Why is only a limited part of the Australian Capital Territory suitable for urban development?

Only about one-third of the Australian Capital Territory is suitable for urban development due to the region's rugged topography and environmental constraints.1

The territory features a diverse landscape, with the southern and western portions being mountainous—including the Brindabella Range—while the northeastern section consists of broad valleys and rounded hills. Beyond these physical limitations, land use is heavily influenced by conservation and planning policies:1

• Conservation: Roughly half of the territory is designated as conservation areas, including Namadgi National Park and various nature reserves.2
• Rural and Forestry Use: Approximately one-fourth of the land is used for grazing sheep and cattle, while about one-tenth is dedicated to plantation forestry.2
• Urban Planning: To preserve the character of Canberra and maintain options for future growth, large open areas and hills have been intentionally retained as open space between the city's urban districts.2

Consequently, while the government maintains control over land use, development is restricted by both the natural terrain and the deliberate preservation of the environment.231