No. 19

SIGNIFICANT BOOST TO TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
The Stanhope Government has committed significant new funding to ensure that the ACT’s transport infrastructure is ready for the future, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, John Hargreaves announced today.

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that our city has the transport facilities available for now and into the future,” Mr Hargreaves said. “This includes all aspects of transport – our road infrastructure and also our public transport infrastructure.

“The 2008-09 Budget includes funding of:
•	$11 million for an upgrade of Tharwa Drive;
•	$20 million for the duplication of Flemington Road;
•	$2 million for the duplication of Athllon Drive;
•	$2.9 million for the rehabilitation of Cotter Road;
•	$10 million for stage 2 of the upgrade of roads around the Airport; and
•	$3.5 million for the Kings Highway realignment.

“On-road cycling will also benefit in the 2008-09 Budget, with $2.3 million committed for an on-road cycle path on the Cotter Road. This will lead to a safer way for drivers and cyclists to share this road. 

“This Budget also provides funding to make our public transport system ready for the future to better connect Canberrans, reduce traffic congestion, and minimise emissions to the benefit of the ACT’s economy and our environment.”

“Nearly $50 million dollars over four years will be provided to purchase 100 new efficient, more accessible buses as part of the bus fleet replacement program.

ACTION will receive an additional $12.950 million over four years to implement ‘Network 08’ which will provide additional and more frequent bus services.  This is in addition to the funding provided in the 2007-08 Budget Second Appropriation of $22 million over four years from 2008-09.

The Budget also includes $302,000 over four years for ACTION to provide a bus service between the Alexander Maconochie Centre and Woden Bus Interchange.

“To entice even more commuters to use the ACTION network, the ACT Government is also investing in new ‘Park’n’Ride’ and ‘Bike’n’Ride facilities at a cost of $530,000,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“The 2008-09 Budget also provides $16.5 million for the extension and replacement of the Belconnen Bus Interchange. This two-year construction program involves the demolition of the existing bus interchange structure, the building of additional bus facilities, the extension of Cohen Street between Lathlain Street and Emu Bank, and the installation of traffic signals at Eastern Valley Way. A new Belconnen Bus Interchange will deliver enhanced on-road bus operations as well as improvements to traffic flows and pedestrian safety throughout the Belconnen Town Centre.

“The ACT Government is also providing $500,000 for forward design to improve Canberra’s bus travel times on busier routes. The first stage of design works for bus lane and bus priority measures will focus on the City to Belconnen routes.

“This massive investment into Canberra’s transport infrastructure will ensure that we have a transport network that will be ready for the future,” Mr Hargreaves said.

Statement ends

6 May 2008
Enquiries:    Kim Fischer	6205 0300	0434 020 498	kim.fischer@act.gov.au