Improved lighting for City Walk is among the projects committed to by the government in the latest pre-budget announcements. Photo: Supplied.
A pre-budget announcement by the government promises to invest $25 million over four years in suburban infrastructure projects in Central Canberra and Gungahlin.
The money, $15 million for Central Canberra and $10 million for Gungahlin, will be delivered over four years for projects Treasurer Chris Steel described as vital for a growing city.
“We are investing in infrastructure that supports daily life: better footpaths and lighting, improved shopping precincts and safer crossings, while also planning for the city’s long-term growth,” Mr Steel said.
In the inner north and south, funding will be allocated towards improving access to health services, community facilities, and local services to make the city ‘more inclusive and vibrant’.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr stated that this announcement would affect how people interact with the city.
“This budget invests in safer, more accessible streets, better public spaces and renewed community infrastructure, making it easier to enjoy everything our city centre and nearby neighbourhoods have to offer.”
Projects announced for Central Canberra are:
- Upgrades at the Griffith shops
- New toilet facilities in Red Hill and Downer
- Female-friendly changerooms in Griffith, Ainslie and Reid
- Inner South dog park feasibility
- Footpath improvements, including City Walk lighting
- Stormwater upgrades in Dickson
- Concept design for City Hill Park, and
- Access to local healthcare options in Griffith.
Outside central Canberra, the government announced it was ‘delivering for Gungahlin’ with $10 million for the fast-growing area.
Shops, playgrounds, sports facilities and streets are named as the targets of the funding, with new infrastructure planned for Amaroo, Hall and Bonner, and upgrades to existing facilities in Gunghalin and Palmerston.
Preparatory works are also underway in Casey to build the infrastructure needed for a new health centre. Mr Steel highlighted that the Gungahlin area is one of the fastest-growing in Australia.
“This is a budget that reflects the needs of a growing Gungahlin, supporting new infrastructure while also investing in community facilities, local shops and play spaces that improve day-to-day life for residents,” Mr Steel said.
Projects announced for Gungahlin:
- New playground in Amaroo
- Plamerston shop upgrades
- Investments in sport and recreation at Gunghalin, Harrison, and Bonner, Oval
- New walking/cycling path in Hall, and
- Preparatory works, Casey.
The funding follows the recent announcement of other budget commitments, including $10 million for the community service sector, $24 million for domestic violence non-profits, and $15 million for Tuggeranong community infrastructure.
Despite these announcements, some observers are concerned that the budget might be too austere. With the government warning of tough decisions ahead, the Greens have preemptively stated that savings can’t come at the cost of the city’s vulnerable, and have proposed their own revenue-raising scheme targeting large corporations operating in the city.
Independent MLA Thomas Emerson likewise said he had heard the government might be looking to cut programs as he backed calls to extend rent relief.
“I was appalled to hear whispers back in April that the government had already decided to scrap the Rent Relief Fund,” said Mr Emerson.
“Governments have a moral obligation to ensure their citizens have access to the basic necessities of life, like food and shelter. Short of the systemic reform that’s really needed to fulfil that obligation, programs like the ACT Rent Relief Fund are required to help plug the gaps.”
Original Article published by Nicholas Ward on Region Canberra.
