That said, there are obviously many hurdles to be overcome if the, as yet uncosted and unapproved, "unsolicited proposal" is to ever see the light of day. These include concerns about a possible oversupply of high end hotel accommodation with 700 rooms already under construction or in the planning stage.

That debate should not detract from the fact we are no longer just regional Australia's biggest country town.

More and more international players are recognising this city, which has won accolades at home and abroad as one of the most livable metropolises in the world, is a vibrant and exciting place where they want to do business.

Ikea and Costco have been fixtures for some time; we are now home to a Maserati dealership, and have also welcomed a H&M store, Burberry, Nike and even Muji. COS, itself an H&M affiliate, opens its doors in the Canberra Centre this week.

That's a big shift from 10 to 15 years ago when we were most notable for having more mega hardware stores per 100 square kilometres than any other jurisdiction in the country.

These changes, coupled with the redevelopment of the Canberra Airport and the arrival of international flights, are just some of the hallmarks of an exciting, and rapidly evolving, city determined to embrace much of what the 21^st century has to offer.

While it is true this transition has had a polarising effect with many, particularly those who remember living here in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, fearing much of Canberra's former charm is under threat, we can't stand still.

It was inevitable that as the ACT burst through the 400,000 mark it would be faced with the same opportunities and challenges confronting all big cities. Turning back the clock isn't an option. We can't ignore the pressures that come with a rising population, limited land availability and a restricted revenue base.

What we do need to do is to ensure that as Canberra evolves every effort is made to ensure we get the balance between development and livability right. This involves maintaining an appropriate ratio of free-standing homes and apartment blocks; ensuring there are adequate reserves of affordable and social housing and protecting jewels in the crown such as the lake and its immediate environs.

And, most importantly, we need to get the infrastructure right. That was highlighted in the recent Infrastructure Australia report which warned the cost of traffic congestion to the ACT economy will nearly double over the next decade unless there is big investment in roads and public transport. As populations increase the pressures on our vital infrastructure will only compound.

A relatively inexpensive and almost immediately effective initiative would be for the Barr government to move its review of the recent "improvements" to local bus services forward in light of widespread criticisms.

When longtime bus users say "reforms" are forcing them to drive to work it is time to rethink the approach.

Health services are also highly susceptible to population pressure. The ACT government has dragged its feet for far too long on the SPIRE development it announced before the last Territory election in 2016. While the decision to add more beds and services is welcome, work should have started long ago.