4 March 2021

Where the $16.5 million community infrastructure spend will go in the ACT

| Ian Bushnell
Start the conversation
Mount Taylor Reserve

Mount Taylor Reserve’s walking trails will be upgraded. Photo: Daniella Jukic.

Roads, paths and community facilities across the ACT will benefit from $16.5 million worth of projects funded under the Commonwealth’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said that the ACT Government’s focus was to use the funding to support local jobs while delivering much-needed upgrades to local community facilities, assets and amenities.

“The ACT Government has allocated the ACT’s $16.5 million share to provide a diverse range of work that will create jobs and deliver real community benefits,” Mr Steel said.

“Many of these projects are underway, while others are shovel ready, and further construction tenders will be released to provide a pipeline of work for the next 12 months.

“Improvements to be delivered include upgrades to existing cycle and walking paths around Canberra as well as walking trails on Mount Taylor, playground and skate park improvements, Lake Ginninderra foreshore upgrades, public toilet upgrades, more urban tree planting and improvements to existing sporting facilities.”

The National Arboretum has received $2.185 million to improve security and upgrade wheelchair accessible paths in the Central Valley and Himalayan Cedar Forest and works on about 4.5 km of unsealed roads to improve access during wet weather.

Mount Taylor Nature Reserve’s zig-zag track will be upgraded, including resurfacing and reinstatement of the stairs.

Selected playgrounds will have new shade sails and fencing ($1.26 million) installed to make these spaces cooler, safer and more inclusive.

The Chifley Community Hub will be refurbished, while toilets at Lyneham local shops and Colbee Court in Phillip will be replaced.

The Dickson Library courtyard will be upgraded and the interior of the ACT Heritage Library in Fyshwick will be given a touch-up.

READ ALSO Bulk of ACT Integrity Commission complaints relate to questionable promotions

The ACT’s sporting community will benefit from a range of grounds and facilities receiving money and work to improve safety at Canberra Stadium and Manuka Oval.

A million dollars will go to upgrading to sporting change rooms to make them female friendly in line with ACT Government Guidelines at locations to be determined.

New LED lighting will be installed at Bonner Neighbourhood Oval, and irrigation will be upgraded at Curtin District Playing Fields.

At GIO Stadium, smoke detector heads will be installed, and security fencing and concrete paths improved; at Manuka Oval, there will be security landscaping, scoreboard repairs and thermal and smoke detector upgrades.

In Belconnen, Lake Ginninderra’s swimming area will be revitalised with a top-up of beach sand, landscaping improvements and an outdoor shower, while a new competition standard halfpipe will be constructed at the Belconnen Skate Park on Emu Bank.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.