The transformation of Woden's town centre could be guided by a dedicated precinct-based body similar to the City Renewal Authority, Chief Minister Andrew Barr has suggested.
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Mr Barr said Woden was the "logical" next cab off the rank if the renewal authority concept was to be expanded, with stage two of light rail expected to spark new life into the precinct in the coming years.
He made the comment alongside City Renewal Authority chief executive Malcolm Snow, as the pair fronted budget estimates hearings on Tuesday afternoon.
The City Renewal Authority was established in 2017 with a remit to guide a revitalisation of Civic and, now, Braddon, Dickson and Haig Park.
The authority's budget for events, "activations" and cleaning services is funded through a levy imposed on landowners in the city and Braddon.
About $2.2 million was expected to be raised through the fund in 2018-19, with that sum forecast to grow to $2.3 million next financial year.
Mr Snow said some city businesses had been "really engaged" in the rejuvenation of their precinct, while others had been "disinterested in the benefits" that their contribution to the fund could produce.
"And that is at the core of what this should be about," Mr Snow said.
"Property owners which are engaged and understand that their contribution is being used for the appropriate effect, but also that they become the beneficiary of the economic revitalisation."
Mr Barr said a "significant" number of Woden businesses would need to support the idea for it to go ahead. It would also need widespread political backing, he said.
At Tuesday's hearing, Mr Snow said the authority had delivered 35 pop-up events and activities in the 12 months, as it aimed to enliven the city in the periods between major events - such as the winter festival and Enlighten.
He said the city would also play a larger role in this year's Floriade festival.
The third day of estimates hearings again heard evidence from ACT Treasury officials, as attention turned to the government's capital works agenda.
While the government has a number of big ticket projects in the pipeline, including the light rail expansion and new city sports stadium, Under Treasurer David Nicol said significant investment would be required in the coming years to upgrade and maintain Canberra's ageing infrastructure.
"There has been a shift in the infrastructure program towards more renewal and upgrades," Mr Nicol said.
"That's consistent with the government's policy position of more [urban] infill."
Dan Jervis-Bardy
Dan covers federal politics from Parliament House, with a special focus on climate policy and the NDIS. He has previously reported on ACT politics and urban affairs since joining the Canberra Times in 2018.
Dan covers federal politics from Parliament House, with a special focus on climate policy and the NDIS. He has previously reported on ACT politics and urban affairs since joining the Canberra Times in 2018.
