A controversial precinct in Canberra's inner south has been referred for a federal inquiry after weeks of community and political pushback.
Federal Territories Minister and Eden-Monaro MP Kristy McBain has requested the establishment of an inquiry into the Hume Circle Precinct in Griffith.
Blocks around the Hume Circle roundabout on Canberra, Sturt and Wentworth Avenues became part of a designated precinct under the National Capital Plan after the amendment was approved by Ms McBain at the end of July.
ACT independent senator David Pocock has been calling for an inquiry for weeks, citing concerns about a lack of public housing, traffic plans and critical social infrastructure.
The amendment to the National Capital Plan brings the area under the planning control of the National Capital Authority, allowing high-rise buildings and the development of industrial areas in Fyshwick. The precinct, which was first unveiled in January 2026, spans out around the roundabout which recorded more than 45 vehicle crashes in 2024.
A spokesperson said Ms McBain had written to the joint standing committee on the national capital and external territories requesting the inquiry, and acknowledged there was a high level of community interest surrounding the Hume Circle Precinct.
"The inquiry will consider the National Capital Authority's process for consultation, the different stages of high-level strategic planning and whether this process can be improved, and the long-term planning approach for community infrastructure, open space, transport and utilities for the precinct," the spokesperson said.
"A steering committee, comprising representatives from the NCA and relevant ACT government agencies is already being established to support a coordinated approach to future planning for the precinct."
Senator Pocock said the NCA needed to rebuild trust with Canberrans after the initial community consultation process.
"An inquiry by the joint standing committee on the national capital and external territories, of which I am a member, will provide greater transparency, help rebuild trust and allow issues to be canvassed in detail," he said.
"While the first lot of amendments to DA102 are welcome it still lacks much of the detail seen in previous amendments."
The senator compared the Hume Circle Precinct to plans for Constitution Avenue, which had included indicative cycleways, car parking, building height and form and transport corridors.
The joint standing committee is set to meet on Wednesday, August 19.
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.
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 NCA had discussions with developer Jega Consortium about developing around the Hume Circle years before submitting its precinct proposal.
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