FEDERAL BUDGET SUPPORTS ACT’S RECOVERY PLAN

The Australian Capital Territory continues to benefit from the Liberal and Nationals Government’s record infrastructure investment, with funding for major new projects to be announced in this week’s 2021-22 Budget, securing Australia’s recovery.

Key projects to be funded include $26.5 million to duplicate the remaining sections of William Hovell Drive, an additional $5 million for Gundaroo Drive Duplication and $2.5 million for upgrades to Beltana Road in Pialligo.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said these projects will make Canberra roads safer, improve public transport, reduce travel times and support hundreds of jobs.

“From the duplication of Williams Hovell Drive, to supporting the extension of light rail in Canberra - these projects will support more than 200 direct and indirect jobs across the ACT,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

“Our record funding commitment is creating jobs, boosting business investment, while securing Australia’s COVID recovery.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the substantial injection of funding delivered in this year’s Budget is a key plank of the Government’s plan to help Australia bounce back stronger than ever from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Government is driving the delivery of major infrastructure projects to map the economic road back from the pandemic, building the economy and providing certainty for business over the long term,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The new $26.5 William Hovell Drive Duplication project will bust congestion for commuters from West Belconnen and surrounding suburbs, while also supporting more than 170 jobs in the ACT at a time when it is needed most.

“This is on top of the Australian Government’s recent commitments of $137 million to upgrade Commonwealth Avenue Bridge (delivered by the National Capital Authority) and $132.5 million for Canberra Light Rail – Stage 2A.”

Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said that this year’s Budget continues the Government’s commitment to critical infrastructure across the Territory.

“The Liberal-National Government’s infrastructure bonanza continues for Canberra, with more than $300 million of new investment in projects right across our city announced in this calendar year alone and more than $1.5 billion announced in recent years,” Senator Seselja said.

“Regular users of the Beltana, Kallaroo and Dapu Place road corridor in Pialligo will benefit from $2.5 million in much needed safety upgrades in this week’s Budget, and we are boosting our commitment for the congestion-busting duplication of Gundaroo Drive to $25 million.

“We are backing jobs and boosting our economic recovery by investing in infrastructure projects for the future of Canberra. This includes our commitment to $88 million for the Molonglo River Bridge, $50 million for upgrades along the Tuggeranong Parkway corridor, and $115 million for the Monaro Highway.”

The Australian Government looks forward to working constructively with the ACT Government to deliver this infrastructure, supporting jobs and businesses right across the ACT.

For more information on investments in the ACT visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au.