Page 1695 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 4 June 2014
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improving the intersection of William Slim Drive and the Barton Highway. Constituents on either side of the Barton Highway have highlighted the hazard for drivers and cyclists posed by this intersection. The problem has grown as the population in Gungahlin and along the Barton Highway has blossomed. Works include traffic lights, more lanes, on‐road cycle lanes and a shared-path bridge across Ginninderra Creek. It will cost $10 million over the next three years.
In addition to these infrastructure projects that will benefit the private sector and create jobs, we are investing in business support programs to ensure our small and large enterprises, and budding entrepreneurs with just a good idea, have access to the mentoring and know-how to succeed in these challenging times, because we know that the last time these kinds of federal cuts were inflicted upon Canberra by the Liberal government in 1996 it was small business in town that took the brunt of that. I know that. I was there, and I saw it happen.
Some increases to rates and charges in this budget will concern families and industries but doing nothing to maintain our economy would hurt them more in the long term. We are also continuing to reform our taxes, with cuts to stamp duty, which makes buying a home cheaper, payroll tax cuts to help businesses and the new over 60s home bonus, saving our 60-year-olds up to $20,000 in stamp duty when they choose to downsize their home.
There is so much good news in this budget for all areas of Canberra. I would like to illustrate some of the great initiatives by highlighting some of the benefits for my constituents in Belconnen which I have not already mentioned. At Calvary hospital, besides the new 700-space car park and electrical works which will cost $19 million, they will have an additional 15 acute beds in 2014‐15, an additional intensive care unit bed, $1½ million for birthing services, $1.9 million to expand lymphoedema services and $1.3 million to expand Calvary’s ophthalmology services. Belconnen community health centre will be funded for the new nurse‐led walk-in centre. The centre will also have an additional eight full-time equivalent staff in 2014‐15, enabling other services to be expanded, at a cost of $9.4 million.
The Belconnen High School upgrade planning continues, with $250,000 in this budget. Disability access at the extensive Bruce CIT campus will be improved, with funding in this budget.
Constituents in Cook and surrounding suburbs, such as Aranda and Macquarie, who love the Cook shops but want them freshened up, will be pleased the design and consultation phase is beginning, with funding in this budget. The work should be completed in two years. Upgrades will include a combination of lighting, parking and landscaping improvement, a benefit to residents as well as the small businesses who tend to the shops.
Work will also continue on the upgrade to Charnwood shops and on Charnwood oval. Residents and businesses in east Belconnen will be safer and enjoy faster response times from ambulance and fire services, with the new $20.9 million ambulance and fire station being built in Aranda. Construction is expected to start in late 2014 and be completed in mid-2016.
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