Released 19/06/2025
The 2025–26 ACT Budget will invest more than $20 million over four years to upgrades to playgrounds, shops, footpaths, public schools and public places in Belconnen.
This is part of the Government’s commitment to renewing local suburbs and supporting growing communities, and builds on previous commitments to improve everyday infrastructure and deliver once-in-a-generation facilities for one of Canberra’s fastest-growing regions.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the Government was investing in the things that matter to people, local spaces, access to services and safe, connected neighbourhoods.
“By investing in practical upgrades that improve everyday life for Canberrans, we are building strong and connected communities,” Mr Steel said.
“We’re delivering renewed public spaces, safer paths, upgraded playgrounds and better facilities, especially in Belconnen where we have a growing population and high demand for quality local infrastructure.”
2025–26 Budget initiatives for Belconnen include:
- Safer Footpaths and Better Connections
- $5 million over four years to improve and connect footpaths across Belconnen
- Continued upgrades to widen the Lake Ginninderra Shared Path, including through Diddams Close, along Ginninderra Drive bridge and the western foreshore.
Upgraded Community Playgrounds and parks
- A new playground at Margaret Timpson Park in the Belconnen Town Centre, with a new toilet, BBQs, picnic tables, landscaping and improved accessibility, to be jointly delivered with the Commonwealth government
- New water play at the Emu Bank inlet and additional investment in the Emu Bank foreshore upgrade
- An all-abilities play space at Florey
- A playground upgrade in McKellar and at the Umbagong District Park and as part of a Territory-wide playground renewal package.
Revitalised Local Shops and Community Precincts
- Charnwood Group Centre upgrades, enhancing one of Belconnen’s busiest neighbourhood shopping areas.
- Continued work with the owners of Kippax Fair to deliver Stage Two of the West Belconnen upgrade, transforming the area into a revitalised hub.
Investing in Sport and Recreation
- Expanding the courts, upgrades to parking and toilet facilities at Charnwood Netball Courts.
- Upgrade to Charnwood Skate Park.
- Giralang, Macquarie, Kaleen (Turon St), Kaleen (Ashburton St) will benefit from female-friendly changeroom upgrades, part of Territory-wide investment in inclusive sports facilities.
Local school upgrades
- Upgrades to improve Fraser Primary School oval for the school and local community.
- Melba Copland Secondary School masterplan, design and construction of priority upgrades.
Belconnen residents will also benefit from new medical imaging outpatient services that will be established at the Belconnen Community Health Centre.
This ensures more people in Belconnen can access diagnostic imaging services closer to home, improving care and reducing pressure on hospital-based imaging.
Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry said this investment in Canberra’s sport and recreation enables much needed improvements and upgrades allowing for increased participation and inclusiveness and would make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of local families.
“As a proud Belconnen local, I know how much these spaces matter to our community, from well-loved parks and netball courts to safe footpaths and busy local shops,” Ms Berry said.
“These investments ensure the community can continue to participate in activities that they love, promoting a healthy lifestyle, ensuring better places for our kids to play, easier ways to get around, and stronger local connections.”
Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne said the upgrades were the result of strong local advocacy and meaningful community feedback.
“These investments are shaped by what Belconnen residents have told us: that they want upgraded playgrounds, cleaner public spaces, and practical infrastructure improvements close to home,” Ms Cheyne said.
“We’re delivering on that, whether it’s a new playground at Margaret Timpson Park, better footpaths or more accessible community spaces. This is how we keep building a more liveable, inclusive and connected Belconnen.”
These investments build on major investments already underway in Belconnen, including:
- A new early childhood and primary school in Strathnairn.
- Upgrades at Belconnen public schools.
- Planning for a new Northside Hospital, CIT Belconnen upgrade, and new Canberra Stadium in the Bruce Health, Education and Sports Precinct.
Public transport will also continue improving, with:
- Increased frequency on the popular R2 service between Belconnen and Fyshwick.
- A new West Belconnen Rapid Service, with a supporting park and ride facility.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases