Community feedback published in Acton Waterfront Neighbourhood Listening Report

A Listening Report has been published following community consultation on the draft neighbourhood design principles for the future Acton Waterfront neighbourhood.

Consultation took place between 4 November and 17 December 2025 to give the community and stakeholders an opportunity to share their views on the principles that may guide future planning and design.

Who we engaged

More than 350 people and stakeholder groups contributed feedback through a range of engagement activities, including:

• 302 responses to the online YourSay survey
• community and stakeholder workshops, held both in person and online
• a deliberative Community Panel, made up of 14 participants selected from expressions of interest
• meetings with adjacent residents and stakeholders
• written submissions

What we heard

The Listening Report summarises feedback across all engagement activities. Key themes raised included:

• Public open space and greenery
  Participants emphasised the importance of generous parks, green spaces and shaded areas as a defining feature of the waterfront.
• Access to the lake
  Feedback highlighted the need for clear, safe and continuous access to the water’s edge, with opportunities for walking, recreation and leisure.
• Walking, cycling and active transportStrong support was expressed for improved pedestrian and cycling connections linking the city and the waterfront.
• Comfort, safety and sustainability
  Many participants highlighted climate comfort, including shade and heat mitigation, along with good lighting, clear sightlines and safety at night.
• Mix of uses
  Feedback supported a balanced mix of housing, shops, cafés, community and cultural spaces to support everyday use and activity.

The Listening Report also records considerations raised through consultation, including managing building height and built form near the waterfront, protecting views and sunlight, addressing traffic and parking, improving connections across Parkes Way, and responding to Canberra’s planning and heritage context.

What happens next

Your feedback will be used to refine the draft Neighbourhood Design Principles for Acton Waterfront. It will also be used to:

• support ongoing discussions with planning authorities, including the National Capital Authority
• help guide future planning processes required to progress the Acton Waterfront neighbourhood

Acton Waterfront is a long-term project. We will continue to share updates as planning and design work progresses.

Read the full Acton Waterfront Listening Report on YourSay:
https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/acton-waterfront

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