One plus is that there are street trees and every house has solar panels. Photo: Paul Costigan “The government is a partner in the development while also the agency that approves development applications. How can it do the right thing about design, conservation issues or ensuring the highest 21st century standards,” wonders “Canberra Matters” columnist PAUL COSTIGAN. ONCE upon a time, Canberra tourism included views of tree-lined suburban streets. That was Canberra as we knew it â a city in a landscape. The ambience was greenery and open spaces. Paul Costigan. Take a drive to far west Belconnen and you will see what a new Canberra suburb is looking like. Thereâs not a lot of greenery nor is there much space for shrubbery to flourish.Â