This motion, brought forward by Canberra Liberals MLAs Peter Cain and Chiaka Barry, sought to extend Margaret Timpson park in Belconnen into a disused block of land.

ACT Labor proposed an amendment to instead release the extra portion of land for housing, which is its current zoning. The amendment also committed to improve the amenity of Margaret Timpson Park, and continue to consult the community on park upgrades to ensure they best meet their needs. The ACT Greens brought forward a further amendment mandating at least 15 per cent of housing constructed on the land to be public or community housing, and requiring the Government to report back to the Assembly with a timeline for upgrades to Margaret Timpson Park. 

While Thomas is strongly supportive of investing in shared green spaces as Canberra densifies, he felt the proposed amendments struck the right balance between housing our community’s most vulnerable and ensuring our city has adequate and high quality green spaces. Reflecting on the success of the Common Ground Dickson project, Thomas spoke in favour of considering a similar approach to this proposal in Belconnen. He voted in support of the amendments moved by Labor and the Greens, which the Canberra Liberals opposed. The amended motion was passed.