Timeline

The Federal Capital Commission assumed control of Canberra's development and given wide powers in the construction and development of the capital, which by early 1925 had a population of nearly 3,500. The Commisison comprised J H (later, Sir John) Butters as Chief Commissioner.

The MBA FCT held its inaugural annual meeting on August 18, 1926, coinciding with the first anniversary of its establishment in 1925. During the meeting, attendees observed a significant rise in construction activities, and there was a shared sentiment that the Association was making great strides toward becoming a key contributor to the growth of the national capital through private enterprise.

Canberra's population was growing rapidly and by mid-1925, construction was in full swing. The first building boom in Canberra saw the construction of key buildings including the provisional Parliament House, The Lodge and the Governor/Generals's residence, the Manuka and Kingston shopping precincts, the Sydney and Melbourne buildings in Civic, Albert Hall and many more. There was also a boom in engineering works to support the growing population, including completion of the main sewerage scheme and treatment works, building of roads, water supply, lighting, storm water services, parks, footpaths and recereational facilities. Contracts were also awarded for the construction of homes in residential neighborhoods. The Federal Capital Commission dedicated all its resources to building houses for public servants, leaving the responsibility of constructing homes for business professionals to private developers.

Building activity in the capital largely came to a halt during the Great Depression.

The National Capital Planning and Development Committee was given the role of Advisory body to the Minister of the Interior, to safeguard the Griffin plan and maintain high aesthetic and architectural standards worthy of a National Capital.

The 1960s saw a great deal of building and development activity in Canberra. Key building icons included the Monaro Mall and ANZ Bank Building (1963), the Canberra Theatre and Royal Australian Mint (1965), and the National Library of Australia (1968). Other major infrastructure was completed including the Kings Avenue Bridge (1962) and Anzac Parade (1965). The 1960s also saw the devleopment of inner north suburbs like Watson, Hackett and Downer, and the development of the Woden Town Centre, along with Belconnen and Tuggeranong. Canberra experienced rapid population growth during this period.

Master Builders Group Training was established in 1969 by the then-President Len O’Hara, and set out to train and employ apprentices and cadets, placing them with host employers.

Many national icons were built and opened in Canberra in the 1980s, starting with the High Court in 1980, followed by the National Gallery of Australia in 1982. Perhaps the most important milestone though was the opening of the new Parliament House in 1988.