ACT Labor would spend $4 million to fix every pothole which has opened up on the territory's roads in the last six months, as part of a fast-tracked road maintenance program promised on Saturday.
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Transport Minister Chris Steel said the unprecedented amount of rainfall in the last six months had damaged the ACT's road surfaces and the fund would ensure they were fixed promptly.
Mr Steel also announced Labor would fund a new traffic assessment of the Gungahlin region to identify high-priority infrastructure projects, which would then have feasibility studies completed as part of a $1 million commitment.
"There has been a large amount of construction work in Gungahlin over the last four years, and I think it's been good to have a bit of a reprieve," Mr Steel said.
"But we also need to look at the future growth of the area, particularly with the Commonwealth's planned development of the former CSIRO site along the Barton Highway as well."
The model would consider projects including duplication and upgrades to Gungahlin Drive, Clarrie Hermes Drive, Horse Park Drive and Mirrabei Drive.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Labor was the only party which had delivered transport infrastructure for Gungahlin, pointing to the light rail project which opened in April 2019 connecting the Gungahlin town centre to the city.
"Often against very bitter opposition, including from Liberal local members who seek election in this electorate. Our commitment remains to continue to invest in Gungahlin. It's a fast-growing community, a very diverse community," Mr Barr said.
Mr Barr took aim at the Liberals' struggle to explain how they will fund their commitments in arguing for Labor's Gungahlin plan.
"They don't require magic-pudding economics or 100,000 people to move into the area in order to be able to afford them. They're sensible, measured initiatives that will deliver real outcomes for Gungahlin residents," he said on Saturday.
Labor also announced on Saturday it would fund a new half-pipe at the Belconnen skate park, part of a package of upgrades and improvements for the Belconnen region.
Under the plan, the Belconnen bikeway would be extended to the Canberra Institute of Technology, the Hawker District Playing Fields will have lights, facilities and parking upgraded, and upgrades would be made to the Lake Ginninderra swimming area.
Jasper Lindell
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
