Page 483 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 19 March 2014
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This involves the simultaneous release of four civil works contracts with an estimated combined value of around $150 million. These contracts will be for the construction of roads, water, sewerage and public spaces such as parks and playgrounds. This work will, of course, create a direct amount of significant economic activity, but the benefits are not just limited to the building and construction industry. Investment in this infrastructure lays the foundations for future investments in new commercial centres, schools, health facilities and, of course, the other activity that accompanies the development of a new suburb.
The same is true of the Riverview development that Ms Porter has just spoken about, the new development front in west Belconnen. The first blocks here are expected to be released as soon as next year. Over the next decade we will not only see construction begin on 4,500 new dwellings at Riverview but we will also see the jobs and economic activity that are driven by the construction of thousands of new homes and the services for these homes.
We have certainly seen such effects in several suburbs in Gungahlin over the last few years where tens of millions of dollars have been invested in community infrastructure. For example, the Gungahlin leisure centre is a major asset for the Gungahlin community and is expected to open in this fiscal year. Not only will this centre provide a wide range of health and fitness programs for the community but it will also provide a number of jobs in the centre’s operation.
Also about to open at the end of this month is the Gungahlin enclosed oval. This facility in the town centre will allow Gungahlin clubs in all four football codes to play matches in their local area on a high quality playing surface with competition-standard lighting.
Of course, the government’s investment is not restricted to Gungahlin. The government continues to support significant infrastructure projects which are creating jobs not only in the construction phase but also ongoing employment opportunities. As Minister Rattenbury has indicated, we have recently held consultation on the upgrade of Constitution Avenue, a $42 million investment that will improve inner city transport and amenity. The provision for improved public transport, car, cycle and pedestrian access will facilitate increased and more efficient economic activity in central Canberra.
This upgrade forms part of city to the lake, a project which is integral to realising our city’s potential. I have spoken at length before about the importance of this innovative project, which will be worth in the vicinity of $2 billion to the territory economy. This is, of course, in addition to capital metro, which is key to improving not just our transport system but also transforming the city to Gungahlin corridor and, in time, other routes across the city.
As well as creating jobs, these developments add to the productive capacity of the territory allowing us to live and work more efficiently but also adding to the cultural and social life of the city.
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