“Horses have their own light rail stop” while there’s a desperate need for more homes in central areas, says ACT Greens Leader and government minister Shane Rattenbury. 

In his reply to the ACT government’s budget, he says bold and transformative ideas are needed to tackle the housing crisis and make Canberra a truly liveable city.

“The concept plans we’re releasing today lay out our vision for the current site of the racecourse, and it’s an example of our vision for the whole city: investing directly in public housing, connecting communities with great public transport, improving the health of the local environment and stopping endless urban sprawl.

“Labor and the Liberals would be content with the racing industry making millions from some luxury properties on that site, but the Greens want to deliver maximum community benefit – thousands of homes, a school, great community facilities, and revenue the government can reinvest in this community.”

The Greens’ concept master plan for the land bounded by the Barton Highway, Northbourne Avenue and Flemington Road includes:

• 4200 – 5000 homes, including 540 public and community homes, a Common Ground social housing development, and a retirement village, with the suburb to house a total of around 10,000 people
• New P-10 school and early learning centre
• Health facility, such as the Greens’ free bulk-billed GP clinic
• Community hall, town square and art studio space
• Environment community hub with subsidised rent to host services like a repair cafe, recycling hub and community pantry
• Shared parks, community gardens and a microforest
• Re-naturalised Sullivans Creek to become a haven for wildlife, and a walking and riding corridor
• Fully walkable neighbourhood with pedestrian-oriented streets
• Shops, restaurants, retail and commercial offices
• Maximising use of existing Light Rail stops opposite EPIC and Phillip Avenue.