Andrew Barr
Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar Andrew Bar

2009 Local Public Works Initiatives

ACT Labor’s local works package - almost $25 million over two years - contains a wide variety of works targeted at areas where we consider, and have advice, there is emerging capacity in the building and construction industry. The works proposed in this package will be delivered locally by a range of trades – builders, plumbers, roofers, painters, electricians, plasterers, landscape specialists, and so on.

Through our discussions with industry over recent months, particularly the Master Builders Association of the ACT, we know there is a degree of nervousness in the construction and building industry – more so for small businesses – about what the future holds. The global credit crisis and the slow down of the Australian economy understandably present uncertainty. The package provides some vital confidence and certainty to the industry.

This package is in addition to the already significant work that this Government has announced and programmed into our budget. It comprises works that are already at an advanced stage of procurement and/or design, or can be leveraged off existing procurement contracts.

It complements the additional work announced by the Federal Government in its Nation Building and Jobs Plan. That package, of which the Territory gets a $350 million share, will have a positive impact on this city, both in terms of the additional or upgraded facilities that it will provide, and the jobs that it will support.

The second important part of the Package announced today is the details of the $44.3 million 2009-10 Capital Upgrades program. The program, which provides for capital upgrades works to our existing asset base, would usually be included as part of our annual budget process. However, we believe it prudent and responsible to announce the projects and funding today, so that the industry can plan, resource and respond with some certainty to the package of works to be rolled out in the next financial year.

Key elements of the package:

  • $7.6 million for a range of school upgrade works including: $2.4 million for stage 1 of the replacement of stormwater and sewer pipes; $2 million for Roof Access Systems; and $3.2 million to enhance the Asbestos Removal Program.
  • $2.7 million to the CIT, allowing the Institute to expedite a range of capital upgrades projects at its Reid, Bruce and Fyshwick campuses to improve training facilities and amenities.
  • $2.5 million towards a joint ACT/Commonwealth initiative to reduce homelessness in the Territory.
  • $2.2 million for the Stormwater Augmentation program;
  • $2.1 million for pavement and footpath upgrades;
  • $2.1 million for energy efficiency upgrades, renovations and refurbishments to a number of community and childcare facilities across Canberra.
  • $900,000 for necessary minor works and upgrades at The Canberra Hospital, including the Pharmacy Cool Room upgrade and expansion of the Oncology Clinic and Cancer Services facilities, along with a range of safety upgrades.
  • $500,000 for additional park signage and road safety message signs;
  • $400,000 for additional bill poster silos in the city and district shopping centres; and
  • $200,000 for the design and construction of a performance stage at the Tuggeranong Town Park.
  • $750,000 for further works at the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens,
    $160,000 for a range of minor upgrades at Exhibition Park in Canberra and
  • $300,000 to fast-track works at Stromlo Forest Park.
  • $415,000 for upgrades to a number of our arts, heritage and cultural facilities. This includes the Manuka Arts Centre; the Canberra Theatre; Lanyon Homestead, Calthorpe’s House and Mugga Mugga.
  • $435,000 to progress the design of 2 new childcare centres in West Belconnen and Weston Creek, along with essential preliminary planning and design works for the renovation and extension of a number of childcare centres at other sites.
  • $1 million to undertake minor works to existing ESA stations and sheds, including painting, carpentry, gates, fences, carports and the like.

 The package the Government announces today serves a number of purposes:

  • it provides confidence to the local industry and allows it to plan ahead with some certainty;
  • it utilises the potential emergent capacity in the industry; and
  • it gets the important works done now, rather than waiting until the next Budget or the one after.