A key area of the inner south is now under the planning control of the National Capital Authority after the approval of a controversial amendment allowing buildings up to 15 storeys high.
Blocks around the Hume Circle roundabout on Canberra Avenue in Griffith have become part of a designated precinct under the National Capital Plan, giving the federal planning agency sole responsibility for approving development works.
The amendment to the National Capital Plan, allowing high-rise buildings and development of industrial areas in Fyshwick, was unveiled in January 2026 and aimed to increase housing availability in the inner south around the roundabout, which recorded more than 45 vehicle crashes in 2024.
On July 27, federal Territories Minister Kristy McBain approved the amendment, and it came into effect on July 31.
The amendment is now set to be tabled in federal parliament, where elected members have 15 days to initiate an inquiry to disallow the instrument.
The NCA has hailed the Hume Circle precinct as an opportunity to renew the area consistent with the Griffin's Plan for Canberra, which has been contested by some experts, and improve housing supply.
"In response to community comments, Amendment 102 reflect changes that clarify land use and building heights limits across the precinct," the authority said.
"The amendment has incorporated more detail on the principles and expectations of high-quality urban design, consistent with other precinct codes in the National Capital Plan, to provide certainty for developers and community and a framework against which future proposals will be assessed.
"The amendment still requires further detailed planning and design work, specific to a development proposal, to be submitted for NCA approval and public consultation prior to any application for works approval."
Inner South Community Council Colin Walters said he remained ready to discuss ideas for quality "missing middle" housing that would blend in with the local area and not create traffic chaos.
"The developers will be breaking open the champagne today while the community's objections have been largely shoved aside. We hope the Senate will vote down this unnecessary and excessive high rise development proposal which rides roughshod over the security of existing residents," he said.
The NCA altered its precinct plan in May after significant community backlash, reducing allowable building heights to three storeys in current residential areas and between eight and 12 storeys in other spaces, with an exception of up to 15 storeys for "landmark sites".
In the approved plan, land between Sturt Avenue, Canberra Avenue and McMillan Crescent, which includes Staffordshire Terrace, will have a three-storey height limit.
ACT independent senator David Pocock said he welcomed changes to the amendment that reflected concerns raised by the community.
"Given the impact on Canberra and Canberrans, I believe the... Amendment should be assessed in more detail through an inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, and I will continue advocating for this to happen," he said.
"I would also urge the National Capital Authority to ensure there is appropriate community representation on the proposed working group."
Residents have previously raised concerns about the federal agency managing the planning of their neighbourhood, particularly around high building height limits and reduction in avenues to protest proposed developments.
NCA chief executive Karen Doran told a senate committee hearing in June the board did not seek legal advice on amending the National Capital Plan to include the Hume Circle, despite having done so for previous amendments.
Other designated precincts managed by the NCA include Lake Burley Griffin and its foreshores as well as the National Triangle.
In February, The Canberra Times revealed the National Capital Authority had discussions with developer Jega Consortium about developing around the Hume Circle years before submitting its precinct proposal.
