Today, the ACT Government has released the 2024 State of the Environment Report, showcasing the dire need for legislated city limits to stop environmental destruction.
ACT Greens Spokesperson for Planning, Jo Clay said the report underscored a desperate need for the ACT Planning Minister to build housing without destroying the environment.
“This report shows that between 1991 and 2016, the ACT’s footprint grew by 57%, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down,” Ms Clay said.
“The Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment has herself said that the ACT’s rapid urban expansion must be stopped.
“Canberra has nearly the same footprint as Sydney, with a fraction of the population. This irresponsible and destructive way of development must stop.
“Labor and the Liberals, are making it seem like we can only choose one: houses or the environment.
“But mature cities can manage a growing population by building within their existing limits.
“If we build more houses in the places we already live, we can deliver quality homes for Canberrans.
“Even better, we can do it faster without destroying the homes of animals and plants in the process.
“By pitting housing and the environment against each other, Labor continues to ultimately neglect both.
“In a climate crisis, we can’t just keep bulldozing our precious natural environment to build suburbs on the outskirts of town.
“Building on the outskirts of our city sets Canberrans up to fail. It deliver expensive infrastructure, poor services and long car commutes.
“A liveable city means a more compact, connected and convenient city with more options that suit more people.
