$2.9 billion infrastructure plan for Canberra

Statement by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:

The ACT Government is delivering the largest ever infrastructure investment program for Canberra as part of our commitment to strengthen our growing economy, detailed in the 2016-17 Infrastructure Plan Update.

Over the next four years, the ACT Government will deliver an infrastructure investment program exceeding $2.9 billion that will deliver new facilities and services for Canberrans – creating jobs and growing our economy.

The release of the plan coincides with the Infrastructure Partnerships Australia ‘Australia-Canada Infrastructure Symposium’ where the ACT’s experience on the Light Rail project will be discussed. After the ACT community voted for a city-wide light rail network for Canberra for the second election in a row in 2016, the Territory is now seen across Australia as a leader in light rail investment.

The Government has already delivered a range of transformational projects including improvements to Calvary Public and Canberra Hospital, new schools in Coombs and in Gungahlin, Woden Bus Interchange redevelopment, improvements to major roads such as the Majura Parkway and ongoing improvements to our town centers, parks and sporting facilities.

The future priority areas for the government includes further investment in our health services, schools, public transport, and a city that protects our environment for future generation, which is why we are investing in the following critical infrastructure:

• the construction of Light Rail – Stage 1 and planning of Stage 2;
• the University of Canberra Public Hospital
• creating schools for the future in North Gungahlin and Molonglo, the Caroline Chisholm School – Centre for Innovative Learning and modernising Belconnen High School;
• revitalisation of the Civic to Gungahlin Corridor – to ready the corridor for light rail. This will include road widening, intersection upgrades, utility relocation, drainage works, and cycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvements;
• numerous road infrastructure projects – including the Ashley Drive Duplication – Stage 2, Gundaroo Drive Duplication- Stage 1 and Horse Park Drive Duplication; and
• ongoing suburban renewal, with $404 million over four years being invested through the government’s Urban Renewal Program.

We will continue to leverage off the ACT’s strong Budget position, including our AAA credit rating, to keep diversifying our economy and supporting local businesses.

This year’s infrastructure update also highlights two major ACT Government infrastructure projects that are being delivered by a Public Private Partnership – the new Court Facilities Project and Light Rail Stage 1 by Capital Metro – both of which are progressing well and have attracted strong industry interest.

As we move into planning for the 2017-18 ACT Budget, our Infrastructure Plan ensures that the benefits of our city, as one of the most livable in the world, are shared by all Canberrans.

To view the 2016-17 Infrastructure Plan Update, visit the ACT Treasury website