The Australian Capital Territory continues to benefit from the Morrison-Joyce Government’s record infrastructure investment, with $51 million committed to the state’s infrastructure pipeline in this week’s Federal Budget.
As part of our plan for a stronger future, our Government is continuing to invest in projects that create jobs, keep commuters and freight safe and moving, and drive economic growth.
With investments in new and existing infrastructure projects in every state and territory, the Government’s national rolling 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline will increase from $110 billion to over $120 billion, a new record.
Key new projects funded in the ACT in the 2022-23 Budget are:
- $46.7 million for the Athllon Drive Duplication
- $2.8 million for the Kent Street and Novar Street Intersection Upgrades
- $1.5 million for the Inner Canberra Corridor Planning Package
This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in the ACT since 2013 to more than $1.3 billion across 29 road and rail infrastructure projects, with ten projects having been completed in the period.
Australian Government-funded transport infrastructure projects currently under construction in the ACT will support around 300 jobs over the life of the projects.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s record infrastructure investment was keeping Australians moving and supporting thousands of local jobs across the country.
“A strong economy means a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.
“Continuing to provide record future funding for road and rail projects is a key part of our economic plan for the long term to keep our economy strong.
“By investing in these projects we are delivering the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, to get Australians home sooner and safer, and generate thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small businesses right across the ACT.
“Australia’s future success relies on a strong economy. Our strong economic recovery is being driven by our record funding for major road projects right across the country.
“Our investment in these infrastructure projects will support around 325 direct and indirect jobs in the ACT over the construction life of these projects, providing certainty and security for businesses and communities across the ACT.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is building the infrastructure that will make our nation and economy stronger.
“We are investing in projects that will drive the growth of industries that generate the wealth our nation needs to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Getting more commodities to ports and sending them overseas will generate more export income, making our nation wealthier and stronger. Better roads and infrastructure will enable that.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said infrastructure is a key pillar of our economic plan to grow the economy and get more Australians into work.
“With the unemployment rate already at an equal 48 year low, the measures in this Budget will create an additional 40,000 jobs across Australia, building on our world leading economic recovery,” the Treasurer said.
“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as COVID-related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters. This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this investment would support sustainable growth across the ACT.
“Our Government has a strong track record in delivering infrastructure that improves connections, reduces congestion and helps keep Australians moving, particularly across our fast growing urban centres,” Minister Fletcher said.
“What this means for commuters is less time spent in traffic and more time with loved ones, and the ability to move around more easily for work, which has a positive economic and productivity impact while helping to secure long-term prosperity and liveability.”
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said with 14,000 vehicle movements per day, the duplication of Athllon Drive will ensure thousands of Canberrans get home sooner and safer.
“This funding comes on top of more than $2.1 billion in infrastructure commitments by the Liberal-National Government in the ACT in recent years – the largest investment in Canberra in a generation,” Senator Seselja said.
“This includes the $115 million Monaro Highway upgrades, $51 million for the Tuggeranong Parkway, $26.5 million for the duplication of William-Hovell Drive, the $500 million redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial, and $137 million for upgrades to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.”
