Andrew Barr's "suburban" 2015-16 territory budget lacked a focus on effective urban renewal strategies and the residents of Canberra's suburbs, according to the Canberra Liberals and community leaders.
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Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said the government's decision to increase rates, fees and charges would send the ACT in the wrong direction.
"We're seeing services being cut," he said. "We've got nurses who need to be there in hospitals, teachers who we know are on the verge of strike action, doctors taking industrial action. We need a budget that focuses on Canberrans and their needs, but what we've got is a one-track budget that is all about light rail."
Mr Hanson backed increased spending on anti-domestic violence strategies and new money for drug rehabilitation, including efforts to curb crystal methamphetamine use.
"The discretion this government has to resource other areas is diminishing," he said.
Property Council ACT executive director Catherine Carter said the government's increased revenue from lease variation charges and the increases to the fire and emergency services levy would be a "handbrake on efforts to revitalise Canberra".
"We see this as a suburban budget rather than the urban renewal budget we were expecting from the government," she said.
"Government has really overlooked one of the key drivers of the ACT economy. Naturally we're disappointed to see some of the tax increases, particularly the fire levy which has increased by 25 per cent on top of a 35 per cent increase last year."
Ms Carter said the increasing revenue from the lease variation charge – rising from $14.2 million last year to $16.3 million – did not support Mr Barr's rhetoric.
"Urban renewal is top of our agenda and that will be the issue going forward."
The Youth Coalition of the ACT said modest investment inmental health and domestic violence programs in ACT schools was welcome.
"Noting that the detail is still to come, the Youth Coalition was pleased to see a whole of government response to domestic violence, but we will continue to highlight the need for long-term commitment to this issue," director Emma Roberton said.
"There is a significant need for preventative programs that focus efforts to educating children and young people about healthy relationships, and challenging negative gender stereotyping."
Ms Robertson said it was disappointing no strategy to address housing affordability had been developed.
"We believe Canberra could be the city that young Australians aspire to live in. At the end of the day though, it is housing affordability, and job opportunities that will determine how liveable Canberra is for young people."
Cycling advocates Pedal Power ACT said more than
"The record funding will be aimed at improving cycling infrastructure, shared paths and ensuring better access to public transport as part of the ACT's first Active Travel Plan," executive officer John Armstrong said.
"This is a statement of intent from the government and appears to represent the start of the necessary investment required to place Canberra as a cycle-friendly city."
Canberra Business Chamber tourism industry advisory council chairman David Marshall welcomed $5.4 million for what he called "a soft upgrade" to the convention centre. He said painting, carpets and seating would improve the ageing facility.
"What we are delighted with is that the government is still committed in the long run to a new national convention centre. For us that's critical and you wouldn't want to spend any more on the current centre, which has a limited lifespan.
"Hopefully within the next two to three years there might be a commitment on a new centre," he said.
He called on the Abbott government to contribute to the project.
The Australian Hotels Association said $500,000 for destination marketing campaigns for Canberra would provide much-needed funding to boost bed nights in the city's accommodation.
