ACT Budget’s “Ambush Charges” Hit the Industry

Without warning or consultation, the ACT Government has introduced significant fee increases this week that will significantly impact building and construction projects.

• Traffic Management: Some road and lane closure fees are up by 1000%. 

• Planning and Building: Higher fees for approvals, certifications, and inspections across the board. 

You can review the full ACT Government fees and charges schedule here. 

Traffic:  Public Unleased Land (Fees) Determination 2025 (No 1) | Disallowable instruments and Fees and charges – City Services 

Planning: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/di/2025-168/current/html/2025-168.html 

Building: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/di/2025-164/current/html/2025-164.html 

We are pushing back on your behalf and need your feedback to strengthen our advocacy. If these charges will impact your projects, tell us. 

If you need advice or want to talk through how any of these changes impact your business, please contact our Advisory Team at workplace@mba.org.au or 02 6175 5900.