A LAND ballot at Macnamara has been inundated with more than 7400 applications for just 51 blocks, triggering renewed calls for more housing supply in the capital.

The suburb, located in the Belconnen region west of Strathnairn, saw thousands of hopeful Canberrans competing for the land, with successful buyers participating in block selection over the weekend (June 25-26).

It follows more than 8000 applications made for 71 blocks also in the Ginninderry suburb earlier this year, as well as more than 12,000 applications for 101 blocks in a land ballot at Whitlam.

Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee said the influx of applications is a sign that Canberrans are not being given the opportunity to own their own home.

“Canberrans want and deserve choice when it comes to housing options but at the moment the dream of owning a home is slipping away for so many because Labor and the Greens have no interest in providing that genuine choice,” said Ms Lee.

Her comments follow an announcement from Planning Minister Mick Gentleman yesterday regarding the release of preliminary studies into a new residential development on Canberra’s western edge.

It comes as part of the government’s plans to release 4171 blocks over the next five years.

“Our aim is for 70 per cent of new housing to be developed within our existing urban area and 30 per cent on greenfield sites, like those along the western edge of Canberra,” Minister Gentleman said.

“Sustainable growth depends on the careful balancing of our need for more homes with environment, heritage, planning, transport and infrastructure considerations.”

But Ms Lee says the government’s 70 per cent infill agenda is designed to push Canberrans into apartments.

“Land release ballots over the last 12 months indicate that is not what the community wants,” said Ms Lee.

“Again, we see 7400 people competing for just 51 blocks of land which clearly indicates there is not enough being provided in the ACT.”