Released 04/03/2021
The ACT Government has announced funding for a range of new infrastructure projects under phase two of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said that the ACT Government’s focus was to use the funding to support local jobs whilst delivering much needed upgrades to local community facilities, assets and amenities.
“The ACT Government has allocated the ACT’s $16.5 million share to provide a diverse range of work that will create jobs and deliver real community benefits,” Minister Steel said.
“Many of these projects are underway, while others shovel ready, and further construction tenders will be released to provide a pipeline of work for the next 12 months.
“Improvements to be delivered include upgrades to existing cycle and walking paths around Canberra as well as walking trails on Mount Taylor, playground and skate park improvements, Lake Ginninderra foreshore upgrades, public toilet upgrades, more urban tree planting and improvements to existing sporting facilities.”
“Our jobs and economic recovery plan sets an ambitious target to grow our employment base to 250,000 by 2025 and funding these projects will continue to provide a strong platform for us to achieve this goal,” Minister Steel said.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program is an Australian Government initiative.
The list of projects announced today are:
Footpath/cycling/road improvements
- $2.6 million in funding for path maintenance to support walking and cycling, including replacing and repairing shared community paths
- $4 million in surge funding for road maintenance, including hot asphalt patching and resealing to repair recent rain damage and prevent future damage
- upgrades have been funded at Mount Taylor Nature Reserve’s zig-zag track including resurfacing and reinstatement of the stairs.
Community recreation and open space improvements
- $1 million to purchase 3,000 plants to enhance Canberra’s living infrastructure in areas of low canopy cover and to replace ageing trees
- $1.26 million to install new shade sails and fencing at priority playgrounds, to make these spaces cooler, safer and more inclusive
- Lake Ginninderra’s swimming area will be revitalised with a top up of beach sand, landscaping improvements and an outdoor shower
- a new competition standard half pipe will be constructed at the Belconnen skate park on Emu Bank.
Sportsground improvements
- new LED lighting will be installed at Bonner Neighbourhood Oval
- upgrades to irrigation will be undertaken at Curtin District Playing Fields
- $1 million in upgrades to sporting change rooms will be undertaken to make them female friendly in accordance with ACT Government Guidelines (locations to be determined).
Facility improvements (includes safety, accessibility and infrastructure improvements)
- the Chifley Community Hub will be refurbished
- upgrades will be undertaken to the foyer, reception and kiosk upgrade splash park at Dickson Pool and upgrades to chainmesh fence and improve accessible entry at Manuka Pool
- toilets at Lyneham local shops and Colbee Court in Phillip will be replaced
- new fencing, drainage and pavement improvements will be installed at the MuggaLane Resource Management Centre in Symonston, and a new driveway to allow the public to safely and easily drop-off mattresses at Soft Landings Hume for recycling.
- the campground amenities block will be refurbished and gutters and an aged air conditioning unit replaced at Exhibition Park in Canberra
- upgrades will see the installation of smoke detector heads, and improved security fencing and concrete paths at GIO Stadium
- security landscaping, scoreboard repairs and thermal and smoke detector upgrades will be delivered at Manuka Oval
- $2.185 million will be provided for upgrades at the National Arboretum including improved security, upgraded wheelchair accessible paths in the Central Valley and Himalayan Cedar Forest and upgrades to approximately 4.5 kilometres of unsealed roads to improve access during wet weather
- courtyard upgrades will be undertaken at Dickson Library and the ACT Heritage library will receive internal upgrades
- further safety and maintenance work will be undertaken at community facilities to be determined
For more information about the projects visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases