The 2013–14 Budget not only continues the rollout of the Federal Labor Government’s current multi–billion dollar capital works program, it also begins identifying the major projects to be funded as part of the next Nation Building Program, which will commence in July 2014.
We are building for the Australian Capital Territory’s future.
Accordingly, after consulting with the Territory Government, we are now in a position to lock in a preliminary schedule of projects to be funded and delivered over the five year life of our next Nation Building Program (2014–15 to 2018–19). They are:
- Installation of a ramp metering system, an ACT first which will improve traffic flow along the Cotter Road Northbound Ramp onto the Tuggeranong Parkway, a section of road used by up to 4,000 motorists an hour.
- Federal contribution: $0.3 million.
- Construction of the dual carriageway, four–lane Majura Parkway connecting the Federal Highway to the Monaro Highway.
- Federal contribution: $144.0 million (previously announced; underway).
Importantly, this does not represent the totality of our next program, with more projects likely to be added in the period ahead. Nonetheless, their addition to this Federal Labor Government’s ongoing capital works program takes our investment in the Territory’s road, rail and public transport infrastructure to an unprecedented $505.8 million.
As well as setting the agenda for the future, the 2013–14 Budget also provides the final annual instalment of $74.0 million for our current Nation Building Program (2008–09 to 2013–14), which
almost doubled annual infrastructure spending from
$72 to
$114 per person.
The 2013–14 Budget continues funding for a range of initiatives which improve the Territory’s local roads and make them safer:
- $0.9 million to eliminate more dangerous black spots;
- $22.4 million to assist the ACT Government to maintain and upgrade its local roads; and
- $0.3 million to strengthen the Barry Drive Bridge in Turner to allow it to be used by heavier trucks.
From the outset Federal Labor’s mission has been to reverse the neglect we inherited and invest in the modern, well–planned infrastructure that will make working people’s lives easier, our businesses more competitive and the national economy stronger.
We know there’s more to be done. But this Government is making the right decisions for the nation’s future and across the length and breadth of the Territory, building the infrastructure which will stand the test of time.
This Budget keeps our economy strong and ready for the future by making the smart investments in infrastructure. We are investing for the future, putting jobs and economic growth first and protecting the important services that Australians rely on.
We’re doing this to keep our economy one of the most resilient in the world—we have low unemployment, solid growth, contained inflation and low interest rates.
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Click on image for larger versionProject Status for ACT for 2013–14 Next Phase of Nation Building—ACT