The ACT Government is building the infrastructure our growing city needs and ramping up maintenance for important city services as part of the 2023-24 ACT Budget.
This initiatives contained in this package represent an investment of more than $98 million to make sure Canberra has the right mix of new community infrastructure while we work to make our city even more beautiful.
Maintaining city services
Canberra's trees will be protected and enhanced with $24.2 million invested to support more tree maintenance and planting across our city, with additional staff allocated to implement the new Urban Forest Act.
Additional funding of $2.6 million will continue the rapid response mowing team to provide additional mowing capacity to respond to weather conditions and line of site and safety mowing requests from Canberrans. Where additional capacity from the mowing team is available in the off-season, resources are redirected to weeding to keep our city looking good.
New investments in stormwater infrastructure of $5.3 million will improve the capacity of our stormwater network to better manage local flooding, this includes the design and construction of new stormwater infrastructure at the Kippax Group Centre.
Sport and recreation
The 23-24 Budget will deliver improvements to the amenities and recreational opportunities at popular parks and open spaces to ensure Canberrans can enjoy more time outdoors.
In Belconnen, Hawker Playing Fields will be upgraded with $1.3 million over two years committed. The upgrades will include additional parking, new and upgraded LED sportsground lighting at all three ovals to support night-time training, and new toilet facilities and female-friendly changerooms.
In Gungahlin, Yerrabi Pond District Park will receive significant upgrades, with $3.2 million over two years. Two new toilet facilities will be built on both sides of the Pond near Wunderlich St Gungahlin and Bizant St Amaroo. New picnic facilities will be built on the Southern side of the lake as well as more parking on Phyllis Ashton Circuit and more lighting around the pond.
One of Canberra's oldest parks, Telopea Park, will also see improvements with $492,000 in new formalised paths, lighting and landscaping.
Renewing our City Centre
The ACT Government is investing $35 million over six years to build the Acton Waterfront park.
The major new 30,000 square metre parkland will adjoin the completed boardwalk which is already open for public use. Following NCA approval, the next stage of building the parkland is to bring new soil to the rock fill area which will be allowed to settle for 12-18 months ahead of stormwater works and the park itself starting construction.
We will also continue to upgrade the infrastructure in our central suburbs through the City Precinct Renewal Program, with $25.5 million to ensure that the City Centre, Acton, Braddon and Dickson remain attractive destinations for locals and visitors.
A major upgrade of Garema Place will create a modern and exciting dining and retail location in the heart of the City Centre.
These works will make the space greener, safer, and more appealing with new garden beds, seating and lighting.
In addition, minor paving remediation works have also been funded in City Walk and Petrie Plaza.
Dickson shops will also be improved following consultation on draft designs set for late 2023. These upgrades will support local businesses and improve the quality of life across the City Centre.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr
Canberra's population is growing and we are investing in community infrastructure and services that meet the needs of our city.
This community infrastructure package provides investment across all our regions and will help maintain Canberra's liveability.
Acton Waterfront will become a new lakeside destination for the Canberra community and tourists to use and enjoy. Funding in this Budget will allow the future park to be built which will include cafes and pavilions, accessible public toilets, barbeque areas, a new large playground and event lawns.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel:
Canberrans can expect to see more mowing, tree maintenance and planting to ensure Canberra has well-maintained streets lined with healthy trees.
Upgrades funded in Budget will allow Canberrans to get the most out of our existing and most popular parks and sportsgrounds whilst brand new parks and public spaces are being built.
Our quality of life in Canberra is second to none and we will continue to invest across the city in keeping our streets and parks looking good with recreational amenities that improve our community's wellbeing.
