Page 2088 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 6 August 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, I warn you. The Treasurer has the call.
MR BARR: I am so pleased those opposite are interested in anything that happens north of the lake. It is such a rare commodity, interest from the Liberal Party in these things.
Let us be clear that the 2014-15 ACT budget makes significant investments in the fastest growing parts of our city that are, of course, in the northern suburbs. This acknowledges the needs of the community, particularly responding to that rapid growth that is occurring particularly in Gungahlin.
Overall, the 2014-15 capital works program is providing a record level of investment in infrastructure for the territory—$470 million in new works announced as part of the budget joining a $716 million works in progress program. In north Canberra in particular the budget is providing $472 million for capital projects that are either new, commencing in this coming fiscal year or currently underway.
It is, of course, increasingly important for the territory government to invest in infrastructure projects that keep our economy growing and invest in job creation. This capital investment in infrastructure is vital to maintaining that momentum in our economy. A well-targeted infrastructure program promotes long-term improvements in productivity, which leads to long-term growth and improved living standards for the community as a whole.
The ACT government is promoting employment opportunities in the Gungahlin town centre through the construction of an ACT government office building in the town centre. This building will have office accommodation for more than 650 ACT government employees. It will also provide for a government shopfront and childcare facilities to service the growing needs of the Gungahlin community. It is just one example of how the government is helping to cater for the rapid growth in the northern part of the city.
Most of the population growth in the ACT in the last 12 months has occurred in the north of Canberra. Gungahlin has the highest growth rate of any region in the territory and accounted for two-thirds of the total growth in the territory in the last 12 months. Much of this has been due to growth in new suburbs—Bonner, Casey, Harrison and Crace.
However, infill development in our existing suburbs is also increasing Canberra’s population, and the highest growth rates there have been occurring in the CBD, which is up 12 per cent on the previous year. As improvements in the Northbourne corridor are undertaken, the population in this area will also increase. Likewise, the redevelopment of West Basin and city to the lake will provide further opportunities for an increase in population in the inner north.
The government acknowledges the need to continue to provide high quality infrastructure and facilities for new and existing residents. In the 2014-15 budget we have continued to invest in north Canberra and Gungahlin to ensure that this important part of the city can contribute to economic growth and also enjoy the benefits of that growth.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video