Canberra This Week: Local Government and Community News June 2026

Canberra's local governance is through the ACT Legislative Assembly and the ACT Government rather than a traditional city council. Here is a roundup of what has been shaping local life in the territory this winter.

Light rail Stage 2

The light rail extension south from the city centre through Woden towards Tuggeranong continues to be a major infrastructure story. The project is in advanced planning and early construction phases, with full opening anticipated in the late 2020s. Residents along the corridor have been engaged in consultation processes about station design and urban renewal.

Housing supply

The ACT Government's housing strategy continues to focus on infill development and densification around existing centres. Greenfield releases in Gungahlin and South Molonglo have added new housing supply. Community debate around tree protection, block size and density has been ongoing through winter.

Education

The ACT school system has announced term 3 programs and enrolment confirmation for out-of-zone transfers is underway. The ACT Education Directorate is running professional development for teachers ahead of the second half of the school year.

Arts and culture

The winter programming across Canberra's cultural institutions is at its strongest. The National Gallery's winter exhibition, the Australian War Memorial's events program and the Canberra Theatre Centre's winter season are all active.

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