Canberra Liberals label Barr’s zoning changes an ‘unambitious copy’

Shadow Minister for Planning and Land Management, Peter Cain, has labelled the Chief Minister’s zoning changes as an “unambitious copy” of Canberra Liberals’ policy.

Referring to his party’s 2020 ACT election commitment, which would have allowed separately titled dual occupancies on RZ1 blocks over 800m², Mr Cain criticised the plan to restrict second dwellings to 120m².

“This policy is nothing more than a failed attempt by the ACT Labor-Greens government to copy our policy from the last election. Their policy however does not go far enough to deliver much needed housing outcomes for Canberrans,” Mr Cain said.

“Allowing dual occupancies on eligible blocks is a no-brainer to create respectful infill without destroying the character of the suburbs.

“However, the Chief Minister is attempting to find the silver bullet for housing affordability by producing an unambitious copy of established Liberal policy.

“There are blocks across Canberra that extend well over a quarter of an acre, yet under the government’s policy, the owner would be limited to constructing a 120m² second dwelling.”

“A 120m² granny flat is not the silver bullet to fix housing affordability, provide broader housing choice and increase urban infill in Canberra.

“The Labor-Greens government want to be seen to be solving housing despite the fact that they have for a long time controlled all of the measures which have resulted in Canberra’s current housing affordability crisis and poor planning outcomes.

“Labor and the Greens are trying to have their cake and eat it too.

“The Canberra Liberals are committed to pursuing effective policies that address housing affordability and increase housing choice, while also preserving the Bush Capital and Garden City characteristics of our city,” Mr Cain concluded.