The ACT Government is building 30 new public housing properties in Yarralumla, providing modern, energy-efficient and fit-for-purpose homes to support Canberrans who need it the most.
The one, two and three-bedroom units will be built on the site of the former Minimbah Court public housing complex, which was built in the 1950s and were not suitable for people to live in.
Demolition of the former complex will start soon to enable construction to start on the new properties, with completion expected at the end of 2027.
The development will cover 3,000 square metres across two storeys and three buildings, featuring 18 one-bedroom units, 10, two-bedroom terraces and two, three-bedroom units.
The homes will have access to communal open spaces, and will be located close to shops, green spaces, a school and public transport.
The site will retain all verge trees along with many of the existing mature trees on site, preserving the streetscape that gives the area its unique character.
The development will include a multi-space carport and one building will have a basement with parking spaces and bicycle storage, with access at the rear.
Each unit will have at least one parking space with a total of 37 car parks for residents, and eight visitor spaces, including one accessible. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be included.
Monarch Building Solutions have been awarded the demolition and construction contract.
This project is part of the 85 homes the ACT Government is delivering with support from Housing Australia's Future Fund Facility Round 2.
The project is part of the ACT Government's commitment to enable 30,000 more homes, including delivering 5,000 additional public, community and affordable rental dwellings, in Canberra by the end of 2030.
To support the timely delivery of much needed public housing homes, the ACT Government has amended the Planning Act 2023 through the Planning (Territory Priority Project) Amendment Bill 2025, which significantly changed how future public and community housing developments are treated in the planning system.
Most public housing developments are now automatically classified as Territory Priority Projects (TPPs), which makes them exempt from third party appeals. Appeals to ACAT can delay public housing projects for up to a year.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry:
"The ACT Government is committed to delivering more high-quality public housing in every corner of the ACT.
"This project is part of our work to make sure everyone has a safe place to call home."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development, Chris Steel:
"Delivering more public housing in every region of Canberra is a crucial part of our plan to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030."
"It's great to see this public housing development get underway in Yarralumla to provide homes for 30 families."
"Too often, our planning system has made it harder to build new homes, especially social and public housing. That's why we're reforming it - because all Canberrans deserve a roof over their head."
