Page 3710 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 23 October 2013
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on future broadband service rollout plans. We have established the digital hub at the Gungahlin library, providing free community workshops and training to improve digital literacy and knowledge of NBN functionality. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, how will the planned government office block contribute to economic growth in Gungahlin?
MR BARR: The government office block was commissioned by the territory government to address the needs of a larger workforce in Gungahlin. I was very pleased to be able to turn the first sod on this development on Monday of this week. When occupied, it will boost economic activity in the town centre, bring more day time trade to local businesses, notably in retail, hospitality and other service providers.
The project will accommodate around 600 territory public servants in a building of around 8,500 square metres. It will also provide a childcare centre and a Canberra Connect shopfront. The project will boost the Gungahlin economy through the construction phase between now and mid-2015. It is also a very significant investment in the economic and cultural viability of the Gungahlin town centre.
The investment by the KDN Group and its partners is certainly a strong show of faith in the Gungahlin town centre and in Canberra’s economic future.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: When can Gungahlin residents expect that Gundaroo Drive will be duplicated?
MR BARR: That is a question outside my portfolio responsibilities but—
Mr Coe: You said infrastructure.
MR BARR: I do not have responsibility for roads but I will look forward to the budget cabinet considerations of all road projects as we go into the next round of the budget.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, what are some other projects that will contribute to the growth and development of Gungahlin?
MR BARR: I am pleased to say that the first stage of the capital metro project along the Gungahlin-to-city corridor will have the potential to unlock a number of economic development opportunities. Not only will it increase the transport capacity along the corridor but also it will encourage economic activity through urban redevelopment.
As a key landowner, and as a land manager under the leasehold system, a unique opportunity exists for the ACT Government to both directly and indirectly advance
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