00:00 New plans for a growing district. As many as 70,000 people could be living in the Malonglo
00:07 Valley by 2050. It's prompted the ACT government to seek a change to the National Capital Plan
00:15 to allow for a sixth town centre. It's a step up from the previous plan for a group centre,
00:21 similar to Kippax and Erindale.
00:23 The concept of a town centre is really a focal point for higher order retail uses, commercial
00:30 uses, office space and community facilities.
00:35 As the area continues to take shape, many Malonglo residents are still travelling elsewhere
00:40 for work, shopping and other essentials.
00:43 We've seen really, really bad traffic and congestion, both trying to get across to Belconnen
00:49 and trying to get out to Woden.
00:51 Community leaders say the push for a town centre could have come sooner, but is welcome
00:56 nonetheless.
00:57 This is about providing jobs closer to people and people closer to jobs. It's a basic fundamental
01:01 tenet of Canberra's urban structure. We provide these opportunities, these services, these
01:06 amenities close to where people live.
01:08 But the area's population growth hasn't always been consistent. A land ballot in the suburb
01:14 of Whitlam last year was undersubscribed. It's left some businesses unsure about exactly
01:19 what to plan for.
01:21 Four years ago when I was taking up this shop, the growth was there. People were flocking
01:27 in here, so I knew where I was heading.
01:29 If the National Capital Authority signs off, development of the new town centre could begin
01:34 as soon as next year.
01:36 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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