The Chief Minister has welcomed the Labor Government’s first Federal Budget in almost a decade, saying it represented one of the most substantial investments from a Federal Government in ACT infrastructure in more than 10 years.
Welcoming Tuesday’s 2022–23 October Budget, the Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the most significant new commitment in the Budget was the investment in a major National Security Office Precinct in Barton.
“The project includes new Commonwealth Government buildings that will accommodate around 5,000 staff, new retail and hospitality amenities, and new structured car parking in the Parliamentary Triangle,” Mr Barr said.
“This investment will create thousands of jobs during the construction period 2023-2028,” he said.
“We also welcome the $15 million to reopen and improve AIS Arena, and look forward to further engagement with the Commonwealth on further precinct renewal.”
Mr Barr said the Commonwealth Budget would also fund an additional $85.9 million for extending Light Rail stage 2A, $10 million for the Youth Foyer at the Woden CIT campus, $5 million towards the Garden City Cycle Route, and $5 million for Gorman House Art Centre upgrades.
He said other projects to be funded in the ACT included $38.5 million for Scrivener Dam Upgrades, Weston Creek Tennis Club upgrades; funds to help the University of Canberra develop its Sport’s Hub Precinct; and three Community Batteries located in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.
“We also welcome the investment in regional transport connectivity, $65 million to construct Dunns Creek Road between Googong and Canberra, and $17.4 million to upgrade the road from the Brindabella Valley to the ACT,” the Chief Minister said.
“This Budget represents one of the most substantial investments from a Federal Government in ACT infrastructure in over a decade.”
The Federal Government’s 2022–23 October Budget papers can be accessed at this PS News link.
