Harry Frost

5 days ago | abc.net.au | Harry Frost

Almost nine out of 10 blocks of land to be released for residential development across Canberra by 2030 will be for multi-unit housing — an announcement industry representatives say strikes the right balance for the future of housing. The ACT government's latest Housing Supply and Land Release Program promises to deliver 26,000 new homes through land release. Sites for new single dwellings are slated for Belconnen, Gungahlin, and the Molonglo Valley, with a handful in East Canberra.

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Harry Frost |Coquohalla Connor

The ACT Chief Police Officer says he is concerned about raising the age of criminality in the the territory from 12 to 14. He says there are not currently services available 24/7 for young people who fall within that category. The age of criminality in the ACT will increase from 12 to 14 from July 1. Canberra's top cop has raised concerns ACT support services aren't ready for the impending change to the age of criminal responsibility.

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Harry Frost

ACT Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker has handed down findings from the coronial inquiry into the 2020 Orroral Valley bushfire, finding the helicopter crew's failure to notify the authorities of the fire was an "error of judgement". The fire was started on January 27, 2020 in the Namadgi National Park south of Canberra, when the landing light of an Australian Army helicopter ignited the dry grass of its landing site.

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Harry Frost

The trial of Bronson Cross, accused of shooting a man at Oaks Estate last year, has begun with prosecutors saying the victim still has shotgun pellets lodged in his body. Mr Cross was arrested on May 1, 2024 and extradited to the ACT, accused of firearms offences and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Prosecutor Nathan Deakes said Mr Cross and the victim knew each other from school but there had been some "bad blood" between them, including a physical altercation in the years before the shooting.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Harry Frost |Greg Jennett

Concerns have been raised about proposed planning rule changes aimed at encouraging the construction of more "missing middle" properties in areas currently zoned for standalone houses. Some Canberra residents fear the property industry sees the relaxed rules as a chance at deregulation and unfettered access to more land for development. The draft Missing Middle Housing Design Guide is open for public feedback online until July 22, and by email until August 5.