The ACT Greens have successfully negotiated significant changes to the territory's proposed development fast-track scheme, securing inclusion of community housing projects while adding crucial environmental safeguards and a sunset clause that will see the laws expire in 2029.
Balancing Housing Urgency with Environmental Protection
Under the amendments put forward by the Greens and supported by Labor, community housing would join public housing in being exempt from third-party appeals in the ACT's administrative tribunal. However, in a key compromise, the changes include a sunset clause ensuring the removal of public appeal rights does not become permanent.
The legislation is now set to automatically expire at the end of 2029, providing a clear timeframe for the extraordinary measures. Public health facilities have been removed from the automatic territory priority projects scheme entirely under the Greens' changes.
Environmental Oversight Strengthened
The Greens have secured additional environmental protections that require the Conservator of Flora and Fauna and the ACT Heritage Council to sign off on proposals before they can proceed as territory priority projects.
ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay emphasized that her party had secured Labor's support to include community housing in the fast-track scheme. "The ACT government's current level of investment in public housing is not meeting the demand," Ms Clay stated.
"We need proper investment in public housing, in addition to supporting others who are providing affordable, secure homes - community housing providers."
Community Housing Sector Welcomes Changes
YWCA Canberra chief executive Frances Crimmins welcomed the Greens' push to add community housing into the scheme, framing it as a critical response to Canberra's housing crisis.
"Canberrans now face a clear choice: do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods?" Ms Crimmins said.
The amended legislation represents a significant shift from the original bill introduced by Planning Minister Chris Steel in February, which sought to automatically classify public housing and public health facilities as territory priority projects, thereby banning appeals against them.
A parliamentary inquiry in May had previously recommended against passing the laws in their original form, citing concerns about limited oversight and lack of evidence for their necessity. The committee had instead suggested allowing priority project declarations for individual public, social and community housing proposals.
The Greens committed to working with Labor to develop amendments that would allow the legislation to pass while addressing environmental and community concerns. The Legislative Assembly is scheduled to consider the amended bill during its final sitting days for the year in early December.
