Statement pursuant to Standing Order 246A

Mr Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 246A, I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Environment and Planning in relation to E-PET-005-26 and PET-011-26 concerning Draft Amendment 102 to the National Capital Plan – Hume Circle Precinct (Staffordshire Terrace).

These petitions were referred to the Environment and Planning Committee on 5 February 2026 and relate to the National Capital Authority’s proposal to amend the National Capital Plan to enable the renewal and redevelopment of the Hume Circle precinct in Canberra’s inner south.

The proposal has generated significant community interest, regarding the scale of proposed densification, the capacity of existing infrastructure, traffic and safety impacts, potential effects on residents and local amenity, and the adequacy of consultation undertaken.

After careful consideration of the petitions and the Government’s response, the Committee has resolved not to undertake a formal inquiry into the matter at this time given that this Committee has no authority to recommend or direct the National Capital Authority and has no role in the statutory process for National Capital Authority land and decisions. However, the Committee considers that the matters raised by petitioners warrant further examination and are of high interest to the people of Canberra.

Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to seek a briefing from the National Capital Authority on Draft Amendment 102 and its plans for renewal of Hume Circle Precinct, as well as on other NCA projects that have significant implications for the ACT and its residents.

The Committee will report back to the Assembly on the outcome of this briefing in due course.