Responding to strong demand from the Canberra Indigenous community, the bush healing farm was originally designed to accommodate up to eight resident clients on a temporary basis while they completed various programs to deal with substance abuse and treatment relapses.

The isolation of the $12 million custom-built facility at Miowera in Canberra's Tidbinbilla Valley had been seen as an advantage, creating a "holistic" and culturally appropriate environment better suited to healing and recovery.

But issues began even before construction when Planning Minister Mick Gentleman had to use his call-in powers to overcome objections from local landowners. Since then, the remote farm has been beset with a range of problems. Construction was completed in late 2016 but the buildings remained empty for months while the debate continued as to the type of programs and services which would be offered.

Last year the ACT government finally abandoned plans to make it a residential facility and clients have been bussed in each day.

The review, to cost $120,000 and due for release in October next year, will examine six key aspects of the farm's programs including the range of programs currently delivered, how potential clients are identified and selected, the effectiveness of the completed programs, as well as staffing levels, training and supervision.

Since opening in November last year, 34 clients have enrolled in the farm program, with 19 completing the full program which runs over 12-15 weeks.

In the government's new drug action plan announced on Tuesday, ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris made specific mention of the need for a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation service for Indigenous Canberrans. ACT Health maintains that this was never the designated role of the bush healing farm, and that the review had been planned 12 months after opening.

ACT said that it would consider the review's outcomes in determining the next steps for the farm, including possible options for residential use.