22/05/2026
The Molonglo Town Centre is coming – but the ACT Government's development priorities appear to be driven solely by revenue, with only token consideration of what the community actually needs.
Here's what's happened:
- A "minor" plan amendment was released this month showing that around 50% of commercial land in the Town Centre is earmarked for a large-format retailer – think Bunnings. Either the SLA has a single developer in mind, or it's chasing top dollar. Possibly both.
- The timing stinks. The full Town Centre plan – repeatedly delayed – still hasn't been released. That means the community is being asked to respond to the minor amendment without the context it sits within. The consultation window is closing fast.
- On 21 May, our Co-Convenor Tom Adam spoke with ABC Canberra about a deeper concern: the ACT Government appears intent on making Molonglo Valley a job desert – a suburb where 70,000 residents leave each morning to work somewhere else.
What's missing from the plan:
- Room for more than roughly 2 cafés beyond the existing local shops, Community halls, A library
- Small and independent businesses – martial arts schools, tyre shops, and the dozens of services a real town centre needs
What this tells us:
The SLA's plan points residents toward Woden and Belconnen. That's not a town centre. That's a satellite suburb dressed up as one.
