Canberrans and local businesses have started work on new fast-tracked infrastructure and maintenance projects on significant Canberra venues as part of the ACT Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest projects form part of the Government’s economic survival package to keep our city going.
The new projects will provide more jobs for more Canberrans, while renewing local infrastructure across the city.
The new projects include:
- security and bathroom upgrades at the Canberra Theatre Centre, providing work for 6 small local companies with a total of 29 people working across the project;
- café servery upgrades at the National Arboretum Canberra, providing work for 12 small ACT construction companies with a total of 29 people being employed across the project;
- a full internal repaint of the National Convention Centre, providing work for 1 small local business with a total of 8 people working across the project;
- an office fit out for the ACT Integrity Commission providing work for 6 ACT companies with a total of 13 people working across the project; and
- an election results display system for the Electoral Commission, providing work for 1 ACT company with a total of 4 people working across the project.
The fast-track program has focused 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.
Other fast-track projects already announced are:
- works to upgrade and build new footpaths, improve road safety, upgrade waste and transport facilities and undertake landscaping in open spaces across Canberra.
- works to rebuild the Namadgi boundary fence following the Orroral Valley bushfire and for land restoration and improve water quality in the Lower Cotter Catchment.
To view the list of infrastructure and maintenance projects already announced, please visit act.gov.au/fasttrack
As noted by Canberra Theatre Centre director Alex Budd.
“We all need to work together in this difficult time, and the Canberra Theatre Centre is so glad we can help in providing 29 new construction jobs for our fellow Canberrans.
“We are also excited to have this opportunity to upgrade our services for audience and performers.”
As noted by Project Manager Rod Bobeldijk, whose company Complete Constructions is working on the Canberra Theatre Centre upgrades.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit local businesses hard. It’s great to see our local workers and businesses being supported through government initiatives.
“These are tough times for everyone, but it’s through projects like this here at the Canberra Theatre Centre that we can make the best of a hard situation. Not only does it mean local workers can keep making a living, but we’ve got a chance to upgrade an iconic part of our local arts scene.”
