Lawson, ACT

Lawson Development

About Lawson

The Lawson North development site (145 hectares) is set in an established area of Canberra, ACT and is located approximately nine kilometres from the Central Business District. The project will significantly contribute to the Defence provisioning requirement in this location, providing homes to ADF members and their families over the next ten years.

The site is currently in the planning and design stage, including the required environmental referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The referral under the EPBC Act was lodged with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) on 1 August 2022.

On 7 October 2022, DHA received notification from the DCCEEW that the project would require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the EPBC Act.

As part of the preparation for the EIS, DHA have redesigned the development to address DCCEEW’s concerns regarding the level of impact on biodiversity and heritage values and to respond to public comments to the referral.

On 23 January 2024, the DCCEEW wrote to DHA advising that they have accepted the variation to the proposed plan. DHA will progress the EIS as guided by DCCEEW with an estimated completion of late 2024.

A significant portion of the 144-hectare site will be preserved for conservation. Extensive investigations into flora and fauna, heritage and contamination continue to be undertaken to ensure environmental assets are protected and that the site is ready for the proposed works.

Development details

Type Mix of free standing and terrace homes.
Location Lawson, Belconnen ACT
Land size
 144.9 hectares
Status In planning phase

*As the project is still in the planning phase, these figures are based on stage one and two of the proposed masterplan and are subject to change.

Online enquiry


Preparing the Environmental Impact Statement

DHA is now preparing the EIS based on the amended masterplan and as guided by DCCEEW.

Technical specialists are currently undertaking investigations across a range of disciplines to assess, manage and mitigate the potential impacts of the proposed development, including in relation to native flora and fauna, heritage, ground contamination, water, traffic, noise and visual amenity.

The EIS is estimated to be completed in early 2025 and will then be published by DCCEEW.

The public will have the opportunity to make submissions during the public exhibition period.

Community and stakeholder engagement

Since 2020, extensive community and stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to the proposed masterplan for Lawson North and DHA continues to communicate with interested parties.

Further engagement is currently being undertaken by technical specialists as part of their investigations and as required by DCCEEW. This includes engagement with Registered Aboriginal Organisations, former Defence personnel and residents and businesses located in neighbouring suburbs.

DHA will provide updates on the website as the EIS progresses, including notification of public exhibition. 

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This website lists our planned and completed housing developments. Some have not received final approvals. While we strive to provide correct information, given the nature of the development and construction process some of the housing developments listed may change or not proceed.