As part of its COVID-19 economic survival package, the ACT Government has fast-tracked critical infrastructure and maintenance projects across Canberra.
Works have already started on a number of fast-tracked projects.
These projects will help local construction businesses keep more Canberrans employed, while renewing local infrastructure across the city.
Minister for Transport of the Australian Capital Territory, Chris Steel, said the program focuses on ‘screwdriver’ ready works that can start immediately, so that local businesses can keep workers employed now, with works scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2020.
“While our primary aim is to support jobs, we are taking this opportunity to bring forward projects which deliver much needed upgrades and maintenance to public spaces and community facilities,” Mr Steel said.
Among the projects, there is close to $9.75 million in works to upgrade and build new footpaths, improve road safety, upgrade waste and transport facilities and undertake landscaping in open spaces.
Path and crossing improvements have been requested by members of the community or have been identified as missing links in our shared path network, that will help to encourage walking and cycling.
“We’re investing in recycled products in city infrastructure by installing bollards made of recycled plastic bags throughout Canberra,” Mr Steel said.
The Government will also be funding work to repair pavers, undertake mulching around trees and garden beds and refreshing shade structures and seating in open spaces.
Projects in the fast-track program will include:
- Upgrades and extensions to footpaths and cycleway networks
- New and improved cycleways and footpaths across the city, adding missing links to the current network and expanding the network in new suburbs
- Roads
- New pedestrian crossings in Narrabundah and Belconnen, as well as the installation of traffic calming measures in Weston
- Building Improvements Packages Waste and Transport Facilities
- Improving facilities for staff at Transport Canberra depots
- Deep cleaning and repainting bus shelters across the Territory
- Open Space landscaping improvements
- Refreshing pergolas, shade structures and seating
- Replacement of ageing bollards with new ones made of recycled plastic
- Mulching around trees and garden beds
Mr Steel said that the ACT Government will be funding further projects to be announced in the coming weeks as contracts are signed.
The ACT Government has already worked to create hundreds of new jobs as part of the Jobs for Canberrans fund.
“Importantly, the Government is also getting on with delivering existing infrastructure program, with construction work underway on projects like the Tuggeranong Laneways project and the Belconnen Bikeway,” he said.
