Tuggeranong residents have mixed views on western expansion

Proponents, including Liberal senator Zed Seselja, argue that it would provide extra opportunities for Tuggeranong residents and provide a boost to the local economy.

Business owners near the Tuggeranong town centre approached on Thursday were generally favourable to the plan, pointing out the advantage other town centres have by being surrounded by residential areas.

Peter Foster, owner of The Brothers Oven bakery in Reed Street, said he liked the idea but he was concerned that development of a shopping precinct in the new area could further disadvantage business owners in the Tuggeranong town centre.

"I think it'd be a good idea, we definitely need it in the Tuggeranong area," he said.

"As long as they don't put a heap of new shops in that area, and we could currently service the ones that are in Tuggeranong, [it] would be fine.''

Mr Foster has noticed a slight downturn in business since the announcement of the federal budget, noting that "it's a little bit quieter in places".

"With the downturn in business with the public service being cut, I think it'd be great for the area," he said.

Others were more cautious about development across the river, with some concerned about the potential impact on the Murrumbidgee corridor ecosystem.

Kambah resident Cathy Hermes said: "Well it's the Murrumbidgee River, and I think it's quite vulnerable, and we need to really look after it."

The Kambah Pool recreational area is less than three kilometres downstream from where proposed new suburbs would be built, with the Casuarina Sands and Uriarra Crossing recreational areas further down the river.

Another bridge would most likely need to be built to access the new area, adding to the five bridges across the Murrumbidgee that already exist in the ACT.