No. 25
Planning to support the jobs of Canberrans

The ACT Government is investing more than $74 million in major transport infrastructure to continue the development of Gungahlin and the Molonglo Valley, Minister for Planning, Andrew Barr said today.

The 2009-10 Budget also provides the ACT Planning and Land Authority with more resources to ensure development projects get underway in the shortest possible time.

The Minister said the Budget provides targeted investments in services and infrastructure designed to support the ACT economy and the jobs of Canberrans, as well as ensure the ACT community is ready to take advantage of the economic recovery when it arrives.

“It’s important that our planning system works with the construction industry to support the economy and employment in the industry,” Mr Barr said. 

“That’s why we have been working with industry to ensure projects go from concept plan to concrete pour as quickly as possible. 

“The investments we make in this year’s Budget build on the work we have already done to cut red tape and to invest in infrastructure projects.”

Highlights of the Budget include:
•	an extra $9.7 million, including $7.96 million over the next four years to place more inspectors in the field and provide faster turn around times on building inspections and as a result, faster issuing of completion certificates;
•	$74 million to be invested in Gungahlin and the Molonglo Valley over the next three years to assist the Government in its land supply strategy including: 
•	$21 million for the extension of Clarrie Hermes Drive from Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls to the Barton Highway to provide arterial road access from new residential areas in North Gungahlin;
•	$13.5 million to extend Mulligans Flat Road from Jessie Street, Forde to the NSW border, and to build three water quality control ponds at Forde;
•	$11 million for the construction of the Bonner Western Distributor and sewer extension.  The new road will provide access into the western side of Bonner and eastern side of the proposed suburb of Jacka; 
•	$7 million for the extension of Wells Station Drive from Turtle Rock Street, Harrison to Horse Park Drive to provide access to the southern section of Harrison and the proposed suburb of Kenny; 
•	$9 million for the extension of Sandford Street from Flemington Road, Mitchell to Antill Street, Watson to provide arterial road access into the eastern section of Mitchell and into the southern section of the proposed suburb of Kenny; and
•	an additional $12.5 million over two years towards the construction of John Gorton Drive - a new arterial road, funded in the 2008-09 Budget, to provide trunk access to the suburbs of Wright and Coombs in Molonglo.

These roads projects with be project managed by Territory and Municipal Services on behalf of ACTPLA.

“These investments are targeting towards building a better city and supporting the community,” Mr Barr said.

5 May 2009
Media Contact: 	Paul Kindermann	6205 1690(w)   0403 600 955(m)