Treasurer Katy Gallagher has announced details of the Local Initiatives Package – 2008-09 Appropriation Bill No 3.
She says the highlights are:
- Look of our City
— $1.6 million for Glebe Park pavement replacement.
— $750,000 of works at Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens including a picnic area, access to Dairy Farmers Hill, entrance works and earthworks.
— $300,000 for landscaping works at Manuka Arts Centre.
— $500,000 for footpath improvements.
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Health and safety
— $395,000 for the expansion of Oncology Clinics and Cancer Services facilities.
— $495,000 for upgrades to The Canberra Hospital pharmacy cool room and for various other safety related upgrades.
— $400,000 for road safety messages signage.
— $1 million for the upgrade of Emergency Services Agency facilities.
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Education
— $3.2 million for asbestos removal across various schools.
— $2.4 million for the replacement of stormwater and sewer pipes.
— $2 million for roof access systems.
— Almost $2.7 million for facilities and amenity upgrades and implementation of stormwater and bore water reticulation at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
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Community Services
— $2.5 million for a Homelessness Initiative to provide 10 blocks of land, which will allow for construction of dwellings to be fast tracked during 2009-10.
— $1.165 millions for upgrades, renovations and refurbishments to community and childcare facilities.
— $900,000 for energy efficiency improvements in community and childcare facilities;
— $435,000 for design works to provide for additional childcare places.
In reply Brendan Smyth is dismissive:
- Ms Gallagher is absolutely clueless as Treasurer. At a time when the Canberra community and, in particular, the business sector is looking for guidance about how to respond to the global economic meltdown, all we are getting from this Treasurer is back peddling and useless waffle
Brendan would like more “strategic direction”, also a vast new industry plonked down to employ people. And making it easier to start businesses. (Brendan should try starting a business, the ACT side of it is really very simple and pleasant).
The ABC reports the Greens (who rarely publish their thoughts) are at best “luke-warm” about the package.
UPDATED: Brendan Smyth is peddling the idea that Andrew Barr’s response to the package implies lack of confidence and possibly leadership grumbles.