BUDGET TO IMPROVE THE LOOK AND SAFETY OF THE CITY

The ACT Government is working to improve the look of the Territory through the 2005-06 Budget, Urban Services Minister John Hargreaves announced today.

“The ACT Government has a strong commitment to maintaining the appearance and safety of our city.  As Canberra grows older, many of our assets deteriorate.  The Budget provides $9.8 million in capital upgrades to target these areas to make sure our city is at its best for the community to enjoy,” Mr Hargreaves said.  

“This includes $800,000 for the Belconnen Lakeshore Refurbishment which will see new lighting, seating and paving in the area between the promenade and the waterfront to improve the amenity and safety of the area.  

“A further $700,000 has been provided for stage two of the Belconnen Library upgrade, which will include refurbishing the community room and improving access to the public toilets for people with disabilities. 

“The Budget allocates $500,000 for the playground safety upgrade program, $200,000 to replace ageing, high maintenance public toilets, and $350,000 for the landscape upgrade program which includes improving access to park facilities, improving landscaping in public places and upgrading recreational facilities.

“This is in addition to the $750,000 which has already been allocated over the next three years to cover the maintenance of new assets such as parks, trees, playgrounds and park facilities brought about by the growth of the city.

“The ACT’s sporting community continues to be supported, with $1.7m to be spent on upgrading Phillip Oval and $1.1m allocated for improvements at several ovals across the region.  These include new change rooms at O’Connor, new cricket practice facilities at Lyneham, refurbished facilities at Kippax and a canteen at Latham.

“In addition to this capital expenditure, $1.16 million has been provided over four years to undertake additional street tree inspection and maintenance work to help protect public safety – this is in addition to the $750,000 already allocated over the next three years for this purpose.  

“The Budget also provides $500,000 for the removal of urban trees that have died as a result of the ongoing drought.
“A further $1.5 million over two years will be spent conducting stabilisation works on rural road embankments affected by the January 2003 bushfires and subsequent rainfall.   

“A further $4.3m will be spent on a new waste disposal cell at Mugga Lane to cover for projected waste generation levels.  With Canberra’s population continuing to expand, $524,000 has also been allocated over four years to provide additional garbage and recycling services to meet this growth.”  
Statement ends