The ACT Government has outlined significant spending on infrastructure projects, with a pipeline of $5 billion in local infrastructure revealed by Treasurer Andrew Barr in the state’s 2021-22 budget.
This includes 250 projects and 14 ongoing programs of work already underway.
“The largest infrastructure program in the history of the ACT public sector” will create in excess of 15,300 jobs in the construction industry.
ACT Chief Minister and Treasurer, Andrew Barr said the investment would support ACT’s infrastructure for some time to come.
“Our infrastructure investment program provides an important pipeline of activity to support the economy and create jobs,” Barr said.
“It will keep Canberra’s construction sector very busy for four or five years,” he added.
The capital investment includes a focus on six key priorities, including health, education, public transport, public housing, climate action and urban renewal.
Funding of $877 million over five years until 2025/26 will include new projects for the health sector. A Cancer Research Centre will be built at Canberra Hospital, with upgrades planned for Calvary Public Hospital.
A new carpark will also be erected at Canberra Hospital, with planning and designs set to be developed for a future hospital in northern Canberra.
Transport will see a total investment of $1.4 billion, to upgrade Canberra’s connected transport system. This will include upgrades to roads, path, and improvements to active travel routes throughout the city.
These projects will include the first light rail stop for stage two of light rail to Woden, detailed design and construction of the Sulwood Drive shared path and the duplication of William Hovell Drive
Hundreds of millions of dollars have also been allocated to suburban infrastructure, to support the construction of medium and small-scale projects.
In 2021/22, $8.5 million has been allocated to improve venues which host major sporting events. These works will include consultation and planning for an expansion of Exhibition Park in Canberra.
Upgrades to GIO Stadium and Maunka Oval will also be supported by the investment. Funding of $2.9 million over two years will also be allocated for design work on carpark upgrades at Stromlo Forrest Park.
Community facilities, parks and playgrounds will receive backing, with a total investment of $18.7 million for local shopping centre upgrades. Projects will also include $15 million over three years for a new facility for Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation, $9 million to progress the Throsby Home of Football, $5 million for the Healthy Waterways Project and $5.3 million to upgrade play spaces in Kaleen, Ngunnawal, Chisholm, Gordon, Lyons and Aranda.
Funding will also boost emergency services in the ACT. More than $12 million will support facility upgrades the Gungahlin Joint Emergency Services Centre. Additionally, a new fire-fighting tanker has been purchased at a cost of $550,000 and fitted out with appropriate safety equipment in preparation for the 2020-21 bushfire season.
A total of $950 million of funding will be invested in CIT and education infrastructure over the next five years, as will a total of $935 million over the next five years for infrastructure investment in housing and community support and safety.
An extra $1.4 billion will be invested by Public Trading Enterprises over the next five years which will result in a record $1.3 billion in 2021-22 and $6.4 billion over the five years to 2025-26.
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