Potential Chinese investors have had the best look yet at a proposed new urban beach for Lake Burley Griffin, the lowering of Parkes Way, Canberra’s light rail system and a new central sports stadium.
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A stylised view of Canberra’s potential transformation contained in a new video has formed part of Chief Minister Katy Gallagher’s pitch to leading investors in Shanghai on Thursday.
Speaking at a tourism and infrastructure roundtable event chaired by Trade Minister Andrew Robb, Ms Gallagher sought business investment for the Capital Metro light rail and the City to the Lake projects.
The video shows artists impressions of new development throughout the central city area, a boardwalk around the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin as well as the integration of light rail in the CBD and around City Hill
The six-minute video features Canberra’s new CBR branding and describes the city as confident, bold and ready.
The 70-hectare City to the Lake project is billed as having the potential to “transform Australia’s national capital”.
Ms Gallagher is taking part in a five-day trade mission alongside Prime Minister Tony Abbott and other state leaders.
She told the Shanghai event that foreign investment would be vital to the projects.
“During my trip I have promoted Canberra as a great study and tourism destination and today I am pleased to be able to highlight the investment opportunities in a number of major ACT projects including City to the Lake and also Capital Metro in a direct presentation to potential Chinese investors,” Ms Gallagher said.
“The City to the Lake project will bring the city centre to life with the possibility of a new convention centre and stadium as well as the development of the West Basin Foreshore to recreational and business opportunities.”
Also overnight, Ms Gallagher announced a new $20,000 scholarship to a leadership program at the prestigious China Executive Leadership Academy at Pudong.
The ACT government has contributed $3300 to assist with travel costs for the ACT recipient.
Economic Development Minister Andrew Barr said international and interstate investors had already shown interest in City to the Lake, which will be delivered as a public-private partnership.
“Any investment that may stem from the government’s engagement during the Chief Minister’s trip and in other forums will have a benefit to the local economy and help to make the plans of City to the Lake a reality.”
