ACT Labor has announced a $20 million election commitment package to renew infrastructure and services in Belconnen, Canberra’s most densely populated region.

“Labor has a plan to renew the schools, footpaths, shops, playgrounds and sport facilities that locals love, as we build the once-in-a-generation infrastructure for the future,” a spokesperson said.

Schools: A new early childhood education and care centre and primary school in Strathnairn. Labor is upgrading 15 Belconnen public and early childhood schools.

Footpaths: A $5 million fund to invest in better footpaths across Belconnen, making suburbs more accessible and better connected. Upgrade Lake Ginninderra path, including around Diddams Close, the Ginninderra Drive bridge, and along the western foreshore.

Shops: Work with the owners of Kippax Fair to upgrade the mall. Upgrade Charnwood shops following recent works.

Playgrounds: New playgrounds in Florey, McKellar, and at Charnwood Dunlop School. Upgrade the playground and public toilet in Umbagong Park. Upgrade Margaret Timpson Park in Belconnen Town Centre, with a new playground, public toilet, BBQs, picnic tables, landscaping, and accessible ramp to the park on the northern edge.

Sport facilities: Laborplans to build a new Canberra stadium as part of an expanded sports, health and education precinct, including a new Northside Hospital and an upgraded CIT Belconnen, which would complement the Commonwealth’s upgrade of the AIS Sports precinct.

Public transport: Increased services on the R2 service between Belconnen and Fyshwick via the City. A new West Belconnen Rapid Service linking Ginninderry to the City, supported by a new park and ride carpark for passengers.

Canberra Liberals

Peter Cain, Canberra Liberals MLA for Ginninderra, said: “ACT Labor’s plan for Belconnen is recycled, reactionary and disrespectful.

“Andrew Barr and Yvette Berry have neglected Belconnen, especially West Belconnen, by failing to provide adequate amenities and services for years.

“ACT Labor clearly think so little of Belconnen residents by re-announcing policies and hoping no-one notices. A Strathnairn primary school, a West Belconnen Health Centre and the William Hovell Drive duplication are all recycled announcements. Shame on Yvette Berry and Tara Cheyne for treating Belconnen residents with such contempt.

“ACT Labor’s plan for Belconnen even adopts ideas from the Canberra Liberals, including the delivery of a new all-abilities playground at Charnwood-Dunlop School, which I advocated for and sponsored a petition in the Legislative Assembly.

“It is clear that Andrew Barr and ACT Labor are tired, complacent and uninspiring after 23 years of government and it is Belconnen residents that are forced to pay the price.

“In contrast, the Canberra Liberals are offering a fresh approach on the issues that matter to Belconnen residents. We will make our city safer, deliver a better education system, and provide targeted relief to help Canberrans deal with the cost-of-living crisis.

“The Canberra Liberals will continue to make further announcements as the election draws nearer about our plan to provide fresh opportunity for Belconnen.”

Belco Party

Bill Stefaniak, Belco Party candidate and former long-serving MLA for Ginninderra, welcomed the Labor announcement, but said they were just regurgitating a lot of old promises, and there was really nothing new.

“One also has to ask, why wasn’t any of this done over the last 23 years? Why have they waited until now? These important projects should have all been done and dusted by now, and I would hope people will not be fooled by Labor announcing things it has already committed to. Nevertheless, better late than never.

“The Belco party notes there are a few things still missing – such as new sportsground next to the new Strathnairn primary school and a proper program of maintenance year in year out for our urban infrastructure. Indeed, on that score, we will have our own announcement to make soon which will not only help Belconnen but the whole of Canberra. Watch this space.”

Independents for Canberra

Independents for Canberra candidates Mark Richardson and Leanne Foresti said: “Lake Ginninderra has been forgotten for years, and it is only now, leading up to an election, that the government is rushing out improvements to the pathways around the lake. Footpath maintenance is framed as upgrades with millions of dollars being dedicated to these paths, belying the fact that the government has neglected Belconnen for years. 

“Build something, let it fall into disrepair, then build a new version. This has become standard operating procedure for ACT Labor. 

“Labor’s plan says nothing about public housing. Belconnen Town Centre has a large concentration of completely neglected and abandoned public housing in the ACT. 

“We’re also hearing from people across Belconnen who want to see investment in their local shops as a way to increase community connections and support local businesses. 

“The announcement of an all-abilities playground is good news and should be the case for all our playgrounds if we want a city that’s truly inclusive. Public transport improvements are also welcome but desperately overdue. If only we had elections more often; then we might see more ongoing action from the Labor party.”