community Council, who says infill is often “out of step with community needs.”

The pressure isn’t limited to residential towers. In Dickson, Save Our Shops has repeatedly lobbied against major commercial developments along Northbourne Avenue, arguing that large projects risk squeezing out small businesses and altering suburban rhythms. With the ACT government’s Planning and Land Authority aiming for around 70% of new dwellings to be built via urban infill rather than greenfield expansion, the clash is only set to intensify.

Developers, planners cite housing crisis and public interest

On the other side of the fence, developers and housing advocates point to the territory’s record-low vacancy rate—sitting at 1.1% according to figures from Domain for June 2026—or the fact that ACT median house prices have reached roughly $835,000. “We need both affordability and supply,” says Canberra Property Council executive director Adam Leech in a recent policy paper, which highlights how more than 5,400 new homes are required annually to meet population growth through the rest of the decade.

Proponents of higher-density living highlight the benefits for public infrastructure, public transport patronage, and energy efficiency. Several recent projects—including the reimagined Belconnen Markets precinct on Lathlain Street—promise green spaces and mixed-use designs as part of their proposals. But critics remain wary, citing perceived shortfalls in past projects’ community facilities and public transport capacity. The ongoing transformation of Northbourne Avenue, following completion of Light Rail Stage 1, has drawn both praise and criticism for its impact on neighbourhood identity and congestion.

While 65% of residential auctions were cleared across Canberra last weekend—a healthy figure by historical standards—the surge in off-the-plan listings points to growing developer interest even as local opposition churns. In a recent survey conducted by the Gungahlin Community Council, 74% of respondents said they felt excluded from meaningful input on key proposals, stoking frustration under the reformed Territory Plan implemented in March this year.

The next flashpoint comes at a public consultation on July 15 at the Gungahlin Library, where the latest concept plans will be on display, and officials from Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) will answer questions. Residents can also lodge feedback through the EPSDD’s consultation portal until July 21. For buyers keen on new developments, property experts urge careful due diligence on amenity provision, future infrastructure, and owner corporation fees. For governments and developers alike, the message from Canberra’s neighbourhoods is clear: ignore community voices at your peril—but do nothing, and the capital’s housing gridlock only worsens.