Page 4556 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 26 November 2019
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MR BARR: As members would be aware, the government released the infrastructure plan for the city for the coming decade. The plan involves significant investment in building and renewing key infrastructure right across our city, delivering better services and providing more local jobs. The plan involves investment across many suburbs in a range of different portfolio areas: health, education, transport and community services, amongst many. There will be a very significant level of infrastructure renewal and investment and we are focused on making the south side of Canberra that people love so much even better.
We are investing in transport options: extending light rail to Woden and duplicating major roads, including Athlon Drive, as well as building the Molonglo River bridge crossing. There is work underway in relation to significant new health infrastructure, not the least of which being the SPIRE project and the Centenary hospital expansions as well as the Weston Creek nurse-led walk-in centre. The south side of Canberra will be the first to benefit from the free household bulky waste collections that start from July of next year. There is significant investment in new schools and early childhood facilities in the growing Molonglo Valley.
Importantly though, Madam Speaker, there is also a focus on renewing existing assets and infrastructure. Across Tuggeranong, Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo there are nearly 1,000 kilometres of footpath that will need renewal and investment.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR BARR: That is a key part of the government’s focus on not only building new infrastructure but also on renewing existing infrastructure right across the city.
MADAM SPEAKER: Before I give you the call, I ask members on my left to keep the conversations amongst yourselves quieter. It is somewhat distracting when I am trying to listen to a response.
MS CODY: Chief Minister, what are some of the things Canberrans can expect to see in the near future?
MR BARR: I refer to significant improvements to almost 20 schools across Tuggeranong. We have seen investments in preschools like Monash, primary schools like Bonython and high schools like Lanyon. The schools infrastructure renewal program will continue. This morning Minister Steel made a series of significant announcements—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: You are warned, Mr Hanson.
MR BARR: in relation to the Tuggeranong town centre. Following the completion of upgrades to Anketell Street in August, there was very strong and positive feedback from businesses along the street and the broader community. The view was that these enhancements could be improved further if buses were taken off Anketell Street
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