The 2021-22 ACT Budget will see a significant investment in suburban infrastructure across Canberra. This will include refreshed local shops and playgrounds as well as the construction of new dog parks and public toilet facilities.
Over the next four years, the ACT Government will upgrade 11 local shopping centres across the ACT, supporting local businesses and creating more local jobs.
This investment will kick off construction at Duffy, Campbell and Gwydir Square in Kaleen.
Design work will progress for upgrades to Brierly Street at Cooleman Court, following recent consultation with the community on their vision for Weston Creek's main street. The Budget also commits construction funding to deliver priority works.
Funding will also support the next phase of design work and construction to upgrade the local shops in Narrabundah, Evatt, Macquarie, Monash, Calwell, Lanyon as well as the group centre at Kippax. We will be engaging with local communities as these works progress.
"The Budget will continue to support the Canberra community through the global COVID-19 pandemic as we work towards our goal of 250,000 local jobs by 2025," ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
"Investment in suburban precincts will create jobs and support urban renewal across Canberra."
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said that the upcoming Budget will also deliver new toilets at the Florey local shops as well as at the nature play space in Farrer following its completion in 2019. This comes after the completion of new public toilets in Tuggeranong and those currently being replaced in John Knight Memorial Park.
"I am thrilled to announce new or upgraded play spaces in these suburbs. Each play space is unique, and we will be engaging with the local communities in each suburb to ask what kind of play elements they'd like to see. This could include more nature play or traditional play features," said Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel.
"The improvements don't stop there. Canberra is growing and the ACT Government is delivering for families across the city. Funding in this budget will support new or upgraded play spaces in Kaleen, Ngunnawal, Chisolm, Gordon, Lyons and Aranda."
"Our play spaces are highly valued across Canberra and we want to ensure they keep getting better as our city changes and grows. The ACT Government is set to release a Play Space Strategy in the coming weeks to guide our investment in better play experiences that are inclusive and accessible for all ages and abilities. The projects funded through this budget are a great step towards the goals of that strategy. Consultation on a proposed site for the new inner-north playground will also commence soon."
Dogs (and their owners) of Canberra will also benefit from new play opportunities with two new dog parks to be delivered servicing both the north and south sides of the city. We will deliver one dog park in Franklin and a second park in Lanyon."
"Canberrans love their dogs and spending time with them in open spaces. These two new dog parks will provide more dedicated areas for dogs to stretch their legs and play," said Minister Steel.
"Canberrans will be invited to provide feedback on the proposed sites for the dog parks and on their inclusions, like obstacle and agility courses, seating, and shade amenities."
"These works will support local jobs and businesses across Canberra and deliver our election commitments. By involving the community in our planning we will also ensure we are delivering local infrastructure that meets the changing needs of local communities," concluded Minister Steel.
