Page 1441 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 14 May 2014
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has been actively investing time and funds to continue to support and develop the sector in Canberra, in particular through the $2 million study Canberra initiative.
The Chief Minister’s recent visit to China also resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ACT government Education and Training Directorate and the Shanghai Normal University. The MOU will foster new and mutually beneficial relationships with ACT schools and the Shanghai Normal University and their affiliate university schools. The MOU seeks to provide a number of opportunities for teacher and student exchange, language programs and collaborative research initiatives between Shanghai Normal University and our ACT schools.
Other important activities are occurring in relation to health services and infrastructure. Health is an area targeted by commonwealth spending cuts, contrasting with the ACT government’s commitment to work positively to strengthen the health system and ensure it will cater for the future needs of our community.
We are committed to a University of Canberra public hospital, and other aspects of the health infrastructure program currently underway reflect a major investment in health facilities across the ACT. This includes new community health facilities, a mental health young persons unit, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residential and other drug facility, also known as the Ngunnawal bush healing farm, and the Canberra Region Cancer Centre. These investments not only ensure that Canberrans of the future will have the facilities and services they require but they also contribute positively to the economy by providing construction jobs and ongoing health and allied health jobs.
The ACT government is also committed to supporting tourism, sporting facilities and events to encourage visitors to Canberra and spending in our city, which all contribute to developing our economic activity. The capital region has always been an important element in the tourism offering of Canberra. The capital region complements what the city has to offer. Together they provide a diverse visitor experience.
The growth and development of Canberra Airport also represents a significant element to tourism infrastructure. The ACT government has led a project to support Canberra Airport’s ongoing discussions with airlines to commence direct international services to and from Canberra from New Zealand and Singapore. The region plays an important role in securing international flights, highlighting to airlines the opportunities that Canberra and the region present. Securing international flights will further help the city’s position as a business and tourism hub and the national and international perception of Canberra and the region.
Brand Canberra also offers an opportunity to present a common message to visitors, investors and potential new members of our region’s community, enhancing the image of Canberra and the region. ACT government officials will work with council economic development officers to identify ways the brand can be executed across the region. The ACT government has a commitment to Canberra and has achieved much in ensuring that Canberra continues to be a diverse, vibrant place to live, work, visit and recreate.
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