The Property Council of Australia stands as the leading advocate and largest employer for the nation’s most significant industry. In the ACT, the property sector is the cornerstone of economic strength, directly contributing over $4.5 billion and supporting an additional $2.1 billion indirectly. With one in seven jobs tied to property, this sector is the driving force behind Canberra’s ongoing success.
In 2021–22, the property sector generated nearly $800 million of the ACT Government’s $1.8 billion in tax revenue—amounting to almost 45%. As we look towards the future, the prosperity of ‘Tomorrow’s Canberra’ will be built on the continued success of property, development, and the built environment.
Canberra is set to experience a population surge of nearly 60%, growing from 453,000 to 784,000 by 2060. The upcoming October 2024 election is a pivotal moment to establish the policy and financial groundwork needed for this growth.
But this goes beyond numbers—it’s about seizing the moment to create a Canberra that future generations will be proud to call home. We have the chance to craft a thriving environment for our children, and theirs, and to build a lasting legacy.
The Property Council of Australia, with the strength of our 2,500 members nationwide, is at the forefront of this effort. Our members have outlined a strategic plan focused on housing, balanced taxation, vibrancy, sustainability, and infrastructure.
Our Key Actions for a Stronger ACT:
Housing Solutions: Placing the property sector at the heart of housing affordability and accessibility.
Sustainability: Implementing smart policies for a sustainable, energy-efficient, all-electric city.
Infrastructure: Delivering essential transport and event infrastructure to support city growth.
Revitalising Civic: Bringing vibrancy back to Canberra’s heart and restoring its capital status.
Tax Reform: Advocating for a fairer, more balanced tax regime.
Resources
Media Releases
Industry Welcomes Ministry Focus on Housing and InfrastructureÂ
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the housing and infrastructure focus of the new ACT Ministry announced today, saying it demonstrated a renewed commitment to deliver the infrastructure, housing, and planning reforms needed for Tomorrow’s Canberra.Â
ACT Property Council Welcomes New Government, Calls for Urgent Action
The ACT Property Council today welcomed the newly elected ACT Government, calling for an urgent focus on delivering key commitments related to housing and property.
Faster Train Service Will Boost Canberra’s Economy, Quality of Life
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement of a planned post-election partnership between the ACT and NSW Labor Governments to improve train travel between Canberra and Sydney, including a major redevelopment of Canberra Railway Station.Â
Call for Planning Overhaul to Support Housing Supply
The Property Council of Australia is calling on the next ACT Government to urgently address delays in the planning process that are slowing down development approvals and the supply of new homes, making it harder to get housing projects off the ground in Canberra.
Electric Dreams Key to Canberra’s Sustainable Future
The next ACT Government must work more closely with the property sector to put Canberra in pole position to become Australia’s first all-electric city, according to the Property Council of Australia.Â
Bold Housing Plans Welcome, Caution Needed on Kowen Forest
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed key aspects of the Canberra Liberals’ housing plan, with a special nod to the commitment to enable separate titles on RZ1 blocks over 800 square metres – a significant win for the property sector’s advocacy ahead of the election.