The UNSW Canberra City campus has moved another step closer, with new legislation introduced into the Assembly recently that will help facilitate the establishment of the campus. The project will bring more jobs to Canberra – contributing to our economic recovery and providing further confidence in our economy.

Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said that the ACT Government announced in early March that UNSW would establish a world-class research, education and innovation campus in Canberra that will boost our city’s education offerings, attracting up to 6,000 students and create around 2,000 jobs. The Minister added that the UNSW Canberra is continuing with the development of its master plan for the precinct following extended consultation with the Canberra community between March and mid-May, which attracted more than 300 pieces of feedback. The Minister went on to explain that this legislation will allow the long-term leasing of land to UNSW to go ahead and ensure we can continue to invest in this important project that will provide a much-needed long-term economic boost to Canberra. Minister Gentleman said the legislation was an important step to ensure the long-term leasing of land to UNSW and the delivery of the new university campus would meet community expectations.

“This is an exciting project in the heart of Canberra that has the potential to play a major role in the renewal of the city centre and elevate Canberra’s reputation as the knowledge capital. The Planning and Development Amendment Bill 2020 will ensure the Territory’s investment in this important project, including the land, $25 million and the cost of site remediation, is protected. It will also ensure that UNSW Canberra has appropriate flexibility to operate the new campus and that the community has confidence that the land will only be used for its intended purposes.” Minister Gentleman commented “It provides further protections so that any transfer or variation to the lease after the initial 20 year period would require the consent of the Planning and Land Authority, and any transfer would have to be to a vocational or tertiary education provider registered under Commonwealth legislation. The ACT Government looks forward to continuing to work with UNSW Canberra as they continue to engage with the community about the new campus,”.